Academic Programs of Study
Graphic Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design
- State-of-the-art computer labs with inkjet, laser, and 3D printers
- Career-focused portfolio building
- Small classes focused on conceptual and technical skills
Prepare for a creative career with a graphic design degree.
Marywood's graphic design degree program incorporates the study of design and type, conceptual development, design history, research, studio technique, and strategies for problem-solving. Class critiques and discussions are emphasized.Students will explore web design, interactive design, publication design, package design, corporate identity, typography and self promotion. During the junior and senior years, students will apply their knowledge and skills through internships and real design projects. The goal is to provide each student with the environment and support in which to develop a professional visual portfolio.
More About This Degree
- Learn more about this program or visit the Visual Arts website.
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Courses: Available courses in this department
-
This program is accredited by the
National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Marywood University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Steven Brower
Associate Professor, Area Coordinator - Illustration, Director MFA - Graphic Design/Illustration
Sue Jenkins
Associate Professor of Art, Area Coordinator - Foundations, Area Coordinator - Photography
Each area of emphasis is supported by superb facilities, many of which are housed in the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts; as you advance through the program, you'll have access to increasingly sophisticated equipment.
Computer resources include AutoCADsoftware, web design, layout applications, and technology for graphic design, photography, illustration, and interior architecture majors. There are also weaving looms and blueprint machines; a photography studio with black and white and color darkrooms and an advanced lighting studio; a ceramic studio equipped for a wide variety of techniques; a foundry with metalworking facilities;and sculpture and painting studios.
The curricular goal is the development of persons with knowledge, technical skills, conceptual abilities and artistic sensitivity within a supportive environment to prepare them for the demanding and competitive design fields.
Diana
I had several job offers immediately after graduating from Marywood.
I graduated in 2014 with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design with a minor in Multimedia. I am currently a Visual Web Designer Consultant for Verizon Wireless. I had several job offers immediately after graduating and chose the Verizon Wireless position because I am a big fan of the company and knew it would be an amazing experience.
I have worked on numerous innovative projects and have been responsible for many of the visual elements on the Verizon Wireless website, which is visited by millions of customers. My assignments have included home page marquees, landing pages, page redesigns, and even being assigned the responsibility of Lead Designer for the Valentine's Day 2015 creative and device launches. I absolutely love my job and am so thankful for this opportunity. Every day is a new challenge and I welcome it.
Looking back, I believe that Marywood's school size contributed a great deal to my achievements. I do not think I would have been able to do as much as I did at a larger school. At Marywood, the classes were small and professors were always available to answer questions.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- Official SAT and/or ACT scores
- Completed application
- Essay
- Official transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
Find Your Counselor
B.F.A. Studio Emphasis
Within the Bachelor of Fine Arts: Studio Art, there are two areas of emphasis: 2-D and 3-D. The Studio Art program equips students to meet an ever-changing and competitive field through a commitment to creative thinking and endeavor. The goal for students is that they become independent, creative thinkers, responsible to a wide audience and assertive in their own kind of expression. All students take foundation courses, intermediate students take intermediate level 2-D or 3-D courses. In sequential upper-level courses, students choose advanced courses in painting, illustration, ceramics or sculpture.
Common Requirements Courses for 2-D Emphasis and 3-D Emphasis
Foundational Courses
18 credits
| ART 110 | Basic Drawing |
3
|
| ART 116 | Drawing I |
3
|
| ART 118 | Two-Dimensional Design and Color |
3
|
| ART 212 | Three-Dimensional Design |
3
|
| ART 233* | Painting I |
3
|
| ART 241 | Computer Graphics |
3
|
| ART 322 | Foundation Portfolio Review | 0 |
*Graphic Design Majors must take ART 210, Introduction to Typography, in place of ART 233, Painting I.
Additional Common Courses
12 credits
| ART 113* | Art History I |
3
|
| ART 114* | Art History II |
3
|
| ART 218 | Art in the Modern Era |
3
|
| ART XXX | Art History Elective or Studio Elective (Art Therapy students required to take Studio Elective) |
3
|
| ART 322A,B,C | Portfolio Review |
0
|
| DEAN 071 | Undergraduate Degree Candidacy |
0
|
*ART 120 plus one additional art history course (excluding ART 113, 114, 430, 431, 432) may be taken as an alternate to ART 113 and ART 114.
B.F.A. Design Emphasis
Graphic Design Track
48 credits
The Graphic Design Program incorporates design history, the study of basic visual elements, conceptual development, research, studio technique, and strategies for problem-solving. Class critiques and discussions are emphasized. Students will explore publication design, package design, corporate identity, typography, motion graphics, and interactivity. During the junior and senior years, students will apply their knowledge and skills through internships and applied projects. The goal is to provide each student with the environment and support in which to develop a professional visual portfolio.
| ART 221A | Visual Concepts |
3
|
| ART 314 | Introduction to Graphic Design |
3
|
| ART 315A | Basic Photography |
3
|
| ART 416 | Advanced Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 416A | Graphic Design II |
3
|
| ART 416B | Graphic Design III |
3
|
| ART 428 | Design Business and Production |
3
|
| ART 430 | History of Graphic Design |
3
|
| ART 440 | Advanced Portfolio Development |
3
|
| ART 441B | Computer Graphics II |
3
|
| ART 441H | Interactive Design I |
3
|
| ART 441I | Interactive Design II |
3
|
| ART 442B | Interactive Design III |
3
|
| ART 448 | Packaging Design |
3
|
| ART 449 | Fieldwork Experience |
3
|
| ART 455 | Professional Contribution (Exhibit) |
0
|
| ART XXX | Studio Elective | 3 |