B.F.A. in Design and Animation – Concentration in Graphic and Interactive Design

About the Program

The BFA in Design and Animation with a Concentration in Graphic and Interactive Design is a professional degree program specifically created to prepare students for a career in graphic design and its many associated career directions. Our curriculum offers comprehensive courses in print graphics, UI/UX, web design, branding, and motion graphics. Students can further their educational experience with advanced-level options in animation, creative book arts, digital imaging, interactive design, photography, and explorative typography. Students develop user experiences and branding campaigns that involve a high level of conceptualization and implementation. Additionally, they greatly benefit from a capstone sequence that includes a hands-on internship and a year-long senior portfolio and thesis experience.

Marketable Skills

At the completion of this degree, students will be able to:

• Think creatively and apply visual solutions to design-related problems
• Use software related to print, UI/UX design, Web design, motion graphics and animation
• Develop projects from initial production through final outcome
• Understand historical and contemporary issues related to design
• Prepare source files for preparation in digital and offset printing
• Create unique images using both digital and traditional illustration methods
• Apply verbal and written communication skills necessary for professional success
• Use basic to advanced photographic skills for graphic-design-specific applications
• Prepare business-related artifacts needed for success in the field (including composing estimates, design strategy, managing budgets, writing contracts, negotiating client relationships, and time management)
• Prepare a résumé and portfolio for both web and print
• Use their internship requirement as regional work experience in the field
• Avail themselves of competitive opportunities for career recognition

Core Courses

• Basic Design and Composition
• Introduction to Digital Design
• Graphic Design Studio I
• Typography

Student Outcomes

Graduates of this program are well prepared to pursue careers in:

• Graphic design (print, UI/UX, web, motion)
• Interactive media design
• Interaction design
• UI/UX design and interactive prototyping
• Corporate production/management
• Web design
• Communications/marketing
• Book/editorial design
• Trade show/exhibition design
• Illustration
• Product/packaging design
• Signage/information graphics
• Architectural graphics

Undergraduate Research & Internships

In addition to completing internships and project-based courses, students in this program gain real-world experience by developing a portfolio of original projects and designs that showcase their unique talents and style.