Graphic Design
About the Program
Bachelor of Science Degree: 182.0 quarter credits
The Bachelor of Science curriculum in Graphic Design provides a balance of traditional and technical artistic studies enhanced by general education coursework in humanities and social sciences. Students develop a sophisticated approach to creative problem solving and develop skills in typography, image generation, corporate identity, information graphics, three dimensional design, and motion graphics. Students experience a broad range of two- and three-dimensional projects and remain current on electronic applications and emerging technologies.
Students can also pursue advanced elective coursework in Web & Motion Graphic Design, Environmental Graphic Design (wayfinding systems, signage, exhibit design, identity graphics, civic design, retail and store design), and other interdisciplinary Special Topics projects.
Additional Information
For more information about the major, visit the Graphic Design program online.
Degree Requirements
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 119 | Mathematical Foundations for Design | 4.0 |
| PHYS 121 | Physical Science for Design I | 4.0 |
| PHYS 122 | Physical Science for Design II | 4.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
| Arts and humanities electives | 9.0 | |
| Social science electives | 9.0 | |
| Free electives | 23.0 | |
| Co-operative education (two terms) | 0.0 | |
| Visual Studies Requirements | ||
| ARTH 101 | History of Art I: Ancient to Medieval | 3.0 |
| ARTH 102 | History of Art II: High Renaissance to Modern | 3.0 |
| ARTH 103 | History of Art- Early to Late Modern | 3.0 |
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| VSST 101 | Design I | 4.0 |
| VSST 102 | Design II | 4.0 |
| VSST 103 | Design III | 4.0 |
| VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| VSST 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3.0 |
| VSST 301 | Painting I | 4.0 |
| VSST 321 | Screenprint I | 4.0 |
| Visual Studies (VSST) elective | 4.0 | |
| Graphic Design Requirements | ||
| ARTH 300 [WI] | History of Modern Design | 3.0 |
| PHTO 210 | Intermediate Photography | 3.0 |
| VSCM 100 | Computer Imaging I | 3.0 |
| VSCM 200 | Computer Imaging II | 3.0 |
| VSCM 230 | Visual Communication I | 4.0 |
| VSCM 231 | Visual Communication II | 4.0 |
| VSCM 232 | Visual Communication III | 4.0 |
| VSCM 240 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| VSCM 241 | Production | 3.0 |
| VSCM 242 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| VSCM 330 | Visual Communication IV | 4.0 |
| VSCM 331 | Visual Communication V | 4.0 |
| VSCM 340 | Typography III | 3.0 |
| VSCM 350 [WI] | Graphic Design: 20th Century and Beyond | 3.0 |
| VSCM 430 | Visual Communication VI | 4.0 |
| VSCM 450 | Professional Portfolio | 3.0 |
| or VSCM 455 | Electronic Portfolio | |
| VSCM 460 | Professional Practice | 3.0 |
| or VSCM 477 | Graphic Design Seminar | |
| VSCM 496 | Senior Thesis Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| VSCM 440 | Book Design | 4.0 |
| WMGD 210 | Motion Graphics I | 4.0 |
| WMGD 220 | Web Graphics I | 4.0 |
| Graphic Design Elective | 4.0 | |
| Select from the following recommended courses: | ||
| Introduction to Advertising | ||
| Print Advertising I | ||
| Television & Web Advertising | ||
| Print Advertising II | ||
| Architectural Signage | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Graphic Design | ||
| Wayfinding | ||
| Design Techniques & Materials | ||
| Exhibit Design | ||
| Environmental Branding | ||
| Web Graphics II | ||
| Motion Graphics II | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Total Credits | 182.0 | |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Sample Plan of Study
BS in Graphic Design: General Plan of Study
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| PHYS 121 | Physical Science for Design I | 4.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| VSST 101 | Design I | 4.0 |
| VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ARTH 101 | History of Art I: Ancient to Medieval | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| VSST 102 | Design II | 4.0 |
| Natural science elective | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ARTH 102 | History of Art II: High Renaissance to Modern | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 119 | Mathematical Foundations for Design | 4.0 |
| VSCM 100 | Computer Imaging I | 3.0 |
| VSST 103 | Design III | 4.0 |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| ARTH 103 | History of Art- Early to Late Modern | 3.0 |
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| VSCM 200 | Computer Imaging II | 3.0 |
| VSCM 230 | Visual Communication I | 4.0 |
| VSCM 240 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development | 0.0 |
| PHTO 210 | Intermediate Photography | 3.0 |
| VSCM 231 | Visual Communication II | 4.0 |
