Graphic Design
MSU-Northern's Graphic Design program integrates traditional arts education with current technology to prepare designers for both print and electronic media. Drawing, design, and painting courses provide a foundation focusing on development of perceptual skills and visual conception abilities. Students are expected to continue to build on these skills and abilities in subsequent courses. These foundation courses also provide the student with experience in a broad range of traditional art materials and techniques.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Art and Graphic Design Program to engage students in visual art and design as preparation for creative careers in the graphic design industry and related fields.
Learning Outcomes for Graphic Design, BA
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify and apply principles of graphic design, color, composition, hierarchy, and typography.
- Understand art and design-related tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
- Form and defend value judgements, and to communicate ideas, concepts and requirements.
- Understand the relationship of graphic design to other disciplines and to society.
- Demonstrate the ability to create and develop portfolio-level graphic design work from concept to completion.
Learning Outcomes for Graphic Design, Minor
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify and apply principles of graphic design, color, composition, hierarchy, and typography.
- Understand art and design-related tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
- Form and defend value judgements, and to communicate ideas, concepts and requirements.
- Understand the relationship of graphic design to other disciplines and to society.
Bachelor of Arts Graphic Design (Minor Required)
Learning Outcomes: Ability to use basic design principles to visually communicate a message and give meaningful visual form to content. Student displays an understanding of the historical and cultural implications of the Art canon. Students will demonstrate professional graphic design standards and methods needed for entry level employment. Students will apply learned knowledge to designs through the development of printed materials. Students will apply learned knowledge to electronic designs.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Core | 33 | |
| Required Courses | ||
| ARTZ 105 | Visual Language - Drawing (CAT VI) | 3 |
| ARTZ 106 | Visual Language - 2-D Fndtns (CAT VI) | 3 |
| GDSN 220 | Illustration I | 3 |
| GDSN 231 | Graphic Design Applications (CAT VII) | 3 |
| GDSN 240 | Electronic Design I | 3 |
| GDSN 250 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ARTZ 284 | Photo I-Techs and Processes (CAT VI ) | 3 |
| GDSN 320 | Illustration II | 3 |
| GDSN 340 | Electronic Design II | 3 |
| GDSN 350 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| GDSN 305 | Digital Image Manipulation | 3 |
| ARTZ 384 | Photo II-Theory, Crit, Prctice | 3 |
| GDSN 450 | Graphic Design III | 4 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| ARTZ 221 | Painting I | 3 |
| ARTZ 224 | Watercolor I | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| ARTH 303 | History of Renaissance | |
| ARTH 322 | History of Baroque/Rococo | |
| ARTH 330 | Art Hist of Western Civ I | 3 |
| ARTH 340 | Art History of Western Civ II | 3 |
| ARTH 342 | History of Modern Art | |
| Upper level selective credits | 3 | |
| Minor and Advisor Approved Electives (18 credits must be upper division) | 39 | |
| Total minimum credits required for degree/minor | 120 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARTZ 106 | Visual Language - 2-D Fndtns | 3 |
| GDSN 231 | Graphic Design Applications | 3 |
| GDSN 240 | Electronic Design I | 3 |
| GDSN 250 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ARTZ 284 | Photo I-Techs and Processes | 3 |
| GDSN 340 | Web Design & Development | 3 |
| BMKT 338 | Advertising and Promotion | 3 |
| GDSN 350 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Hist of Western Civ I | ||
| Art History of Western Civ II | ||
| Special Topic | ||
| Total minimum credits required for minor | 27 | |
Minor