BFA Degree in Graphic & Interactive Design
Description
Graphic & Interactive Design majors conduct in-depth conceptual and technical investigations to achieve effective visual communication solutions. The major has a strong core of foundational art and design topics, and students are able to continue their studies in one of three emphases that include:
• Digital Design & Production – provides in-depth
practice in digital layout, vector illustration, raster
artwork, mobile-to-desktop design workflow, print
processes, and augmented reality;
• Graphic Design – traditional graphic design that relates
to symbols, typography, information and experience
design, systems, visual concepts, and visual research;
• Interactive Media – includes web, mobile, motion,
virtual reality, and immersive experiences;
For all emphases, projects may include logos, brochures, posters, magazine layouts, packaging, web sites, mobile applications, motion graphics, immersive experiences, and many more issues that deal with visual communications and society.
To receive the BFA Degree in Graphic and Interactive Design, the student must meet the minimum university requirements and specific requirements for the program. Completion of 120 credits is required for this degree which includes the Liberal Arts and Sciences Curriculum. A 3.0 GPA or above in major requirements is required for graduation. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in any major course requirement.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Graphic & Interactive Design major offers a modern approach to the evolving field of visual communication. More and more, students are called upon to have backgrounds in the various fields of media arts including sound, film, and motion, as well as a firm command of digital production, technology, and interactivity. This program takes into account what employers are looking for in today’s design graduates by offering a broad exposure to design principles, practices and problem-solving, as well as emphases that reflect different creative career pathways.
The competencies listed below are taken from the National Association of Schools of Art & Design Handbook (Section IX.C.3 Digital Media and Section X.C.3 Communication Design), our accrediting agency.
From Section IX.C.3 Digital Media:
3. Essential Competencies (in addition to those stated for all professional degree programs in Standards for Accreditation VIII.B. and C.):
A. Knowledge of the concepts related to the visual, spatial, sound, motion, interactive, and temporal elements/features of digital technology and principles for their use in the creation and application of digital media-based work.
B. Understanding of narrative and other information/language structures for organizing content in time-based or interactive media; the ability to organize and represent content structures in ways that are responsive to technological, social, and cultural systems.
C. Understanding of the characteristics and capabilities of various technologies (hardware and software); their appropriateness for particular expressive, functional, and strategic applications; their positions within larger contexts and systems; and their influences on individuals and society.
D. Knowledge of the processes for the development and coordination of digitally-based art and design strategies (for example, storyboarding, concept mapping, and the use of scenarios and personas).
E. Ability to analyze and synthesize relevant aspects of human interaction in various contexts (e.g., physical, cognitive, cultural, social, political, economic, etc.) and with respect to technologically-mediated communication, objects, and environments.
F. Understanding of what is useful, usable, effective, and desirable with respect to user/ audience-centered digitally-based communication, objects, and environments.
G. Knowledge of history, theory, and criticism with respect to such areas as film, video, technology, and digital art and design.
H. Ability to work in teams and to organize collaborations among people from different disciplines.
I. Ability to use the above competencies in the creation and development of professional quality digital media productions.
From Section X.C.3 Communication Design:
3. Essential Competencies, Opportunities, and Experiences
A. The ability to conceive and to design visual communications and systems involving various integrations of the elements of professional practice outlined in items 3.b. through g. below.
B. Understanding and use of basic visual communication principles and processes, including but not limited to: •Understanding of how communication theories, principles, and processes have evolved through history and the ability to use this knowledge to address various types of contemporary problems.
•Understanding of and ability to develop strategies for planning, producing, and disseminating visual communications.
•Functional knowledge of creative approaches, and the analytical ability to make appropriate, purpose-based choices among them, and to use such approaches to identify communication opportunities and generate alternative solutions.
•Ability to plan the design process and construct narratives and scenarios for describing user experiences.
•Fluency in the use of the formal vocabulary and concepts of design—including content, elements, structure, style, and technology—in response to visual communication problems. Studies in critical theory and semiotics are strongly recommended.
•Ability to develop informed considerations of the spatial, temporal, and kinesthetic relationships among form, meaning, and behavior and apply them to the development of various types of visual communication design projects.
•Ability to use typography, images, diagrams, motion, sequencing, color, and other such elements effectively in the contexts of specific design projects.
C. Ability to incorporate research and findings regarding people and contexts into communication design decision-making, including but not limited to:
•Ability to frame and conduct investigations in terms of people, activities, and their settings, including, but not limited to using appropriate methods for determining people’s wants, needs, and patterns of behavior, and developing design responses that respect the social and cultural differences among users of design in local and global contexts.
•Understanding of design at different scales, ranging from components to systems and from artifacts to experiences.
