Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA)

GRD1100 Graphic Design Principles  

3 Credits 

Introduces foundational concepts of two-dimensional design and color theory. Students examine the elements and principles of design and their role in visual communication. Emphasis is placed on the graphic design process, concept development, and thumbnail sketching. Students also study influential designers and movements to understand how theory informs contemporary design practice.  

GRD1101 Photoshop and Digital Graphics  

3 Credits 

Investigates the principles of visual design using Adobe Photoshop, emphasizing creative expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking to produce professional-grade visual assets. 

GRD1102 Illustrator and Digital Graphics 

3 Credits 

Surveys the world of vector-based design and illustration using Adobe Illustrator. Students will explore the unique capabilities of vector graphics, enabling them to create original, scalable, and high-quality graphics for print and digital applications. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the tools and techniques specific to Illustrator and applying design principles effectively in vector-based projects. 

Prerequisite: GRD1101 

GRD1106 Survey of Graphic Design History 

3 Credits 

Traces the development of visual communication from early image making to contemporary graphic design practice. Emphasizes how cultural, social, and technological developments shape the use of images and typography. 

GRD1170 Drawing  

3 Credits 

Develops drawing skills for graphic design and the visual arts. Includes genres of fine art such as observation of the human figure in composition. Drawings will include three-dimensional objects, perspective, still life, and the landscape. 

GRD1190 Typography I 

3 Credits 

Introduces the history, physical attributes, family classification, terminology, and structural aspects of type. Students explore typography as a medium that conveys aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual meaning. Students create effective marketing materials by incorporating type as an integrated and active element. 

Prerequisite: GRD1100 

GRD2205 Three-Dimensional Design 

3 Credits 

Focuses on spatial organization, transforming two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional experiences. Students will explore balance, form, and volume while experimenting with various construction methods and materials. Hands-on projects enable students to create, represent, and respond to form in physical space. The course combines lectures, guided assignments, and critiques to offer a well-rounded understanding of three-dimensional design. 

Prerequisite: GRD1170 

GRD2211 Modern Art History 

3 Credits 

Surveys the development and methodology of art from the late 19th through the 20th century within its historical, social, political, and technological contexts. This course emphasizes aesthetics, art appreciation, and the global perspectives that contributed to the Modernist movement. 

GRD2216 Interactive Design I 

3 Credits 

Explores fundamental interactive design issues, focusing on psychological frameworks and design thinking methodologies. Students apply user experience (UX) principles and research strategies to develop empathy-driven design concepts.  

GRD2220 3D Design and Modeling 

3 Credits 

Introduces 3D design as a key method for visual communication. Students explore form, space, scale, lighting, and materials by creating 3D objects and typographic elements. The course emphasizes transforming two-dimensional design concepts into three-dimensional outcomes for real-world graphic design applications, such as branding, packaging, environmental graphics, and static campaign visuals. 

GRD2231 History of Film and Animation 

3 Credits 

Examines the technological and narrative development of film and animation across diverse cultures and eras. This course explores the evolution from early optical devices to contemporary digital media, emphasizing the influence of major milestones on modern motion-based design practice. 

GRD2240 Digital Publishing 

3 Credits 

Explores the integration of type and images in digital page layouts and multiple-page projects. The emphasis will be on the application of industry standard software for both print and digital output. 

Prerequisite: GRD1102 or GRD1190 

GRD2290 Typography II 

3 Credits 

Develops the skills acquired in Typography I. Projects incorporate type as a decorative element to produce creative marketable design results. Principles of selecting typeface, use of grids, and basic layout designs and formats are addressed. 

Prerequisite: GRD1190 

GRD3305 Design Production 

3 Credits 

Emphasizes a comprehensive exploration of design production techniques. Students will learn the intricacies of pre-press operations, mastering color separations, file formats, and color modes. Through rigorous study, they will gain proficiency in font management and develop a nuanced understanding of paper types, including crops and bleeds. 

Prerequisite GRD2240 

GRD3316 Interactive Design II 

3 Credits 

Focuses on systems thinking and collaborative design-to-development processes used in professional teams. Students synthesize research into high-fidelity products using AI-assisted workflows and usability validation to create scalable digital solutions. 

Prerequisite GRD2216 

GRD3220 3D Design and Modeling II 

3 Credits 

Builds on foundational three-dimensional design skills with an emphasis on applied visual communication. Students develop refined 3D assets and scenes focusing on composition, narrative, and integration across media. The course emphasizes how 3D design supports graphic systems, storytelling, and contemporary design practice. 

Prerequisite GRD2220 

GRD3360 Packaging Design  

3 Credits 

Covers the practical and creative aspects of packaging from concept to completion. Students learn to design and construct packaging using industry-standard methods, including 3D modeling and physical prototype creation. An emphasis is placed on the critical integration of typography, color, and branding in developing functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions. 

