BFA IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
2023-2024 | Curriculum | 4-year program
The core curriculum in Graphic Design builds a range of analytical, formal, sensory and technical design experiences. Sophomores begin exploring visual principles of form, image, color and typography. Conceptual thinking in areas such as communication theory, visual systems and information design forms the focus of the junior year. During senior year, emphasis is placed on design applications, with a range of electives available to expose students to specific areas of graphic design practice. Juniors and seniors also have opportunities to pursue professional internships over the summer or during the semester.
FOUNDATION YEAR | ||||||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 | 3 | 15 | ||||||
SOPHOMORE | ||||||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | ||||||
Design Studio I | 3 | Major, Non-major Studio, Open Elective or Liberal Arts [a] | 3 | Design Studio 2 | 3 | |||
Typography I | 3 | Typography II | 3 | |||||
History of Graphic Design | 3 | |||||||
Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives [a] | 3 or 6 | Color + Surface | 3 | |||||
Liberal Arts [a] | 3 or 6 | Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives [a] | 3 or 6 | |||||
Liberal Arts [a] | 3 or 6 | |||||||
Total CREDITS | 15 | Total CREDITS | 3 | Total CREDITS | 15 | |||
JUNIOR | ||||||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | ||||||
Typography III | 3 | Major, Non-major Studio, Open Elective or Liberal Arts [a] | 3 | Design Studio 4 | 6 | |||
Design Studio 3 | 6 | Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives [a] | 3 or 6 | |||||
Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives [a] | 0 or 3 | Liberal Arts [a] | 3 or 6 | |||||
Liberal Arts [a] | 3 or 6 | |||||||
Total CREDITS | 15 | Total CREDITS | 3 | Total CREDITS | 15 | |||
SENIOR | ||||||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | ||||||
Major Electives [a] | 3 or 6 | Major, Non-major Studio, Open Elective or Liberal Arts [a] | 3 | Degree Project | 6 | |||
Non-major Studio or Open Elective [a] | 0 or 3 or 6 | Non-major Studio or Open Elective [a] | 0 or 3 or 6 | |||||
Liberal Arts [a] | 3 or 6 | Liberal Arts [a] | 3 or 6 | |||||
Total CREDITS | 12 | Total CREDITS | 3 | Total CREDITS | 12 | |||
Total Credits: 126 | ||||||||
Notes:
[a] Choose a Liberal Arts, Major or Non-Major Studio Elective, depending on unfulfilled degree requirements and class availability.
Graphic Design Core Requirements: 48 credits
Typography: 9 credits (GRAPH-3214: Type 1, GRAPH-3215: Type II, GRAPH-3223: Type III)
Introductory Design Courses: 12 credits (GRAPH-3210: Design Studio 1, GRAPH-3220: Design Studio 2, GRAPH-3225: History of Graphic Design, GRAPH-3211: Color + Surface)
Advanced Design Courses: 18 credits (GRAPH-3226: Design Studio 3, GRAPH-3216: Design Studio 4, GRAPH-3298: Degree Project)
GD Major Electives: 9 credits (elective course offerings vary each semester)
Open Electives: 6 credits (courses from any part of RISD or Brown, major, non-major, liberal arts or studio)
Students entering the Department of Graphic Design as sophomore or transfer students must participate in its required Academic Laptop Program, purchasing hardware, software, upgrades and insurance.