Graphic Design Courses

GRD1100 Graphic Design Principles 

Introduces two-dimensional design and color theory and their relational aspects. This course explores the elements and principles of design, color, and light in the creative process. Students learn about the design process, from concept to completion.

3 Credit Hours

GRD1101 Photoshop and Digital Graphics 

Investigates the principles of visual design using Adobe Photoshop, emphasizing creative expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking to produce professional-grade visual assets.

3 Credit Hours

GRD1105 Painting 

Approaches two-dimensional theory through the freeform and experiential painterly process. Students recreate and build on elements of design in a painterly manner through their own work. Subject matters range from the traditional painting genre of still life, interiors, and the figure, to the abstract.

3 Credit Hours 

Develops drawing skills for graphic design and the visual arts. Includes genres of fine art such as observation of the human figure in composition. Drawings will include three-dimensional objects, perspective, still life, and the landscape.

3 Credit Hours

GRD1190 Typography I

Introduces the history, physical attributes, family classification, terminology, and structural aspects of type. Students explore typography as a medium that conveys aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual meaning. Students create effective marketing materials by incorporating type as an integrated and active element.

Prerequisite: GRD1100

3 Credit Hours

GRD2205 Three-Dimensional Design

This studio course focuses on spatial organization, transforming two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional experiences. Students will explore balance, form, and volume while experimenting with various construction methods and materials. Hands-on projects enable students to create, represent, and respond to form in physical space. The course combines lectures, guided assignments, and critiques to offer a well-rounded understanding of three-dimensional design.

Prerequisite: GRD1170

3 Credit Hours

GRD2210 Graphic Design in Visual Culture

Traces the development of visual communication from the first cave paintings to present-day digital marketing. This course examines how cultural and technological developments have affected our viewpoints of the relationship, and use of images and typography.

3 Credit Hours

GRD2220 3D Design and Modeling

This course introduces 3D modeling, rendering, and lighting techniques using Autodesk Maya. Students will gain hands-on experience in building 3D models, applying lighting techniques, and rendering scenes that bring their designs to life. The course also touches on the basics of rigging to give students a comprehensive overview of 3D design processes.

3 Credit Hours

GRD2226 Professional Development Seminar

Investigates the landscape of career opportunities within the design industry, from freelance to agency roles. Through this course, students gain practical skills in resume writing, interviewing, and job searching, including navigating creative job platforms. Additionally, students will establish their online presence and personal brand across various social media platforms, crucial for career success in today's digital world.

3 Credit Hours

GRD2230 Digital Photography and Creative Media

Introduces the basic concepts, terminology, and applications of digital photography. This course explores the creative transformation of images for effective visual communication. Students develop critical thinking and technical skills needed to use photography in their work as designers.

3 Credit Hours

GRD2233 Web Design 

This course introduces foundational web technologies and languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Learn to create responsive websites, optimize images and graphics for speed and aesthetics, and ensure accessibility across diverse platforms.

3 Credit Hours

GRD2290 Typography II

Develops the skills acquired in Typography I. Projects incorporate type as a decorative element to produce creative marketable design results. Principles of selecting typeface, use of grids, and basic layout designs and formats are addressed.

Prerequisite: GRD1190

3 Credit Hours

GRD3305 Design Production

Emphasizes a comprehensive exploration of design production techniques. Students will learn the intricacies of pre-press operations, mastering color separations, file formats, and color modes. Through rigorous study, they will gain proficiency in font management and develop a nuanced understanding of paper types, including crops and bleeds.

Prerequisite GRD2240

3 Credit Hours

GRD3315 UI/UX Design

3 Credits

Explores aspects of user interface design engineering. The preparation of concepts will utilize the principles of design, typography, color, and problem-solving skills. Concepts include wireframes, user testing, personas, scenarios and storyboards, applied to front-end and back-end web and app development.

Prerequisite: GRD2233

3 Credit Hours

GRD3360 Packaging Design 

This course covers the practical and creative aspects of packaging from concept to completion. Students learn to design and construct packaging using industry-standard methods, including 3D modeling and physical prototype creation. An emphasis is placed on the critical integration of typography, color, and branding in developing functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions.

Prerequisite: GRD1102

3 Credit Hours

GRD3395 Branding 

This course will acquaint students with the various aspects of branding and brand identity design. Students explore brand values, storytelling, tone, and other components of the brand development process. Through hands-on projects, they craft authentic brand identities for consistent representation across platforms.

Prerequisite: GRD2240

3 Credit Hours

GRD4400 Animation Foundations

Explores the foundation of animation, including the basic concepts of animation and what makes things move. This course covers X, Y, and Z planes; keyframes; animation paths; hierarchies; pivots and rotation; and the importance of timing.

Prerequisite: GRD2290

3 Credit Hours

GRD4405 Motion Graphics

In this course, students will explore motion graphics, focusing on theoretical and practical applications. Utilizing industry software, students will apply motion theory, typography, and color theory to create compelling visual narratives. The course also examines the applications of motion graphics across multiple platforms such as social media, film, animation, and web.

Prerequisites GRD2290

3 Credit Hours

GRD4410 Publication Design

Explores publication design procedures and techniques, from planning to production. Students research and analyze graphic design in multi-page publications and create their own multi-page publication designs. This course covers procedures and techniques for the successful printing of projects.

Prerequisite: GRD2240

3 Credit Hours

Introduces the theory and practice of game creation and design for interactive home entertainment, arcade games, education, and multiplayer online environments. Students study the history, genres, technology, organization, psychology, and story of games. Students will then gain mastery over the Unity 3D engine.

Prerequisite: GRD2220

3 Credit Hours

GRD4425 Social Media Design 

Introduce students to design applications and implementation of social media concepts from the lens of a User Interface and User Experience designer. The course will include Web/Mobile design tools, video, and or other light 2D graphics software for final project campaigns.

Prerequisite: GRD3395

3 Credit Hours

GRD4455 Capstone Research

This course offers students an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choosing while concurrently devising a strategic plan for their upcoming Senior Showcase project. Successful completion involves the presentation and defense of the project proposal, affirming their expertise in their chosen area of concentration.

Prerequisite: GRD3360

3 Credit Hours

GRD4460 Capstone Project

During this course, students engage in the hands-on production of their creative endeavors. Successful completion marks the pinnacle of their academic journey, showcasing their design expertise in a public exhibition.

Prerequisite: GRD3360 or GRD4455

3 Credit Hours

GRD4470 Special Topics in Graphic Design

This course explores diverse subjects in graphic design. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts presented, culminating in the creation of polished, portfolio-ready projects.

Prerequisite: GRD3395

3 Credit Hours

GRD4481 Portfolio

Provides a studio and critique workshop. Students edit, create, add, highlight, and refine projects to meet industry standards and promote individual graphic design skills in their specialized area. This course is taken in a student's senior year.

Prerequisite: GRD3395

3 Credit Hours

GRD4483 Internship

Provides a field-based internship experience where students acquire career/professional skills within the graphic design industry. This course is taken during a student's last semester of study.

Prerequisite: Departmental permission