Can Graphic Design Be a Major in College
A career-driven graphic design program that delivers creative, industry-focused graduates.
Available as a major and a minor, a Graphic Design degree from Curry College focuses on mastering the principles, technology, and practical applications needed to produce industry-relevant design solutions. The curriculum guides students through the process of understanding strategic analysis to mastering the technical, conceptual, and practical skills needed to excel in today's design industry. Throughout the new program, graduates will attend industry conferences, exhibit work in regional and national design competitions, collaborate with leaders in the field, and become proficient using the essential industry software, Adobe Creative Suite.
Related: A New Career Driven Graphic Design Program Delivers Creative, Industry-Focused Graduates
The Graphic Design program educates individuals to become highly skilled creative thinkers and problem solvers, knowledgeable designers, and responsible professionals, allowing them to enter the marketplace confident and prepared for the ever-evolving field of graphic design. We are close to world-class cultural attractions but, far removed from urban distractions.
Courses You'll Love
Digital Essentials – key industry software programs
Graphic Principles I – creative brainstorming techniques
Graphic Principles II – research methodologies/creative problem-solving skills
The Art of Typography – the evolution of typography and type design
Web Design & Development – discovery through content strategy and (UI) User Interface, (UX) User Experience
Package Design – designs that serve as the marketing vehicles for consumer products
Strategic Branding, a Comprehensive Approach – the brand process and best practices for building a brand identity
Career Options
Career opportunities include positions as a visual designer; print designer; package designer; editorial designer; brand & identity strategic designer; production designer; layout artists; corporate communications designer; in-house graphic designer; creative designer; creative service manager; information graphic designer; communications director; presentation specialist; exhibition designer; environmental graphics designer; web designer; front-end web designer; designer/developer; social media designer; user interface (UI) designers; user experience (UX) designer; cross-media designer; and an interaction designer.
Graduates will also be prepared to pursue a Master of Fine Arts or a Masters of Arts graduate degree in graphic design and digital and interactive media.
Work Like the Pros
- Hone your visual communication skills in a new industry-inspired open-plan design studio
- Master the industry-standard Adobe software
- Use the newest print and digital design equipment including large format printers, digital photography equipment, and Wacom tablets (see description below).
- Compete among the best - juniors and seniors will participate in two industry design competitions each year.
- Learn from the industry leaders – students will join AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), the professional association for design.
With more than 35 years of digital pen technology, Wacom is the industry-standard tool for digital art. Designers around the world depend on Wacom products to help them work smarter and more efficiently. No matter the discipline or industry, Wacom tablets and displays optimize workflows and make the creative process flow. By having Wacom pen displays within the classroom, students step into their art careers with the tech-skills and confidence to get creative without boundaries.
You may also like...
- Entrepreneurship/Small Business
- Marketing
- Photography
- Public Relations
- Studio Arts
Course Requirements and Information
First-Year students applying as Graphic Design or Studio Arts majors are encouraged to submit a portfolio of 10 original works of art as an optional component to admission. Transfer students applying to Graphic Design are encouraged to submit a portfolio of 15 original works of art. Transfer portfolios will aid in placement into appropriate courses. Acceptable works include, but are not limited to, 2-D and 3-D design, drawing, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, and still or animated digital representations.
Portfolios can be submitted to curryportfolio.slideroom.com. If you don't have a portfolio, it doesn't exclude you from admission to the College or the programs. Please reach out to adm@curry.edu if you have additional questions about the portfolio requirement.
Laptop Requirement for Students Majoring in Graphic Design
The College requires all students in the Graphic Design Program to have a laptop computer and a subscription to Adobe Creative Suite when they declare their major in Graphic Design. Classroom instruction, course assignments and research during and outside of class hours will require the use of a personal computer.
The Visual and Performing Arts Department uses Apple hardware and the most current software in its labs and digital facilities. To ensure compatibility between the department's digital infrastructure and student assignments, it is highly recommended that students purchase an Apple laptop running the latest operating system. Additionally, we recommend a minimum of 32GB RAM to ensure ease when running Adobe Creative Suite. Up-to-date operating systems and software are required. If a laptop is purchased that doesn't meet the recommended laptop specifications it may not be able to run industry software or last the length of the undergraduate program.
The department also highly recommends that all students purchase an external hard drive for additional portable storage and file back-up (1TB is optimal). Several models are available through the College Bookstore or from Apple Education. The department also recommends that students obtain AppleCare+ and a USB-C to USB Adaptor.
Required Laptop - Minimum Specifications:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro
- 2.4 GHz 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor, Turbo Boost up to 5.0 GHz
- 32GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
- AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory
- 1TB SSD storage
- 16-inch Retina display with True Tone
- Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Backlit Keyboard - US English
- Accessory Kit
Students must also obtain the Adobe Creative Suite through a monthly subscription online. Subscriptions for students are offered at a reduced fee and proof of enrollment at Curry College is required when subscribing.
Financial Aid
The purchase of the recommended model of the required laptop and the annual student subscription to Adobe Creative Suite will be included in the cost of attendance that is used to determine financial aid and loan eligibility one time during a student's undergraduate experience at Curry College.
Technical Support
Please note that Curry College's Information Technology Services (ITS) Department does not provide full support to student laptops. Curry ITS provides best effort support including software installs/troubleshooting, virus removal, and general use questions. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain AppleCare+ to access additional support including service, accidental damage coverage, and battery service coverage directly from Apple.