Prerequisite: GRD1102 

GRD3395 Branding 

3 Credits 

Acquaints students with the various aspects of branding and brand identity design. Students explore brand values, storytelling, tone, and other components of the brand development process. Through hands-on projects, they craft authentic brand identities for consistent representation across platforms. 

Prerequisite: GRD2240 

GRD4405 Motion Graphics 

3 Credits 

Provides a foundational introduction to Adobe After Effects and the core principles of motion design. Students explore timing, spacing, and kinetic typography for digital platforms. The course emphasizes software proficiency and the aesthetic requirements for creating short-form brand assets through movement. 

Prerequisites GRD2290 

GRD4406 Motion Graphics II 

3 Credits 

Explores advanced motion workflows for multi-platform campaigns, focusing on the production standards required for digital out-of-home, broadcast, and streaming media. Students synthesize 2D and 3D assets into a comprehensive production pipeline, integrating media storytelling. 

Prerequisite GRD4405 

GRD4411 Emerging Technology in Design 

3 Credits 

Explores how creative assistants like AI, interactive media, and smart systems are transforming the design world. Students will learn to use emerging tools to accelerate brainstorming, automate repetitive tasks, and create designs that interact with the physical world. Topics in copyright, ethics, and human-centered responsibility within contemporary graphic design practice contexts are also covered. 

Prerequisite GRD3316 

GRD4430 Contemporary Issues in Art & Design 

3 Credits 

Investigates contemporary art and design issues and their application to professional creative practice. Students utilize research and writing methodologies to examine the social, economic, ethical, and technological forces that shape the modern design landscape. 

GRD4455 Capstone Research 

3 Credits 

Offers students an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choosing while concurrently devising a strategic plan for their upcoming Senior Showcase project. Successful completion involves the presentation and defense of the project proposal, affirming their expertise in their chosen area of concentration. 

Prerequisite: GRD3360 

GRD4460 Capstone Project 

3 Credits 

Engages students in the hands-on production of their creative endeavors. Successful completion marks the pinnacle of their academic journey, showcasing their design expertise in a public exhibition. 

 Prerequisite: GRD4455 

GRD4470 Special Topics in Graphic Design 

3 Credits 

Explores diverse subjects in graphic design. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts presented, culminating in the creation of polished, portfolio-ready projects. 

Prerequisite: GRD3395 

GRD4481 Portfolio 

3 Credits 

Provides a studio and critique workshop. Students edit, create, add, highlight, and refine projects to meet industry standards and promote individual graphic design skills in their specialized area. This course is taken in a student's senior year.  

Prerequisite: GRD3395 

GRD4483 Internship 

3 Credits 

Provides a field-based internship experience where students acquire career/professional skills within the graphic design industry. This course is taken during a student's last semester of study.  

Prerequisite: Departmental permission 

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES* 

ENG1105 Writing and Research 

3 Credits 

An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing. 

ENG2205 Writing Through Literature 

3 Credits 

Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres. 

Prerequisite: ENG1105 

ENG3316 The Confident Writer 

3 Credits 

Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres, including personal profile, journalism, criticism, and more. Students build their reading, writing, and researching skills while also reinforcing the fundamental concepts and current developments associated with the areas of their respective majors. 

Prerequisite: ENG2205 

HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics 

3 Credits 

Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development, the major figures within that history, and ethical and moral issues that face us today. This course presents the perspectives of various schools of thought and encourages students’ own critical thinking on ethical and moral issues in dialogue with others.  

MAT2211 College Algebra 

3 Credits 

Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches. Topics include the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value, rational and exponential functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, logarithms, and polynomials. 

Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score 

SOC2110 AI-Powered Communication 

3 Credits 

Explores emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) trends and their social and ethical implications. Analyzes the impact of AI on content generation, creativity, media production, and employment. With a focus on academic and professional integrity, students will develop and apply AI literacy skills in a variety of contexts.  

SOC1123 First Year Experience 

3 Credits 

Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree. Students will identify their own perceived challenges, share critical insights to meeting them, and implement their own plan of action to address and overcome such challenges. 

SOC2231 Human Relations 

3 Credits 

Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors. 

English Elective- 3 Credits 

Humanities Elective- 3 Credits  

Liberal Arts Electives- 3 Credits  

Mathematics/Science Elective- 3 Credits 

Social Science Elective- 3 Credits 

120 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 

*12 credits of Liberal Arts Electives must be at the 3000/4000 level. 

This program also requires students to obtain specific supplies, the cost of which totals approximately $200.00. Detailed, itemized information describing the required supplies and listing typical prices for each such item is available at https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2026-2027/admissions/undergraduate-degree-program-tuition-fees-2026-2027/index.html