Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)

Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE

Course Requirements

MAJOR CORE COURSES

GRD1100 Graphic Design Principles 

3 Credits

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, and explore the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator.

GRD1101 Photoshop and Digital Graphics 

3 Credits

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

GRD1102 Illustrator and Digital Graphics

3 Credits

Surveys the world of vector-based design and illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Students will explore the unique capabilities of vector graphics, enabling them to create original, scalable, and high-quality graphics for print and digital applications. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the tools and techniques specific to Illustrator and applying design principles effectively in vector-based projects.

Prerequisite: GRD1101

GRD1105 Painting 

3 Credits

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.

GRD1170 Drawing 

3 Credits

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.

GRD1190 Typography I

3 Credits

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

GRD2205 Three-Dimensional Design

3 Credits

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

GRD2210 Graphic Design in Visual Culture

3 Credits

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.

GRD2220 3D Design and Modeling

3 Credits

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.

GRD2226 Professional Development Seminar 

3 Credits

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.

GRD2230 Digital Photography and Creative Media

3 Credits

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.

GRD2233 Web Design 

3 Credits

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.

GRD2240 Digital Publishing

3 Credits

Integrating type and images in digital page layouts and multiple-page projects. The emphasis will be on the application of industry standard software for both print and digital output.

Prerequisite: GRD1102 or GRD1190

GRD2290 Typography II

3 Credits

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

GRD3305 Design Production

3 Credits

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

 

GRD3360 Packaging Design 

3 Credits

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

GRD3395 Branding

3 Credits

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

GRD4400 Animation Foundations

3 Credits

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

GRD4405 Motion Graphics

3 Credits

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

GRD4410 Publication Design

3 Credits

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

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

GRD4420 Game Design

3 Credits

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: GRD2200

GRD4425 Social Media Design

3 Credits

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

GRD4455 Capstone Research

3 Credits

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

GRD4460 Capstone Project

3 Credits

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

GRD4470 Special Topics in Graphic Design

3 Credits

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

GRD4481 Portfolio

3 Credits

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

GRD4483 Internship

3 Credits

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

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES*

ENG1105 Writing and Research

3 Credits

An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.

ENG2205 Writing Through Literature

3 Credits

Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.

Prerequisite: ENG1105

ENG3316 The Confident Writer

3 Credits

Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres, including personal profile, journalism, criticism, and more. Students build their reading, writing, and researching skills while also reinforcing the fundamental concepts and current developments associated with the areas of their respective majors.

Prerequisite: ENG2205

HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics

3 Credits

Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development, the major figures within that history, and ethical and moral issues that face us today. This course presents the perspectives of various schools of thought and encourages students’ own critical thinking on ethical and moral issues in dialogue with others. 

MAT2211 College Algebra

3 Credits

Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches. Topics include the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value, rational and exponential functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, logarithms, and polynomials.

Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score

SOC1123 First Year Experience

3 Credits

Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree. Students will identify their own perceived challenges, share critical insights to meeting them, and implement their own plan of action to address and overcome such challenges.

SOC2231 Human Relations

3 Credits

Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.