BFA.GRAPH - BFA: Graphic Design (126)
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The following curriculum is applicable to students entering RISD as transfer students in Fall 2024. First-year students follow the 120-credit curriculum.
2024 - 2025 | 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.
Degree Requirements
FIRST-YEAR | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 | Studio Elective | 3 | 15 | ||
SOPHOMORE | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
GRAPH 3210 - Design Studio I | 3 | Major, Non-major Studio, Open Elective or Liberal Arts | 3 | GRAPH 3220 - Design Studio 2 | 3 |
GRAPH 3214 - Typography I | 3 | GRAPH 3215 - Typography II | 3 | ||
GRAPH 3225 - History of Graphic Design | 3 | GRAPH 3211 - Color + Surface | |||
Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives | 3 or 6 | Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives | 3 or 6 | ||
Liberal Arts | 3 or 6 | Liberal Arts | 3 or 6 | ||
Total Credits | 15 | 3 | 15 | ||
JUNIOR | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
GRAPH 3223 - Typography III | 3 | Major, Non-major Studio, Open Elective or Liberal Arts | 3 | GRAPH 3216 - Design Studio 4 | 6 |
GRAPH 3226 - Design Studio 3 | 6 | Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives | 3 or 6 | ||
Major, Non-major Studio, or Open Electives | 0 or 3 | Liberal Arts | 3 or 6 | ||
Liberal Arts | 3 or 6 | ||||
Total Credits | 15 | 3 | 15 | ||
SENIOR | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
Major Electives | 3 or 6 | Major, Non-major Studio, Open Elective or Liberal Arts | 3 | GRAPH 3298 - Degree Project | 6 |
Non-major Studio or Open Elective | 0 or 3 or 6 | Non-major Studio or Open Elective | 0 or 3 or 6 | ||
Liberal Arts | 3 or 6 | Liberal Arts | 3 or 6 | ||
Total Credits | 12 | 3 | 12 | ||
Total Program Credits: 126
Notes:
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.