University General Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
    Dec 11, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2024-2025

Graphic Design, B.F.A.


The program emphasizes hands-on design approaches, while critical analysis, theory, research, and application will be explored. Students will become well-versed in Graphic Design competencies that will directly relate to marketplace requirements for hiring. The curriculum will focus on formal Graphic Design language while exploring other media (3D, 4D, motion, Virtual Reality).

Program Learning Outcomes


Students will be able to:

  • conduct creative and scholarly research to critically inform the production of work. (CT)
  • evaluate, synthesize, and communicate their understanding of visual art and design in relation to historical precedents and the contemporary global context. (C)
  • integrate scientific methods and/or technologies within their creative and scholarly projects. (QR)
  • apply visual literacy, art historical knowledge, and problem-solving skills to pursue advanced study and/or employment within a creative profession (i.e., knowledge of/functioning within profession).
  • utilize ethical decision-making and disciplinary values in course projects and critical discussions.

Contact Information


Monica Maccaux
Assistant Professor
Department of Art, Art History, and Design
(775) 784-6682
mmaccaux@unr.edu

College of Liberal Arts Student Center
Lincoln Hall 314
(775) 682-8745
https://www.unr.edu/cla-advising

Transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno


Use the transfer agreements  and the degree planner (available by clicking Icon Capture42Active-Hidden2021-10-21 20:24:062021-10-21 20:24:06 at the top right of this page) to build your plan for graduation with your advisor. Course substitutions not identified on the transfer agreement require UNR advisor approval.

If a major-to-major transfer agreement is not available for your transfer institution, please check the General Core agreement   if available. If neither is available, access Transferology to assist in your planning.

Admissions Requirements


Students accepted into the Graphic Design BFA program will be required to provide their own laptop, along with a Adobe Creative Cloud Software subscription. If a student cannot provide these items, they must contact the program director or the Department of Art, Art History & Design chair to request accommodations.

Pre-Major and Major Status

Students will be admitted to the program initially as pre-majors. When enrolled in GRC 362, students will submit a portfolio to be reviewed for acceptance into the full major. Students who complete GRC 362 with a “Satisfactory” grade will be eligible for the full Graphic Design BFA program, and must meet with an advisor to declare before the following fall semester begins. Students who earn an “Unsatisfactory” in GRC 362 will not be permitted to continue with the Graphic Design major, and must meet with an advisor to declare a new major before the following fall semester begins—these students may declare Graphic Design as a minor.

Graduation Requirements


  • Total Units | 120
  • Cumulative GPA | 2.0
  • University GPA | 2.0
  • Major GPA | 3.0
  • Residency Requirement | 30 Upper-Division Units at UNR
  • Major Residency Requirement | 15 Upper-Division Units in the major at UNR
  • Upper-Division Requirement | 42 Upper-Division Units

Progression Requirements


Students must earn at least a “C” in GRC coursework for this major. Students must earn a “Satisfactory” grade in GRC 362 to progress from the pre-major to the major.  Students may repeat GRC courses only once. Acceptance to the major and graduation will be delayed at least a year for students who are required to repeat coursework.

To maintain good standing in the Graphic Design, BFA Program:

  • Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average in major-related coursework.
  • Students whose major grade point average falls below 3.0 are placed on program probation at the end of the fall and spring semesters.
  • Students who are on Second Semester Probation and fail to raise their major GPA above 3.0 will be dismissed from the Graphic Design, BFA program

I. Core General Education Requirements (24-27 units)


NOTE: Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter of this catalog for information regarding  the “Core English and Math Completion Policy  .”

Students in this major must meet all Core Objectives (CO1 through CO14). Courses satisfying Core Objectives are designated (e.g., CO9) in General Catalog curricula and course descriptions.

A. Composition & Communication; Critical Analysis & Use of Information (3-6 units) - CO1, CO3


B. Quantitative Reasoning (3 units minimum) - CO2


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO2  courses.

C. Physical & Natural Phenomena (6 units minimum) - CO4, CO4L


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO4/CO4L  courses.

D. Cultures, Societies, & Individuals (3 units) - CO6


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO6  courses.

E. Artistic Composition, Interpretation, & Expression (3 units) - CO7


F. History & Culture; Constitution (6 units) - CO5, CO8


Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

II. Additional Core Requirements (9 units maximum)


Students must take courses that satisfy the following Core Objectives. Some or all of these Core Objectives may be satisfied in the Major Requirements (Section IV).  Refer to the Core Curriculum  chapter in this catalog.

A. Science, Technology, and Society - CO9


B. Diversity and Equity - CO10


Refer to the Core Curriculum chapter for a list of approved CO10  courses.

C. Global Context - CO11


D. Ethics - CO12


E. Capstone, Integration, and Synthesis - CO13


Choose one course; the following recommended courses can also be used in the Major Requirement:

F. Application - CO14


Choose one course; the following courses count in the major requirement:

III. Additional College Requirements (0 units)


IV. Major Requirements (54 units)


B. Required (21 units)


Units for one of GRC 116, 200, 210 or 220 are counted in the General Education requirement.

D. Studio Sequence (12 units)


F. Internship or Additional ART (3 units)


Students are encouraged to complete an internship experience relevant to graphic design/media during the senior year. An additional Department of Art, Art History & Design course may be completed as an alternative if a student is unable to complete an internship.

  • (3 units) CO14 OR
  • Any additional ART course numbered 100-499 (3 units)
  • NOTE: If an ART course is used here, it cannot be a course previously used to satisfy any other Graphic Design major requirements, and cannot be reused towards the requirements of any Studio Art minor.

V. Minor Requirement (18-21 units)


The Department of Art, Art History & Design accepts any minor approved by the College of Liberal Arts. Students may reuse up to 9 units used to satisfy requirements for the Graphic Design, BFA in Studio Art or Art History minors.

VI. Electives (9-15 units)


VII. Recommended Schedule


A. First Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (15-16 units)


B. Second Year


Fall Semester (15-16 units)


Spring Semester (15 units)


C. Third Year


Spring Semester (15 units)


D. Fourth Year


Fall Semester (15 units)


Spring Semester (13-15 units)