Nov 23, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

Graphic Design, B.A. (Day)


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The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Columbia College is designed to provide you with training in studio techniques, criticism, and the history of graphic design. Design students will learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and creatively solve problems-skills that will allow you to adapt to numerous employment opportunities. 

Starting with core foundation courses, you will be introduced to the principles of art & design while learning about materials, tools (like Adobe), and vocabulary. Art history courses, senior portfolio, and upper-level electives will expand your understanding of art/design and its potential. While all design students take the core requirements, each student has flexibility in the upper level elective courses. You will develop a unique and individualistic approach to your own work. You will also gain an appreciation of diverse cultural contexts through gallery exhibitions, visiting artists, and extracurricular activities.

A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design prepares you for various job opportunities including:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Product or Packaging Designer
  • Publication/Editorial Design
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Brand Manager
  • User Interface / User Experience design
  • Web & App Design
  • Motion Designer
  • Business Owner, aided through Entrepreneurial and/or Marketing courses
  • Teaching, through certification in arts education

General Education Requirements(39-42 sem. hrs)


For a complete list of general education courses click here  ​. For additional information on general education requirements, including click here  .

Ethics Course Requirement(3 sem. hrs)


Ethics Course Requirement (3 sem. hrs)

Foreign Language Requirement(6 sem. hrs)


For information on how to fulfill the foreign language requirement click here  .

Art Studio Electives (9 sem. hrs)


Candidates must complete 9 upper-level studio electives. Possible electives are:

Other Electives(12-15 sem. hrs)


Final Evaluation


Completion of a final evaluation by satisfactorily passing ARTS 496W , a course designed to assess the outcomes of the program.

Total: 120 (sem. hrs)


The total reflects the minimum number of hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Some courses listed above may fulfill more than one requirement block. Please speak to your academic advisor to plan your specific degree path.

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