Graphic Design

Graphic Design Fundamentals

The graphic design program in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art encompasses the many specialized areas within the visual communications field. Faculty members provide diverse academic and professional expertise, while seven well-equipped graphic design studios enable students to gain experience with technology that is standard in the industry. The curriculum prepares students for this competitive field by emphasizing critical thinking and logical problem solving.

Advanced students have the opportunity to work with clients, printers, service bureaus and other professionals in the field. The students hone their design skills, business savvy, technical knowledge and teamwork abilities.

Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, providing comprehensive preparation for professional practice, also are offered in the following areas:

• Ceramics
• Metalsmithing
• Painting and Drawing
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Sculpture

Students in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art at UA also may earn a Bachelor of Arts in:

• Art Education
• Art History
• Studio Art

Our Faculty

• are practicing artists, designers and scholars
• place a premium on personal attention and excellent advising
• work side-by-side with students to help turn aspirations into accomplishments

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Experience

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art, located in Folk Hall, offers 70,000 square feet of learning space — enabling students to explore new areas of creative research and ensuring that their professional skills are cutting edge. Well-equiped studios are devoted to:

• ceramics
• commercial photography
• computer imaging
• drawing
• illustration
• metalsmithing
• painting
• photography
• sculpture
• two-dimensional design
• three-dimensional design

Folk Hall also is home to the Emily Davis Art Gallery, which showcases art and design of regional, national and international significance as well as student, juried student and scholarship exhibitions.

In addition, art majors benefit from the visiting artists and lecture series sponsored by the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art.

Real World Experience

Students are encouraged to participate in co-op programs and internships. In recent years, students have participated in co-op and internship programs at such diverse sites as:

• Disney World
• Central Intelligence Agency
• New York Stock Exchange
• advertising agencies
• design studios

Art Student Organizations

• Student Art League
• Design x Nine

Sample Curriculum

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

FIRST YEAR		THIRD YEAR
Fall Semester		Fall Semester
Arts Orientation	0	Typography 3**	3
Foundation Drawing I*	3	Junior Review**	1
Foundation 2D Design	3	Prof. Design Practices**	2
Intro to Design*	3	4DMotion*	3
English Option	4	Natural Science Option with Lab	4
Math (see adviser for placement)	4	Social Science Option	3
Total	16	Total	16
Spring Semester		Spring Semester
Foundation 3D Design	3	Typography 4 **	3
Foundation Life Dwg.*	3	Production 2*	3
Production I*	3	Illustration*	3
English Option	3	Intro to Pro Photography*	3
Survey of Art History 1	3	Social Science Option	3
Physical Education	1	Cultural Diversity Option	2
Total	16	Total	17
SECOND YEAR		FOURTH YEAR
Fall Semester		Fall Semester
Foundation Review*	0	Corporate Identity**	3
Typography 1 **	3	Adv. GD** or Adv. Illustr.	3
Drawing Techniques*	3	Web/Mobile Devices 2*	3
Digital Imaging*	3	Natural Science Option	3
Survey of Art History II	3	Cultural Diversity	2
Oral Communication	3	Art Studio Elective	3
Total	15	Total	17
Spring Semester		Spring Semester
Typography 2**	3	Graphic Presentations**	3
Intro to Photography*	3	Packaging**	3
Web/Mobile Devices 1*	3	4D Interactivity*	4
History of Graphic Design	3	Senior Exhibition	0
Humanities in theWestern Trad.	4	Humanities Option	3
Natural Science Option	1	Open Elective	2
Total	17	Total	14
		Total Required Credit Hours	128

*Must be taken in order
** Must be taken in designated semester sequence