•Ability to exercise critical judgment about the student’s own design and the design of others with regard to usefulness, usability, desirability, technological feasibility, economic viability, and sustainability in terms of long-term consequences.
D. Acquisition of collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.
E. Understanding of and the ability to use technology, including but not limited to:
•Functional understanding of how to continue learning technology, recognizing that technological change is constant.
•Ability to conduct critical evaluations of different technologies in specific design problem contexts, including the placement of technical issues in the service of human-centered priorities and matching relationships between technologies and the people expected to use them.
•Functional capability to shape and create technological tools and systems to address communication problems and further communication goals.
•Ability to recognize and analyze the social, cultural, and economic implications of technology on message creation and production and on human behavior, and to incorporate results into design decisions.
F. Understanding of and ability to use basic research and analysis procedures and skills, including but not limited to:
•Acquisition of research capabilities and skills such as using databases, asking questions, observing users, and developing prototypes.
•Ability to use analytical tools to construct appropriate visual representations in the execution of research activities.
•Ability to interpret research findings practically and apply them in design development.
•Ability to support design decisions with quantitative and qualitative research findings at various stages of project development and presentation.
G. Functional knowledge of professional design practices and processes, including but not limited to professional and ethical behaviors and intellectual property issues such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
H. Experience in applying design knowledge and skills beyond the classroom is essential. Opportunities for field research and experience, internships, collaborative programs with professional and industry groups, and international experiences are strongly recommended. Such opportunities to become oriented to the working profession should be supported through strong advising.
Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required
Core Requirements
( 40 credits )
Foundation Core (24 credits)
ART 101 Foundation Drawing I (4)
ART 125 Foundation Design (4)
GID 210 Introduction to Graphic Design (4)
GID 230 Introduction to Digital Design (4)
GID 250 Introduction to Interactive Media (4)
PHO 201 Introduction to Film Based Photography (4) –or– PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (4)
Upper-Level Core (16 credits)
GID 310 Typography (4)
GID 312 Visual Systems & Brand Identity (4)
GID 330 Intermediate Digital Design (4)
GID 350 Intermediate Interactive Media (4)
Designated Writing Intensive Course for Major
Choose one of the following courses:
(check course prerequisites before choosing – all must be met)
COMM 301 Business & Professional Comm (3)
ENGL 387 Technical Report Writing (3)
PMGT 385 Process Leadership (3)
ENGL 388 Creative Writing (3)
Program Requirements
Graphic & Interactive Design Degree Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in major requirements.
- Grade of “C-” or better must be earned in order for any program course requirement (including transfer courses) to count towards the major.
- *GID Portfolio Review after completing Core GID courses.
- **Must declare and complete at least one GID emphasis.
*Students who declare a GID major must satisfy 1-2 before completing GID Portfolio Review. After passing the Portfolio Review, students MUST declare an emphasis of either Digital Design & Production, Graphic Design, or Interactive Media.
**If declaring more than one GID emphasis, the GID 492 courses must be repeated for each emphasis. Also, the same courses may not be used in multiple emphasis. For example, any required course in one emphasis may not count as an elective in another emphasis, or any elective course in one emphasis may not count as an elective in another emphasis.
Graphic & Interactive Design Graduation Requirements:
To graduate with a degree in Graphic & Interactive Design, students must complete all courses in the major with a “C-” or above (which includes core, emphasis, and related requirement courses) and have a major GPA of at least 3.0.
FILM and GID Computer and Software Requirements:
The FILM and GID programs have a laptop recommendation. While computer labs are available to you, we want you to have a computer powerful enough for at home use. Current equipment specifications as well as any purchase options will be discussed during the first semester of enrollment. Educational pricing for hardware purchases can be made at https://www.apple.com/us-hed/shop/back-to-school. Software resources are referenced below.
LAPTOP
Our recommendation is a MacBook Pro. A 13” model customized with 16GB of RAM will suffice for your curriculum, however the 14” and 16” models have larger screens, better CPU processing and graphic power, and an HDMI out built in. The 14” and 16” models can accommodate more than 16GB of RAM as well whereas the 13” inch maximum is 16GB.
You will need a USB-C to USB adapter as well. USB-C hubs featuring ethernet, HDMI out (if 13" model), and passthrough charging are also available online (less expensive than Apple).
SOFTWARE:
- Microsoft Office - available for student rates and to download at https://www2.mnstate.edu/it/office365/
- An Adobe CC license will be provided to all SoMAD majors (ANIM, FILM, GID).
- If Film majors are interested in working with Final Cut Pro, it is available in our campus Mac labs, and licensing can be purchased for your personal computer at the following site:
TABLET (GID-only)
Additionally, if you are interested in pursuing an iPad for more digital design and illustration and the use of Adobe CC mobile applications, we suggest a range of offerings. The lowest cost being the iPad and pencil, to the higher cost iPad Pro and Apple Pencil (ideal for advanced Augmented Reality tasks).
