Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Design

Upon completion of the AUK major in Design—Concentration in Graphic Design, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the connection between type, image, and other principles of visual organization that are based on understanding design history, theory, methodology, and cultural and aesthetic differences.
• Identify and solve communication problems and question predetermined solutions through research, awareness of critical perspectives in the evaluation of design, and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Implement a wide range of design technologies and strategies through the understanding and ability to use current software and new media.
• Think, speak, and write clearly and effectively, and communicate with precision and rhetorical force, both generally and in design communications.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, ethical values, and the ability to design for a diverse and global audience while also understanding how the audience/user values and behaviors are reflected in the design.
• Develop a portfolio with an accompanying thesis and design rationale that reflects the design methodologies necessary to produce a body of work.
• Demonstrate divergent and convergent thinking in the integration of the formal, the conceptual, and the material by using the elements and principles of design to effectively support the project’s purpose.

Admission to the Program

Students must formally choose and declare a major no later than the completion of 60 credit hours by completing the Degree Program, Major, and/or Minor Declaration Request form, and submitting it to the Academic Advising Center. Students wishing to major in graphic design must complete 9 credit hours of program prerequisites from the following list: ART 120, ART 121, and GDES 110.

University Degree Requirements (120 Credit Hours):

To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Design—Concentration in Graphic Design, students must complete at least 120 credit hours. In addition, students are required to complete a minimum of ten courses (30 credit hours) of upper-level courses (300-level and above) at AUK, of which at least 21 credit hours need to be taken in the major.

• General Education Requirements, composed of: (42-46)
• Design major requirements comprised of: (69)
  • Program Prerequisites: ART 120, ART 121, GDES 110 (9)
  • Core Courses (36)
  • Design Electives (12)
  • Design Related Field Electives (6)
  • Art History Field Electives (6)
• Free Electives (9)

*If TOEFLE, IELTS, or Accuplacer scores do not meet ENGL 101 requirements, students must take ENGL 100: Foundations in Academic Reading and Writing (4 credits) to satisfy the English Proficiency Requirements.

Minor in Design - Concentration Graphic Design (21 credit hours)

A minor in the graphic design concentration provides students with the tools necessary to compete creatively in the graphic design world. The classes taught are designed to prepare students for real world situations. Students will develop basic skills that meet international graphic design standards.
  
The minor requires a minimum of 21 credit hours including the core of four GDES courses (12 credit hours) listed below and one course (3 credit hours) from the GDES electives list. Please check the graphic design major listing for the GDES electives list.

The following courses may be applied to fulfill the general education humanities [H] requirement:

The internship program provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their capacity for leadership, teamwork, and business activity in the context of work experience. Internships are completed in the junior or senior year and while in residency at AUK. The design program recommends that majors take GDES 470—Internship in Graphic Design—over the summer between their junior and senior year at AUK.
 
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 a student takes 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 are responsible for working 40 hours per semester for each credit hour. Students are to refer to the program’s internship handbook for further details concerning the internship process, requirements, and method of assessment.

Mission

The Department of Art and Graphic Design degree program offers a balance of theory and practice in the art and science of visual communication. The program cultivates cultural and aesthetic sensibilities while emphasizing critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving through the teaching of design history, methodology, and technologies to produce designers capable of producing meaningful designs in a diverse global community.

Values

The Department of Art and Graphic Design actively seeks to keep on the cutting edge of the profession in theory, technology, and practice to cultivate effective global communication skills and active thinkers. We value integrity, academic freedom, creative diversity, and professional excellence. We are committed to inspiring lifelong learners who value a knowledge-based economy and will contribute to their local communities.

Vision

The Department of Art and Graphic Design will be recognized as a leader in design education in the region for its innovation, rigor, design excellence, cutting-edge technology, advanced resources, and a talented and dedicated faculty and staff.