2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Graphic Design Major


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Program Contact/Coordinator
Michael (Tim) Steele, Head
Department of Visual Arts
Grove Hall 101 Box 2802
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-4103
e-mail: sdsu.artdept@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/art/index.cfm
Click here for additional information. 

Program Description
The major in Graphic Design prepares students for entry-level design positions. Graphic designers are professionals who plan and execute designs for visual communication according to the needs of audiences and in the context for which they are intended. The graphic design degree includes a five-semester sequence of courses beginning in the sophomore year which apply knowledge of art, design, digital technologies, and illustration with the intent to interpret, inform, instruct or persuade in consideration of physical, human, social, and cognitive factors.

A 30-hour visual arts core taken in conjunction with the graphic design sequence supports the degree and creates a foundation for success. Through taking the core, majors qualify for the Art Minor which adds breadth and depth to the degree.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, majors demonstrate their competence in graphic design through senior projects and create portfolios needed for competing for professional positions. As defined by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), upon completion of the degree, students are able to demonstrate the following outcomes through advanced writing and senior portfolio:

  • Knowledge of design principles, theories, and history.
  • Knowledge of how visual communication is planned, produced and distributed.
  • Practice in new approaches to generate innovative visual communication solutions.
  • Ability to construct narratives and scenarios in the creation of the design solutions.
  • Effective use of typography, image, layout, motion, interactivity, and the principles and elements of design.
  • Practice of critical evaluation about one’s own designs and the designs of others with regard to usefulness, desirability, feasibility, economic viability and sustainability.
  • Ability to work independently while learning and apply new technologies.

Additional Academic Requirements
Visual Arts students must maintain at least a major GPA of 2.6 and an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the duration of the program.

Course Delivery Format
Course content is delivered through hands-on studio work combined with lectures, demonstrations and critiques.

Requirements for Graphic Design Major: 120 Credits


 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements*: 30


Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5


College of Arts & Sciences Requirements: 17-34


Bachelor of Arts 

  • Modern Languages Credits: 3-14 (completion and competency in one language at the 202 level or a department-approved advanced upper division language course) 
  • Social Sciences  Credits: 8
  • Humanities  Credits: 6

Bachelor of Science 

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences  for additional information about Bachelor of Arts Specifications  and Bachelor of Science Specifications .

Electives: 5.5-13.5


Total Required Credits: 120


Curriculum Notes


+ Students may use one Art course but cannot duplicate a course to meet SGR and IGR.

By written request to the Department Head, Graphic Design majors may substitute ARTD animation or a video production course for the MCOM photography requirement.

* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

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