Graphic Design
http://fitnyc.edu/graphicdesign
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Program (BFA)
Applications accepted for fall only. HEGIS 1009
The Graphic Design major provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume entry-level design positions in fashion, retailing, publishing, nonprofit organizations, and innovative design firms.
| Semester 5 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MAJOR AREA | GD 311 - Graphic Design I | 3 |
| GD 342 - Publication Design | 3 | |
| RELATED AREA | CD 371 - Advanced Typography I | 1.5 |
| CD 441 - Broadcast Design | 2 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | SS 334 - The Psychology of Color | 3 |
| choice - see Liberal Arts Elective* | 3 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | GD 312 - Graphic Design II | 3 |
| GD 344 - Graphic Design in Digital Media | 2 | |
| RELATED AREA | CD 322 - Design Process Technology | 2 |
| CD 361 - Professional Practices | 2 | |
| CD 372 - Advanced Typography II | 1.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | EN 322 - Writing in the Art and Design Professions | 3 |
| choice - see History of Art and Civilization* | 3 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | GD 411 - Graphic Design III | 3 |
| GD 441 - Environmental Graphics | 2 | |
| RELATED AREA | AD 494 - Senior Design Project Research | 3 |
| AD 496 - Advanced Advertising Design Workshop | 3 | |
| DD 231 - Color Production Techniques for Digital Prepress | 2 | |
| SD 303 - Screen Printing with Typographic Imagery | 1.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see American History* G10 | 3 |
| Semester 8 | ||
| MAJOR AREA | GD 414 - Graphic Design for Packaging | 2 |
| RELATED AREA | AD 464 - Senior Portfolio Design | 1.5 |
| AD 491 - Internship | 4 | |
| AD 495 - Senior Design Project | 3 | |
| CD 442 - Senior 3D Presentation Design | 1.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Other World Civilizations* G9 | 3 | TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS |
| MAJOR AREA | 18 | |
| RELATED AREA | 28.5 | |
| LIBERAL ARTS | 18 | |
| Total Credits: | 64.5 | |
SUNY General Education Requirements:
A “G” followed by a number 1-10 identifies specific courses that meet SUNY General Education baccalaureate degree requirements (or visit fitnyc.edu/gened ).
G1 Basic Communication; G2 Mathematics; G3 Natural Sciences; G4 Social Sciences; G5 Western Civilization; G6 The Arts; G7 Humanities; G8 Foreign Language; G9 Other World Civilizations; G10 American History.
*Requirements: See below.
Liberal Arts Elective: 3 credits
CHOICE of any non-HA liberal arts course.
American History: 3 credits
CHOICE of any non-HA course that meets the General Education American History requirement (G10).
Foreign Language:
The Gen. Ed. Foreign Language requirement (G8) has been waived for the Graphic Design major.
History of Art and Civilization: 3 credits
CHOICE of any HA course not previously taken or required.
Other World Civilizations: 3 credits
CHOICE of HA 121, 221, 223, 224, 225, 226, or any other HA course that meets the General Education requirement for Other World Civilizations (G9).
Evening/Weekend Option:
A five-semester evening/weekend option is available for this degree program (see the Curricula
or visit the FIT website at fitnyc.edu/evening_weekend
). The sequence of courses varies slightly from that listed on this page.
NOTE: SS 131 must be completed prior to entering this program.
Courses
GD 202 — Designing Identities
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students develop graphic identities that creatively reflect the essence of a corporation. They expand on the graphic identity with applications specific to the client's needs, including stationery and signage, vehicles, and uniforms.
Prerequisite(s): GD 216
GD 214 — The Corporate Image
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
Students develop corporate identity using logotype and logomark, with an emphasis on exploring creative solutions that define a corporate image. The logo application is extended to a complete corporate business system and finished to presentation form.
Prerequisite(s): CD 112
GD 216 — Foundation in Graphic Design
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course introduces the field of graphic design with an emphasis on the rapidly-evolving role of the profession. Graphic design processes are examined, including principles of design, grid systems, typography, and hierarchy, as they pertain to design, and the creation of a complete visual message.
