Graphic Design

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

The Master of Fine Arts program in Graphic Design emphasizes mastery of the profession, including narrative abilities, presentation skills, strategic thinking, problem solving, and the ability to develop innovative conceptual solutions. Areas of specialized training include typography, visual literacy, identity, and print publication. Students acquire the finely tuned design skills, self-discipline, and professional expertise necessary to become advanced practitioners.

The graduate student's final thesis project must integrate concept and content with technical prowess to make an original contribution to the field of graphic design. The thesis project is critically reviewed and approved by the Graduate Final Review committee, and then it is professionally exhibited to the industry and public.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Graphic Design embraces the entire range of visual communication. We recognize that design is a cultural force that spans the consumer, commerce, and social causes. The program provides a robust curriculum of conceptual problem solving, innovation, critical thinking, and formal design, as well as branding and marketing strategies.

The areas of study encompass typography, print and editorial design, branding and identity, information design, and packaging, as well as production and presentation skills. Green strategies and issues of sustainability are very much a part of the program. A real-world approach to design assures aesthetics, functionality, value, and meaning to all student projects. Final portfolios demonstrate the total integration of message and content as well as the highest standards of graphic design.

Associate of Arts (AA)

The Associate of Arts in Graphic Design program specializes in typography, packaging, identity, print, and computer technology. We emphasize conceptual development, strategic thinking, mastery of technique, and verbal presentation within an environment that stimulates innovation. Students develop skills in the areas of typography, print mediums, packaging, branding and identity, Web design, and motion graphics.

Online Award of Completion

The Online Award of Completion in Graphic Design is a personal enrichment program, designed for students interested in acquiring a basis of knowledge and skills necessary to the graphic design profession. Students develop real industry skills which can be used to enhance a current career path, or which can become a firm foundation for further study in the field of graphic design. The Online Award of Completion requires completion of two classes in Foundations (prefix FND) and six in Graphic Design (prefix GR). Successful completion of these courses can also be credited toward a degree at the Academy of Art University; degree-seeking students must satisfy existing degree requirements.

Please Note: The Online Award of Completion requires all courses must be taken online.

Required Courses
(3 units each unless otherwise noted)

FND 113: Sketching for Communication
FND 125: Color and Design
GR 104: Materials, Tools, and Comping Techniques
GR 105: Fundamentals of Graphic Design
GR 122: Typography 1
GR 221: Graphic Design 1
GR 102: Digital Tools 1
GR 182: Web Tools: Standards Compliant or GR 332: Digital Tools 2