Bill H. Keeney, Department Chair

Woodbury University offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the major of Graphic Design. The program is structured to meet the needs of students wishing to acquire professional training in careers in graphic communication, advertising, publishing and computer graphics.

The curriculum emphasizes a professional approach to the study of visual communication by stressing both formal theory and practical techniques. The aim of the program is to prepare the graduate to enter the profession with the necessary and required skills and abilities. The educational process develops the student’s ability to analyze communication problems, produce creative design solutions, communicate ideas in visual using both words and images. The focus of the program is the development of creative concepts, individual artistic talents and an understanding of business and marketing principles.

The study of graphics, typography, advertising, package design and computer imaging is complemented by courses in business and the liberal arts. Additionally, students are encouraged to take a minor in business that further prepares them for entry into the professional world of graphic design. Most students complete their studies with credit-earning internships at local design studios or advertising agencies. Career opportunities include positions as graphic designer, art director, creative director, multimedia designer, computer illustrator, directors of marketing and corporate communications.

STUDENT COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS

In general, computer graphics courses in graphic design are Macintosh based.

Students are responsible for obtaining their own ISP and e-mail accounts. Notebooks and desktops used on campus should be equipped with a network LAN card. Please contact Bill Keeney at bill.keeney@woodbury.edu for further information about specific hardware and software requirements.

DESIGN STUDIO ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Less than average work is not acceptable for a professional degree. Students must maintain an annual studio cumulative grade point average of "C" (2.0) or better in order to continue in the design sequence.

PORTFOLIO REQUIRMENTS

Students majoring in Graphic Design are required to maintain a portfolio which includes their creative work from each major design studio completed at Woodbury University. Portfolios are reviewed in the junior year by a panel of design faculty and the Department Chair. The portfolio should demonstrate a sufficient mastery the knowledge and skills of Graphic Design and the ability to integrate the cumulative knowledge and skill into original and meaningful visual communications.

All students in the Graphic Design Major are required to submit a comprehensive portfolio of their work to be reviewed by the committee at the end of their Junior year of study or upon completion of 96 total units or 54 units in the major.

It is the student's responsibility to determine their class and unit status and to submit the porfolio in a timely manner. Submitting and passing the portfolio review is a prerequisite to enrolling in GD 480 Senior Studio and GD 485 Portfolio Presentation.

Detailed information on portfolio review requirements is available directly from the Department.