The Graphic Design (GDES) degree program offers students the opportunity to pursue a degree emphasizing a balance of theory and practice in the art and science of visual communication. Both the teaching and practice are emphasized to foster critical thinking and problem solving that prepare the student for the real-world challenges one will face in the professional sphere. The program is also inspired by a vision that design methodology and technologies can support the creative exploration of traditional and modern design concepts and principles. The program includes history of graphic design, typography, symbols, information design, systems, 3D, and multi-media design.
Graphic Design program graduates are instilled with the skills of marketable designers and are prepared for employment in graphic design studios, publishing houses, corporations, non-profit institutions, film and video production companies, advertising, and multimedia firms.
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Program Lead: Ms. Maryam Hosseinnia
Program E-mail: Graphics@auk.edu.kw
Graphic Design Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the AUK Major in Graphic Design, the student will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking, design concepts, and problem-solving methodologies to a variety of design problems and possibilities
- Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes and skills are related to social and scientific issues and discourse
- Produce a design portfolio showcasing sensibilities toward diversity for issues and discourse
- Use professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the marketplace
- Adapt and pursue a lifelong sense of communal responsibility locally and internationally
Admission to the Program:
- Students wishing to Major in Graphic Design should apply for Major declaration by the end of their sophomore year.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
- Grade of “C” or better in ENGL 101.
- Grade of “C” or better in any Art or Art History course.
University Degree Requirements (120 credit hours)
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, students must complete at least 120 credit hours. In addition, students are required to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of upper-level courses (300-level and above) at AUK of which at least 18 credits hours need to be taken in the major.
- General Education Requirements (45 credit hours), composed of:
- Graphic Design Program Prerequisites (6) applicable to General Education Requirements
- Other General Education Requirements (39)
- GDES Major Requirements (60 credit hours), composed of:
- Graphic Design Program Prerequisites (3) (not applicable to General Education Requirements)
- Graphic Design Core Courses (30)
- Graphic Design Electives (18)
- Graphic Design Related Field Electives (9)
- Free Electives (15)
A grade of "C" or higher in all courses required for the Major.
Graphic Design Program Prerequisites (9 credit hours)
| ART 101* |
Art History |
(3) [H] |
| ART 121* |
Drawing I |
(3) [H] |
| GDES 102 |
Creative Visualization |
(3) |
| GDES 110 |
Digital Foundations |
(3) |
| GDES 115 |
Color Theory |
(3) |
*Note: Two of these program prerequisites satisfy the Humanities General Education Requirement.
Graphic Design Core Requirements (30 credit hours)
| ART 215 |
Modern Art |
(3) |
| GDES 220 |
Graphic Design I |
(3) |
| GDES 221 |
Typography I |
(3) |
| GDES 320 |
Graphic Design II |
(3) |
| GDES 321 |
Typography II |
(3) |
| GDES 330 |
Print Production |
(3) |
| GDES 420 |
Graphic Design III |
(3) |
| GDES 421 |
Typography III |
(3) |
| GDES 470 |
Internship in Graphic Design |
(3) |
| GDES 490 |
Capstone |
(3) |
*Note: The student is limited to a maximum of 6 credit hours of internship. A maximum of 3 credit hours (taken in increments of 1, 2, or 3 credit hours) may be applied toward any one Major, if the Major requires an internship. If a student takes an additional 1-3 credit hours of internship, those credits may be counted towards a student's second Major, Minor, or as free electives. For the duration of the semester, students should work approximately 2.5 hours per week for each academic credit hour.
Graphic Design Electives (15 credit hours)
| GDES 204 |
Digital Photography |
(3) |
| GDES 208 |
Film Production I |
(3) |
| GDES 242 |
Digital Imaging I |
(3) |
| GDES 315 |
History of Design |
(3) |
| GDES 337 |
Environmental Design |
(3) |
| GDES 342 |
Digital Imaging II |
(3) |
| GDES 351 |
Web Design |
(3) |
| GDES 369 |
Short Course |
(3) |
| GDES 388 |
Independent Study |
(3) |
| GDES 389 |
Special Topics |
(3) |
| GDES 404 |
Professional Practice |
(3) |
| GDES 452 |
3D Modeling & Animation |
(3) |
| GDES 453 |
Motion Graphics |
(3) |
Graphic Design Related Field Electives (6 credit hours)
Students must select 2 courses (6 credit hours), in consultation with their Academic Advisor, from the following designations: ART, COMM, and SBSA.
Free Electives (15 credit hours)
Students must take 5 courses (15 credit hours) among other disciplines (fields of study) in consultation with their Academic Advisor.
|
