SDSU School of Art, Design, and Art History

Undergraduate Graphic Design Studies

General Overview

Graphic design is the profession that plans and executes the design of visual communication according to the needs of audiences and in the context for which communication is intended. (AIGA(external link))

Graphic designers apply what they have learned about physical, cognitive, social, and cultural human factors to communication planning and the creation of appropriate form that interprets, informs, instructs, and persuades. Graphic designers use various technologies as means for creating visual form and as an environment through which communication takes place. Graphic designers plan, analyze, create, and evaluate visual solutions to communication problems. Their work ranges from the development of strategies to solve large-scale communications problems, to the design of effective communication products, such as publications, computer programs, packaging, exhibits, and signage. (National Association of Schools of Art and Design --NASAD)

The unique focus of the SDSU program is the preparation for professional practice in visual communication design within a global context with special emphasis on the visual language of typography. The programs focus is inspired by San Diego's location at the border of Mexico and the Pacific Rim and by the multinational/multicultural influences within the region.

Our program is connected to the regions businesses through the Graphic Design internship program; to the regions professional design community through a close association with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), a national professional organization (www.aiga.org); and to the international education and professional design communities through student and faculty exchange programs; as well as affiliation with the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (ICOGRADA)(external link).

Coursework Overview

The Graphic Design program is the largest program in the School of Art, Design and Art History, which is part of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. Only those students with a declared emphasis in Graphic Design will be allowed to enroll in courses in this program.

Currently, the School of Art, Design and Art History offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design, which is a liberal arts degree. The program prepares students for entry into the graphic design profession within the context of a broad program in general studies that establishes a foundation for artistic and intellectual development. You can download the current Graphic Design course checklist for more information on course options.

The Graphic Design program has proposed the addition of a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Graphic Design, which is a professional degree. The BFA would provide a higher concentration of course work in the major and stronger preparation for professional practice.

For more information on the degree requirements for the Graphic Design emphasis, please download the undergraduate Graphic Design emphasis checklist. You can also refer to an advisor for specific questions.

Admissions and Financial Assistance

You can learn more detailed information about the admissions process on the Undergraduate Admissions page. For more information on financial assistance, please visit our Financial Aid page or our student scholarships page to find scholarships available through the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

Professional Oragnizations for Students

We have a very active AIGA(external link) Student Group at SDSU, which schedules regular student events and activities with the professional community, such as studio tours, portfolio reviews, panel discussions, and workshops. AIGA student groups throughout the city meet to plan citywide events.

Facilities

Read detailed information on our facilities on the Graphic Design Facilities page, where you can also link to other interdisciplinary facilities within the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

You can also read more about local art material supplier resources on our Art Supplies page, as well as learn more about our library research facilities by visiting SDSU's Love Library website(external link).

The Faculty

To contact or learn more about individual faculty in this department, please refer to the Graphic Design department directory listing.

This page was last updated at 9:40AM on November 17, 2008