The minor in Graphic Design provides students with essential skills in digital imaging, illustration, layout, and visual communication. Through hands-on coursework using industry-standard software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, students learn to create visually compelling designs for print and digital media. Students explore typography, composition, color theory, and the principles of effective visual communication. Coursework emphasizes both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving, preparing students to translate ideas into professional-quality graphic design work. Students develop portfolios that showcase their ability to create illustrations, layouts, and visual communications for diverse audiences and platforms. This minor pairs well with majors in communication studies, marketing, digital media, education, or any field where visual communication and design skills enhance professional effectiveness. Graduates are prepared for careers in graphic design, marketing, advertising, publishing, and multimedia production.
Program at a Glance
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On campus
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
Required pre-minor courses 12 credits
Students formally apply to the minor program upon completion of these courses.
This course is designed to assist the student in a visual understanding of the art of the past and present. The Western tradition is analyzed, with emphasis upon art forms such as architecture, painting, and sculpture. The course highlights the major art periods starting with prehistory and ending with the modern era. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
Pre- or co-requisite: ENG 102 or the equivalent, and ASL 125
An introduction to the language of art and design (space, line, shape, value, texture and color) and the principle of composition for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. A series of hands-on projects will reinforce these concepts. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
This course introduces students to the Macintosh computer system, digital camera basics, and Adobe software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Digital imaging, illustration, layout, and other digital art techniques will be introduced. This course is intended to prepare students for intermediate classes in graphic design, web design, photography, and digital art.
A foundation course in drawing. An introduction to principles and procedures of drawing in various media. Lectures and studio work. Students are expected to take this course before taking major level courses in Art.
Required art courses 9 credits
Choose three courses:
Students will develop increased proficiency in Illustrator and other software used in professional art and graphic design settings. Students will integrate drawings created both manually and on the computer to create finished illustrations ready for distribution in a range of media. Elements of typography, layout, and composition will also be discussed and explored. Projects involve the representation of varied texts as visually dynamic and clear communication vehicles. The course looks at the art of typography in both pre-electronic and electronic realms. Students analyze, edit, and configure copy for business, literary or informational purposes.
ART 140, 150, 160 and admission into major program; or permission of the department chair.
The art of typography is explored from its beginnings to its current use. Typographic evolution will be studied within the framework of world events, architectural development, and art history. Students are introduced to all aspects of typographic designs and layouts through class demonstrations, lectures, and studio work. Emphasis is given to exposure and practice with various grid structures through a variety of projects. Creative thinking is encouraged, along with prescribed techniques and media.
ART 260
This course is an in-depth study and practice in graphic design and how art and business are integrated in terms of consumerism, advertising, and marketing perspectives. Students will expand on the range of exploratory design tools and techniques used in studio and creative professional settings for output to print and web products.
ART 260 and 290
In this course, students are expected to produce design solutions that reflect refined conceptual development, advanced strategic thinking, and mastery of technique. Emphasis is placed on how to create designs that successfully meet the goals set out in the client's creative brief. This course consolidates previous graphic design knowledge and skills.
ART 361
Students will visit several production houses to gain an overview of how the production process impacts design decisions. Technical proficiency will be developed through lectures, demonstrations and studio work. As students produce projects from comprehensives to print-ready digital files, they will be held to the industry standards required for effective and efficient communication solutions.
ART 392
Job Outlook
Graphic Designer
The employment of Graphic Designers is expected to grow at a 2% rate from 2024-2034, with an average annual salary of $61,300. Learn more here.
Admissions
Learn about Gallaudet’s admissions requirements, steps to apply, application deadlines and more at our Undergraduate Admissions page.
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Contact
- Minor in Graphic Design
- scott.carollo@gallaudet.edu