Laptop Requirement for Students Minoring in Graphic Design
All students minoring in Graphic Design are required to have a laptop that meets minimum specifications. While Apple is the industry standard in the Graphic Design field, not all industries utilize this platform. Regardless of whether or not a student utilizes an Apple or PC, those who minor in Graphic Design should consult with the Visual and Performing Arts Department to ensure that their device meets the minimum standards required to utilize Adobe Creative Suite. All students minoring in Graphic Design are required to subscribe to the Adobe Creative Suite and laptop computers must be powerful enough to support the Adobe Creative Suite.
Prerequisites:
| GD 1500 | Digital Essentials | 3 |
| SA 1770 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| SA 1790 | Light and Color | 3 |
| SA 1800 | Drawing | 3 |
| GD 2797 | Digital Photography | 3 |
Major Requirements:
| GD 2500 | Graphic Principles I | 3 |
| GD 2575 | Web Design & Development | 3 |
| GD 3500 | Graphic Principles II | 3 |
| GD 3555 | The Art of Typography | 3 |
| GD 3755 | The Art of Typography II | 3 |
| GD 3765 | Editorial Design | 3 |
| GD 3780 | Web Design & Development II | 3 |
| GD 3785 | Vector Graphics | 3 |
| GD 3790 | Strategic Branding, a Comprehensive Approach | 3 |
| GD 3795 | Package Design | 3 |
| GD 3980 | Fine & Applied Arts Seminar | 3 |
| GD 4500 | Internship/Professional Practice | 3 |
| GD 4570 | Personal Branding for Social Media | 3 |
| GD 4650 | Portfolio Development | 3 |
| GD 4900 | Senior Degree Project | 6 |
Art History Requirements:
| AH 2920 | History of Visual Arts | 3 |
| AH 2930 | Contemporary Art | 3 |
| OR | ||
| AH 2935 | Modern Art | 3 |
| AH 2970 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
Other:
| GD 4050 | Independent Studio | 3 |
(If the GPA Requirement of 2.85 in major or higher is not met, a student must substitute this course for GD 4500 Internship/Professional Practice)
The Graphic Design Minor consists of four required courses and two electives.
Non-Fine & Applied Arts majors must take SA 1770 before taking any of the Graphic Design courses and one more elective. May be taken consecutively with GD 1500 Digital Essentials.
Graphic Design Minor Requirements : (12 credits):
| GD 1500 | Digital Essentials (General Education/Arts Breadth class) | 3 |
| GD 2500 | Graphic Principles I | 3 |
| GD 3500 | Graphic Principles II | 3 |
| GD 3555 | The Art of Typography | 3 |
Select two (2) of the following electives: (6 credits):
| GD 2575 | Web Design and Development | 3 |
| GD 3755 | The Art of Typography II | 3 |
| GD 3765 | Editorial Design | 3 |
| GD 3780 | Web Design and Development II | 3 |
| GD 3785 | Vector Graphics | 3 |
| GD 3790 | Strategic Branding, a Comprehensive Approach | 3 |
| GD 3795 | Package Design | 3 |
| GD 4500 | Internship/Professional Practice | 3 |
| GD 4570 | Personal Branding for Social Media | 3 |
| GD 4650 | Portfolio Development | 3 |
Learning Objectives:
- To utilize the principles of organization, composition, color, hierarchy, balance, contrast, emphasis, depth, rhythm, symbolism, and craft in execution to create a visual impact.
- To be proficient with industry standard software.
- To be able to choose typographic solutions for a variety of applications.
- To apply working knowledge of graphic design history and theory.
- To generate original concepts for an intended audience while maintaining a structured approach.
- To produce quality professional pieces while paying attention to detail by showing the initiative necessary to work successfully within the confines of any given project.
- To extend creative inquiries (Critiques).
- To solve communication problems with a focus on positive ethical impact.
- To work with diverse teams.
- To embrace design as a vehicle for social change.
- To recognize the importance of participating in events.
Graduates of the Graphic Design Program will also:
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for graphic design.
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of graphic design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of graphic design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic and conceptual knowledge.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on graphic design solutions.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of graphic design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional criteria and terminology.
Meet Professor Alison Poor-Donahue
As a highly motivated professor with years of expertise in the field, Alison Poor-Donahue, MFA leads the recently redeveloped Graphic Design major at Curry College. She encourages and supports student innovation, experimentation, and encourages an entrepreneurial attitude both inside and outside the classroom.
Welcome to the ThinkTANK
To replicate the industry atmosphere, Curry College renovated space in the Kennedy Academic Building in to mirror a "ThinkTANK" design studio. In this space, students brainstorm, conceptualize, and develop dynamic systems that facilitate meaningful, consumer-based interactions. Students now have access to a digital photography studio, large format printers, and industry-standard Wacom tablets.
Explore the ThinkTank
Fall 2020 Student Art & Design Exhibit
The Student Art and Design Exhibit showcased the work of our students by celebrating their creativity, innovation, perseverance and introspection in the hardest of times. It is truly a celebration of success. This exhibit will be on display in the Shelley Hoon Keith Gallery thru Monday, February 8, 2021.
See the Virtual Exhibit
Jennifer Sheridan, Class of 2022
"I'm excited to begin the new classes and to work on assignments that will put theory into practice. With these new skills, I know I will be able to differentiate myself to potential employers when I graduate."
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Can Graphic Design Be a Major in College
Source: https://www.curry.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees-and-programs/visual-and-performing-arts-degrees-and-programs/graphic-design-degree-major-and-minor
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