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Art BFA - Graphic Design



Overview

The BFA in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design prepares students for dynamic careers in visual communication through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum. Grounded in design fundamentals including typography, information hierarchy, concept development, and visual exploration, the program emphasizes both technical proficiency and conceptual innovation. Students learn to communicate ideas across diverse media by integrating visual and textual content, while developing collaborative skills and a strong understanding of audience and context. Admission is competitive and requires a portfolio review following foundational coursework. Once accepted, students gain access to professional studios, mentorship from experienced faculty, and experiential learning through the Layton Design Studio. Graduates pursue careers in branding, motion design, publishing, UX/UI, and in-house creative teams at companies such as CNN, Instagram, IBM, and Conde Nast.

Contact

Undergraduate Coordinator ldadvise@uga.edu

Four-Year Program of Study

Four-Year Program of Study

The following program of study provides a path for students to complete this degree program in four years.

Fall Year 1
ARST 1040  Proseminar in Studio Art 1
ARST 1050  Drawing I: Observation and Visual Language 3
ARST 1060  Color/Composition 3
ENGL 1101  English Composition I 3
FYOS 1001  First-Year Odyssey Seminar 1

Choose 1 course(s) from the following:

ARHI 2300  Introduction to Art History: Prehistory to Renaissance 3
ARHI 2400  Introduction to Art History: Renaissance to Contemporary 3
Spring Year 1

Area IV World Languages and Global Culture Course

ARGD 2010  Graphic Design Survey 3
ARST 1080  Three-Dimensional Design 3
ARST 2020  Ideation and Methodologies 3
ENGL 1102  English Composition II 3
Summer Year 1

N/A

Fall Year 2

Area II Life or Physical Science Course

AND Lab course

ARGD 3030  Typography 3

ARHI 3000-level Course

ARST 2210  Introduction to Photography and Image Culture 3

Design Focus Track or Professional Elective Course

Spring Year 2
ARGD 3020  Graphic Systems 3
ARGD 3070  The History of Graphic Design 3

Design Focus Track or Professional Elective Course

POLS 1101  American Government 3

Studio elective course

Summer Year 2

N/A

Fall Year 3
ARGD 3060  Type and Image 3
ARGD 4115  Design Professional Practices 3
ARGD 4190  Topics in Digital Platforms and Dynamic Media I 3
MATH 1101  Introduction to Mathematical Modeling 3

Studio elective course

Spring Year 3
ARGD 4030  Advanced Typography 3
ARGD 4090  Visual Narrative Systems 3

ARHI 3000- or 4000-level course

Design Focus Track or Professional Elective Course

Choose 1 course(s) from the following:

HIST 2111  American History to 1865 3
HIST 2112  American History Since 1865 3
Summer Year 3

N/A

Fall Year 4

Area II Life or Physical Science Course Area IV World Languages and Global Culture Course

ARGD 4020  Environmental Branding and Experiential Graphic Design 3

PEDB course

Studio elective course

Choose 1 course(s) from the following:

ARGD 4060  Design Center 3
ARGD 4070  Advanced Inquiry in Graphic Design 3
Spring Year 4

Area III Quantitative Reasoning Course Area IV Humanities and the Arts Course Area V Social Sciences Course

ARGD 4110  Graphic Design Senior Capstone 3

ARGD elective course

Summer Year 4

N/A

University-Wide Requirements

Link: University-wide Requirements