Course Descripons - The Art Institutes

Visual Communica� ons
GRAPHIC DESIGN, Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
Off ered at Chicago, Schaumburg, Michigan, Cincinna� , Tinley Park
Program Mission
The mission of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Graphic Design is to provide students with industry-relevant and
competency-based academic programs built on a solid art and design founda� on that will prepare them for entry-level employment
and career advancement in graphic design, adver� sing and related fi elds. We believe that this is possible through
learner-centered instruc� on delivered by qualifi ed faculty to students who are capable of and commi� ed to an ac� ve role in
learning.
Desired Student Outcomes
1. Graphic design principles: Students will apply learning outcomes from founda� ons courses to graphic design problems.
2. Problem-solving: Students will develop original, professional-level solu� ons to graphic design problems based on appropriate
research and within specifi ed parameters such as, deadlines, audience, budget, construc� on and output considera�
ons.
3. Technology: Students will use appropriate technology to produce professional examples of their work.
4. Cri� cal thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and cri� que graphic design.
5. Images: Students will generate original images in support of their design work.
6. Professionalism and professional prac� ce: Students will develop an understanding of design business prac� ces and professional
expecta� ons.
7. Communica� on: Students will use visual and verbal communica� on to present content and meaning eff ec� vely; they will
possess oral and wri� en skills to present concepts to employers, clients, and others; they will possess teamwork, collabora-
� on, and nego� a� on skills.
8. Context: Students will understand the broader context of their work: social and historical, language, informa� on systems,
and fi nance
Program Descrip� on
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from The Illinois Ins� tute of Art is a signifi cant step toward a career in
graphic design. Students begin by exploring design theories and principles. Further study emphasizes the applica� on of
theory in current design problems. Students experiment in diff erent media including print, electronic and three-dimensions.
A fi nal por� olio that demonstrates the graduate’s strengths in design completes the Graphic Design degree.
Gradua� on Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, students must complete a minimum of 180 quarter-credits with
60 quarter-credits in general educa� on courses and 120 in the specialty area with a cumula� ve GPA of 2.0 or higher. Also a
student must receive a passing grade or credit for all required course work, meet por� olio requirements including par� cipa-
� on in the Senior Por� olio Show. Gradua� ng students must pass a required course where a por� olio is produced.
28 Academic Programs