The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design (GD) is an exciting and rigorous program at OSU. The disciplinary foundations of graphic design are rooted in visual problem solving, design theory and history, as well as professional practices that tie into business and marketing for specific audiences. Examples of the work graphic designers engage in include both print and digital media such as the design of:

• branding and visual identities
• publication design (magazines, newspapers, catalogs)
• information design
• package design
• exhibition design
• interactive design (Web, video)

The discipline of graphic design is constantly changing due to new technologies, broader target audiences, and softer boundaries between disciplines. Students learn to be adaptable, flexible and collaborative in how they work. Graphic designers are creative thinkers and makers and may have strengths and interests in drawing, printmaking and photography.

The Graphic Design major is a professional program. Entering students are designated as Pre-Graphic Design majors.

The pre-professional Graphic Design program typically takes one year to complete. After completing the pre-professional program requirements, students may apply to the professional Graphic Design program. Students will not be permitted to take professional Graphic Design course work without acceptance into the professional Graphic Design program. If admitted into the professional Graphic Design program, it will take students three additional years to complete the professional program regardless of transfer credit standing.

Admission into the professional Graphic Design program is subject to a competitive application process. To apply and be considered for admission, all pre-professional students must meet the following requirements:

• Be declared as a Pre-Graphic Design major.
• Have completed and received a C– or better in ALL courses within the Pre-Graphic Design major by the end of spring term before applying.

Criteria for acceptance. Students will be evaluated on the following:

• Completion and grade in GD 126.
• Completion and grades in GD Foundation courses: ART 101, ART 115, ART 121, and ART 131.
• Competion and grades in Bacc Core First-Year Skills Requirements: WR 121, Speech course (choose one: COMM 111, COMM 114, or COMM 218) and College Level Math course: MTH 105 *INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY MATHEMATICS or higher.
• Overall GPA.

Major Code: 779

Pre-Graphic Design Major Code: 479

• Demonstrate design processes such as research, analysis, prototyping and synthesis, from concept to delivery, to solve communication problems.
• Create communication solutions that address audiences and context, by recognizing the human factors that determine design decisions.
• Utilize relevant application of tools and technology in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
• Apply graphic design principles in the creation, development, and production of visual messages.
• Identify and utilize design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives, including: art history, communication/information theory, and the social/cultural use of design objects.
• Confidently participate in professional design practice and management within a collaborative work environment.

*

Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

¹

 Courses cannot be counted twice to fulfill requirements of the major

²

 Required upper-division credits is 60

Major Code: 779

Pre-Graphic Design Major Code: 479

*

Baccalaureate Core Course (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)