Graphic Design is everywhere.

A graphic designer’s life is a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, and ever-changing profession. It is well-suited for those who have a lifelong love of learning. It’s a profession requiring visual, technical, and organizational skills. Graphic designers have an ethical responsibility to the viewer. This truth requires a Designer to possess integrity and honesty in the professional practice of design.

The graphic design major is the culmination of years of study, experimentation, critique, and creative problem-solving. Students learn how to design, how to think critically, communicate with purpose, and create work that serves others with clarity and integrity.

Regarding the use of AI:
“Intellect remains fundamentally a human endeavor. It cannot replicate human creativity, ethical judgment, or the ability to grasp the deeper significance of new ideas.”

Program Mission

The mission of the Graphic Design program is to inspire, educate, and prepare students, artistically, technically, and professionally, for careers in the field of visual communications. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition of the College, students gain a broad knowledge and develop focused dedication, using their well-honed skills to influence and transform culture through design.

Program Outcomes

1. Graduates will have visual communication problem-solving skills using good typography, layout, text, and images.
2. Graduates will have proficiency in current graphic design software.
3. Graduates will have a good understanding of best practices for the production of both print and digital design deliverables.
4. Graduates will have a professional portfolio reflecting a variety of media used in the industry.
5. Graduates will have perspectives on the role of design in promoting the good of people and societies and experience working with diverse clientele.

Process to Declare a Major in Graphic Design

Declaring a major is not acceptance into the program. It allows the student to be assigned a graphic design advisor while working toward acceptance into the major.

Students interested in declaring the major in Graphic Design must apply by November 1^st of their sophomore year.

The department will hold an informational meeting at the beginning of each semester to cover the application process and answer any questions students may have.

In order to submit the application, the student must have successfully completed the following courses:

• ART-1000 Drawing 1
• GRDN-1100 Design Essentials
• GRDN-2100 Graphic Design 1
• ART-2109 Color Theory
• And to be enrolled in (or have completed) GRDN-2120 Typography.

A Note to Transfer Students

Students admitted to Benedictine College as transfers from another institution who desire to major in Graphic Design must be accepted into the program through the same application process. They must have transfer equivalency for the foundation courses described above, at the discretion of the graphic design faculty, based on an evaluation of their transcripts and an initial portfolio review of prior coursework. Transfers will be evaluated on an ad hoc basis depending upon the semester they plan to enroll.

Faculty carefully consider each applicant’s comprehensive review packet that includes:

1. An application
2. An essay
3. A digital portfolio
4. An entrance exam

Application Status

1. Acceptance to the Major
   Indicates the student not only met, but exceeded the minimum expectations for the packet, and has demonstrated the necessary motivation, skill, dedication, and creativity required for successful completion of the requirements of the Graphic Design Major.
    
2. Provisional Approval

Indicates the student did not meet or exceed expectations on all criteria but demonstrates sufficient motivation and dedication. The faculty believes that the student could show the necessary improvement with an additional semester of study. Students will be required to submit an updated provisional review packet by March 15^th.

1. Denial
   Indicates the student has not met the minimum requirements for acceptance into the major and does not demonstrate potential to improve to a sufficient level to continue progressing through the curriculum. The student is denied and must seek another major.

Basic Information for all majors in the Department of Art and Design

A “C-” or better must be earned in each required course toward completion of the degree.

Students pursuing a major in the Department of Art and Design must take a minimum of 60% of the coursework required for the major at Benedictine College.

Program Requirements

Suggested Sequence of Courses for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design

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GRDN-3900 Design Thinking & Practice must be taken Spring of the Junior Year. Students wanting to study abroad must do so prior to their Junior year.