The Briar Cliff University major in Graphic Design integrates the traditional mass media education with design and production skills for the field of Graphic Design. The program includes typography, drawing, history, design theory, and design production. This interdisciplinary program will produce educated and well-trained men and women in a liberal arts tradition. Students will gain a solid understanding of the capabilities of new technology and learn to create and design information for the complex global community in which we live.

All Graphic Design majors must complete a minimum of three credit hours of internship/work experience at an approved Graphic Design site. It is strongly recommended that a student majoring in Graphic Design obtain at least a minor in one of the following disciplines: Art, Business Administration, Mass Communication or Writing.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the graphic design major at Briar Cliff University will obtain the following.

Knowledge: Information and Theoretical Concepts:

• Interpret the role the media and how it has affected society from a historical perspective.
  

• Demonstrate an understanding of the profession within the context of convergence.
  

• Have knowledge of theories and concepts prevalent in the field.
  Understand the broad history of the visual arts and visual communications.
  

• Define graphic design.
  

• Become familiar with design precedents.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Responsibility

• Be familiar with important legal issues that face the field of mass communication.
  

• Develop personal values based upon ethical standards.
  

• Recognize ethical dilemmas that face mass media professionals.
  

• Recognize the power of the media and its effects on society.

Writing for the Communication Field

• Demonstrate proficiency in the various writing styles appropriate for the communication professions.
  

• Demonstrate the ability to write and edit articles for publication.
  

• Critically evaluate written and oral presentations for style and content.

Visual Communication
Interpret, create, and disseminate visual information.
Be able to draw still life and the figure.
Be able to design two and or three dimensional compositions.

Electronic Applications
Obtain and demonstrate the skill necessary to use technologies appropriate to the field.
Plan, create, and complete projects using electronic media.

Applied Learning
Apply the knowledge and skills appropriate in the communication field.
Demonstrate skills needed for an entry-level position in the profession.

Research in Mass Communication
Understand, analyze, and evaluate research.
Demonstrate an understanding of research methods.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design (57 credits )

ART 110 Drawing (3)
MCOM 101 Introduction to Mass Communication (3)
MCOM 200 Beginning Newswriting (3)
GDES 203 History of Graphic Design (3)
MCOM 216 Basic Photography - Digital (3)
MCOM 220 Visual Communications (3)
GDES 224 Typography (3)
MCOM 225 Graphic Communications (3)
MCOM 225L Graphic Communications Lab (1)
GDES 340 Advertising Design (3)
MCOM 300 Legal and Ethical issues in the Media (3)
MCOM 325 Website Production (3)
GDES 325 Graphic Design Production I (3)
GDES 330 Package Design (2)
GDES 335 Graphic Design Production II (3)
GDES 445 Graphic Design Production III (3)
GDES 350 Information Graphics (3)
GDES 345 Motion Graphics (2)
GDES 071 Magazine Practicum I (1)
GDES 072 Magazine Practicum II (1)
GDES 400 Senior Exhibition (1)
MCOM 440 Research in Mass Communications (3)
GDES 490 Internship (3)

Electives:
GDES 091 Briar Cliff Review Design (2)

Minor Requirement: 18 hours approved by the department chairperson of which six hours must be at the 300-level courses.

See The Department of Mass Media Handbook for more information about the graphic design major and The Department of Mass Media.