Graphic Design BFA Degree Program
http://fitnyc.edu/graphicdesign
School of Art and Design
Applications accepted for fall only. NYSED: 24515 CIP: 50.0409
The major in Graphic Design requires students to hone a personal voice based on critical thinking, social awareness, and the ability to communicate across an array of platforms utilizing the full range of media, from the tactile to advanced digital technology. Topics of study include editorial design, interactive web design, and experiential design (exhibitions and wayfinding), along with advanced typography, branding, motion graphics, and new design approaches and practices. An internship is required and often leads to sustained positions in the vast field of multidisciplinary design. Curriculum below is for the entering class of fall 2025.
Semester 5 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
MAJOR AREA | GD 331 - Typography and Language | 2 |
GD 332 - Design in Cultural Context | 3 | |
GD 345 - Core Studio I: Design and Methodology | 3 | |
RELATED AREA | CT 321 - Print and Digital Production | 2 |
CT 332 - Motion Graphics for Designers | 3 | |
LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements | 3 |
choice - see Requirements: Liberal Arts/History of Art | 3 | |
Semester 6 | ||
MAJOR AREA | GD 333 - Typeface Design | 2 |
GD 346 - Core Studio II: Design and Culture | 3 | |
choice - see Requirements/Major Area Electives | 2 | |
RELATED AREA | CT 341 - Design for Web-based User Interface | 3 |
LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements | 3 |
choice - see Requirements | 3 | |
Semester 7 | ||
MAJOR AREA | GD 444 - Core Studio III: Design and Innovation | 3 |
GD 461 - Professional Preparation | 2 | |
GD 491 - Senior Thesis Research | 3 | |
choice - see Requirements: Major Area Elective(s) | 2 | |
RELATED AREA | choice - see Requirements: Related Area Electives | 2 |
LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements | 3 |
Semester 8 | ||
MAJOR AREA | GD 492 - Senior Thesis Project | 3 |
GD 493 - Internship | 4 | |
LIBERAL ARTS | choice - see Requirements | 3 |
GENERAL ELECTIVE(S) | choice of General Elective(s) | 2 |
TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS | ||
GENERAL ELECTIVE(S) | 2 | |
MAJOR AREA | 32 | |
RELATED AREA | 10 | |
LIBERAL ARTS | 18 | |
Total Credits: | 62 |
Fall 2025 Requirements: See below.
Major Area Elective(s): 4 credits
CHOICE of GD 334, GD 335, GD 347, GD 361, GD 380A, or GD 414
Related Area Elective(s): 2 credits
CHOICE of any one or two elective course(s) in Art and Design (for which prerequisites have been met) totaling 2 credits.
Liberal Arts and Sciences Course Content Requirements
(24 AAS credits* + 18 BFA credits = 42 credits total)
- English: 6 credits.
- EN 131* (or EN 121 transferred or taken prior to Fall 2024) (meets G1)
- CHOICE any 200- or 300-level EN literature or speech course*
- History of Art: 12 credits.
- 3 credits CHOICE of one (1) HA course that meets General Education Other World Civilizations requirement (meets G9)
- 9 credits CHOICE of (3) additional courses (See the full list of Art/Design History courses under HA: History of Art and Civilization. (meets G7)*
- Mathematics: 3 credits.
- CHOICE of any MA that meets SUNY G2*
- Natural Science: 3 credits.
- CHOICE of any SC that meets SUNY G3*
- General Education: 6 credits. CHOICE of two different SUNY General Education Areas*:
- Social Sciences (G4)
- Western Civilization (G5)
- Arts (G6)
- Foreign Language (G8)
- American History (G10)
Liberal Arts Elective(s): 12 credits.* Select a Liberal Arts course (for which prerequisites have been met) from the following subject areas: AB (Arabic); CH (Chinese); EC (Economics); EN (English); FI (Film and Media Studies); FR (French); HA (History of Art); HE (Health Education) HE 201, HE 301; IT (Italian); JA (Japanese); HI (History); MA (Math); MC (Modern Languages and Cultures); MU (Music); PC (Political Science); PE (Physical Education and Dance) PE 215, PE 216, PE 217; PL (Philosophy); PO (Portuguese); PY (Psychology); SC (Science); SO (Sociology); SP (Spanish); and SS (Social Sciences). See Liberal Arts Courses.
*Credits from AAS will apply as appropriate
FIT’s 2+2 degree structure requires an earned AAS or equivalent plus all the BS or BFA degree requirements. For more information, please see Requirements for Degree Completion.
Upon graduating from the Graphic Design BFA program, students will be able to:
- Design with typography as a primary element in graphic design.
- Execute innovative typographic solutions that transcend cultural trends.
- Implement professional presentation techniques (including verbal and visual) and apply them when needed.
- Discuss and explain current design issues.
- Create a professional portfolio that demonstrates problem-solving expertise (including advanced typography, creative concepts, and innovative solutions necessary for an entry-level design position at leading graphic design firm).
- Create original work which meets professional industry standards.
- Analyze industry trends and adapt to evolving design challenges.