Related Requirements
( 14 credits )
ART 233 Global Art History I (LASC 8) (3)
ART 234 Global Art History II (LASC 8) (3)
FILM 275 Film Appreciation (LASC 6) (4)
FILM 285 History of Motion Pictures (LASC 8) (4)
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Emphasis in Digital Design & Production
Program Requirements
( 23 credits )
COMM 283 Advertising & PR Principles (3) –or– ANIM 366 2D Animation & Motion Graphics (4)
GID 430 Advanced Digital Design (4)
GID 434 Digital Prepress & Production (4)
GID 438 Digital Design & Production Studio (4)
*GID 492A Capstone Research: DDP & IM (4)
*GID 492B Capstone Project: DDP & IM (4)
*NOTE: GID 492A & GID 492B project must have a Digital Design & Production focus.
Restricted Electives
( 8 credits )
Students must choose elective courses from the following list (all course prerequisites must be met):
GID 314 Experience Design (4)
GID 410 Advanced Typographic Design (4)
GID 390 Topics in GID (1–4)
GID 450 Advanced Interactive Media (4)
GID 454 Immersive Media (4)
GID 458 Interactive Media Studio (4)
GID 469 Internship (1–12)
ANIM 116 Foundations in Animation (4)
ANIM 366 2D Animation and Motion Graphics (4) (if NOT used in Emphasis Requirements)
ART 203D Introduction to Printmaking (4)
ART 203L Introduction to Illustration (4)
AEM 161 Introduction to Copyright & Trademark Law (3)
AEM 181 Introduction to Audio Production (3)
AEM 261 Legal & Ethical Issues in Entertainment (3)
FILM 175 Video Production (4)
FILM 372 Editing Techniques (4)
PHO 201 Intro to Film Based Photography –or– PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (whichever course NOT used in Core Requirements)(4)
Emphasis in Interactive Media
Program Requirements
( 24 credits )
ANIM 366 2D Animation and Motion Graphics (4)
GID 450 Advanced Interactive Media (4)
GID 454 Immersive Media (4)
GID 458 Interactive Media Studio (4)
*GID 492A Capstone Research: DDP & IM (4)
*GID 492B Capstone Project: DDP & IM (4)
*NOTE: GID 492A & GID 492B project must have a Interactive Media focus.
Restricted Electives
( 8 credits )
Students must choose elective courses from the following list (all course prerequisites must be met):
GID 314 Experience Design (4)
GID 410 Advanced Typographic Design (4)
GID 390 Topics in GID (1–4)
GID 430 Advanced Digital Design (4)
GID 434 Digital Prepress & Production (4)
GID 438 Digital Design & Production Studio (4)
GID 469 Internship (1–12)
ANIM 116 Foundations in Animation (4)
ANIM 216 3D Modeling (4)
CSIS 152 Intro to Computers & Programming I-a (3)
CSIS 153 Intro to Computers & Programming I-b (3)
AEM 161 Introduction to Copyright & Trademark Law (3)
AEM 181 Introduction to Audio Production (3)
AEM 383 Sound for Film & Video (3)
FILM 175 Video Production (4)
FILM 372 Editing Techniques (4)
PHO 201 Intro to Film Based Photography –or– PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (whichever course NOT used in Core Requirements)(4)
Emphasis in Graphic Design
Program Requirements
( 24 credits )
GID 314 Experience Design (4)
GID 410 Advanced Typographic Design (4)
GID 430 Advanced Digital Design (4)
GID 469 Internship (4)
*GID 492C Capstone Research: GD (4)
*GID 492D Capstone Project: GD (4)
*NOTE: GID 492C & GID 492D project must have a Graphic Design focus.
Restricted Electives
( 8 credits )
Students must choose elective courses from the following list (all course prerequisites must be met):
GID 390 Topics in GID (1–4)
GID 434 Digital Prepress & Production (4)
GID 438 Digital Design & Production Studio (4)
GID 450 Advanced Interactive Media (4)
GID 454 Immersive Media (4)
GID 458 Interactive Media Studio (4)
ANIM 116 Foundations in Animation (4)
ANIM 366 2D Animation and Motion Graphics (4)
ART 203C Introduction to Painting (4)
ART 203E Introduction to Sculpture (4)
ART 203L Introduction to Illustration (4)
ART 233M Global Art History I: Methods (1)
ART 234M Global Art History II: Methods (1)
AEM 161 Introduction to Copyright & Trademark Law (3)
FILM 175 Video Production (4)
PHO 201 Intro to Film Based Photography –or– PHO 202 Basic Digital Imaging (whichever course NOT used in Core Requirements)(4)