Prerequisite(s): (for two-year Communication Design Foundation students) CD 215, CD 232, and CD 273
Co-requisite(s): (for one-year Communication Design Foundation students) DE 216
GD 232 — Survey of Graphic Design
3 CREDITS; 3 LECTURE HOURS
Traces the development of modern graphic design. Significant stylistic trends and influences are analyzed and compared. The processes used by major designers to realize design solutions are examined. The people, processes, and products involved in the development of modern graphic design are explored
GD 235 — Survey of Graphic Design
2 CREDITS; 2 LECTURE HOURS
For one-year AAS Communication Design students. Surveys visual communication from its earliest forms to its present visualized conceptions. Emphasizes links between society and the evolution of visual communication. Analyzes and compares major stylistic trends and influences
GD 243 — Website Design and Production
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students design and produce their own websites using computer markup languages. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the fundamentals of web design, including XHTML, CSS, and animation
GD 244 — Introduction to Web Design
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Students acquire a fundamental understanding of internet technology and attain basic web design skills. Topics addressed include hypertext markup language, cascading style sheets, digital imaging for the web, email marketing and the principles of web design.
Prerequisite(s): CD 126 or CD 225
GD 311 — Graphic Design I
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
In this comprehensive approach to the study of graphic communication, students develop an understanding of the inventive potential of form and message to create a visual language by analyzing, researching, and organizing information. (G6: Arts)
Prerequisite(s): CD 217 or (for Communication Design one-year students) CD 216
GD 312 — Graphic Design II
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
Students examine the analytical process used in visual problem solving and its role as a tool in communicating information. Students conceptualize and develop a visual campaign for a museum or institution and apply their designs comprehensively using a variety of media. (G6: Arts)
Prerequisite(s): CD 371 and GD 311
GD 317 — Designing with Digital Imagery
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
GD 342 — Publication Design
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
The conceptual and technical abilities required to design magazines and other publications are emphasized. Students learn the impact of marketing objectives, research, and technology on publication design.
Prerequisite(s): CD 217 or (for Communication Design Foundation one-year students) CD 216
GD 344 — Graphic Design in Digital Media
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Advanced use of technology in graphic design with an emphasis on the visual, technical, and organizational makeup of an interface. Students explore ways to create and communicate utilizing the principles of interactivity, hypermedia, and time-based media.
Prerequisite(s): CD 441
GD 401 — Graphic Design for Advertising
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
Students learn the systems and principles of graphic design and develop analytical abilities for visual problem solving in advertising.
Co-requisite(s): AD 481
GD 402 — Signage and Graphics
1 CREDIT; 2 LAB HOURS
For Interior Design students. Examines the design of signage and graphics as elements of architectural and interior environments and exhibition areas
GD 407 — Graphic Design for Toy Designers
1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS
Examines conceptual and executional skills of the designer, with emphasis on effective problem solving in graphic design.
Prerequisite(s): TY 313
GD 411 — Graphic Design III
3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS
Students build on their cognitive abilities and visual problem solving skills by developing innovative products. Students are encouraged to incorporate new technologies and materials into their designs.
Prerequisite(s): CD 372 and GD 312
GD 414 — Graphic Design for Packaging
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
Application of images and type to packaging design is studied. Various types of packaging, printing, and fabrication methods, as well as regulatory guidelines, are explored.
Prerequisite(s): CD 371 and GD 311
GD 441 — Environmental Graphics
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
An introduction to environmental graphic design that examines the basic concepts, language, materials, and processes necessary to solve communication problems in the built environment. Students work with scale, read plans, and construct models, as well as shape, volume, and form. They gain familiarity with traditional materials for fabrication and graphic production, and new and emerging electronic techniques.
Prerequisite(s): CD 372 and GD 311
GD 442 — Design and Interaction
2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS
This course emphasizes the human-centered design process and introduces important aspects of interface design. Key topics are introduced, including communication theory, user research and concept evaluation methods, visualization and navigation through information spaces, time-based information, paper prototyping, and usability testing