Undergraduate programs

Graphic Design—B.F.A.

The graphic design program provides a comprehensive education in design principles, applications, theories, history, and practice.

The first two years of study culminate with a required Sophomore Portfolio Review, occurring once each year at the end of the Spring term. All students majoring in graphic design (including students transferring in with lower- or upper-division credits) must pass this review to enroll in 300-level graphic design courses. Visit the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design website (https://www.pdx.edu/art-design/) or the graphic design program site (https://psu.gd) for details. Only after successfully passing the review are graphic design majors allowed to continue through the program.

All students majoring in graphic design are required to own a laptop computer that meets minimum system specifications, including software required for courses in the program. The current laptop policy is available for review at https://www.pdx.edu/art-design/graphic-design-laptop-policy

Degree Requirements

100-Level Courses

Des 111Design Process

4

Des 120Digital Graphics

4

Des 121Introduction to Type and Design Principles

4

Des 125Show and Tell

2

Des 140Foundations in Motion, UI, and UX

4

Total Credit Hours:18

200-Level Courses

Des 200Digital Page Design I

4

Des 210Digital Imaging and Illustration I

4

Des 224Storytelling and Narrative

4

Des 225Design Systems

4

Des 254Typography I

4

Des 290Histories of Graphic Design

4

ArH 2XXAny 200-level Art History Class

4

Total Credit Hours:28

Sophomore Portfolio Review

300 & 400-Level Required Courses

Des 300Digital Page Design II

4

Des 320Information Design

4

Des 321Brand Lab

6

Des 340Interaction Design Principles

4

Des 408Workshop

2

Des 470Design Thesis I

4

Des 471Design Thesis II

4

Des 472Design Portfolio

6

Total Credit Hours:34

Upper Division Graphic Design Electives

Des 3XX/Des 4XX Upper Division Electives

24

Total Credit Hours:24

Total Credit Hours: 104