| VSCM 242 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| VSST 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| VSCM 232 | Visual Communication III | 4.0 |
| VSCM 241 | Production | 3.0 |
| WMGD 220 | Web Graphics I | 4.0 |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| ARTH 300 [WI] | History of Modern Design | 3.0 |
| VSST 321 | Screenprint I | 4.0 |
| WMGD 210 | Motion Graphics I | 4.0 |
| Graphic Design elective * | 4.0 | |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 18.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| VSCM 330 | Visual Communication IV | 4.0 |
| VSCM 340 | Typography III | 3.0 |
| Visual Studies (VSST) elective** | 4.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| VSST 301 | Painting I | 4.0 |
| VSCM 331 | Visual Communication V | 4.0 |
| VSCM 350 [WI] | Graphic Design: 20th Century and Beyond | 3.0 |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| VSCM 430 | Visual Communication VI | 4.0 |
| VSCM 440 | Book Design | 4.0 |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| VSCM 450 or 455 | Professional Portfolio Electronic Portfolio | 3.0 |
| Free electives | 9.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| VSCM 477 or 460 | Graphic Design Seminar Professional Practice | 3.0 |
| VSCM 496 | Senior Thesis Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| Free electives | 8.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Total Credit: 182.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements for list of Graphic Design electives. |
| ** | Visual Studies (VSST) elective: choose from any upper-level VSST course. |
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Potential employers include advertising agencies, publishers, printers, independent and in-house design studios, museums and galleries, magazines and newspapers, and television.Training in visual communication prepares an individual for careers in many fields because the problem-solving methods and organizational skills it builds are widely applicable.
Co-Op Experiences
Some past co-op employers of graphic design students include:
- The Franklin Institute
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Quirk Books
- Esquire
- Electronic Ink
- Razorfish
- Happy Cog
- Philadelphia Union
- McGraw-Hill Publishing
- Comcast
- The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.
Facilities
The Graphic Design classrooms are located on the fourth floor of the URBN Center in the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design. There are five dedicated classroom workspaces equipped with up-to-date electronic and traditional tools. Classrooms have work surfaces for traditional practices that will accommodate 15 students, and wall surfaces for critiques or posting examples of printed work. In addition, students have access to a dedicated, non-scheduled Graphic Design “Open Lab” equipped with all necessary technology and work surfaces.
Courses
VSCM 100 Computer Imaging I 3.0 Credits
This course explores current potentials, limitations, and issues related to use of computer software for design applications. Projects include graphics creation and manipulation; image acquisition, creation and manipulation; text creation and manipulation; typography; input and output options and control; hardware/software/system fundamentals; and troubleshooting.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
VSCM 140 Calligraphy 3.0 Credits
Covers the skills and understanding of letterforms as geometry and type, development of hand/eye skill in letter-forming, investigation of solids and voids, and use of traditional and modern tools and materials. Studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSST 110 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 200 Computer Imaging II 3.0 Credits
Provides continued study of electronic imaging with emphasis on Graphic Design process for print and screen design.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 100 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 230 Visual Communication I 4.0 Credits
Provides an overview of graphic design as an applied art. Covers the given, the formal, and the psychological aspects of graphic design.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: VSST 102 [Min Grade: D] or VSST 105 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 231 Visual Communication II 4.0 Credits
Continues VSCM 230. Covers corporate identity and explores logo development using the pictoral mark, typographic solution, and abstract interpretation as symbols of identity.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: VSCM 230 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 232 Visual Communication III 4.0 Credits
Examines problems in graphic design on the relationship between designer and client, including solving specific situations of image-making with emphasis on the total identity of an organization, firm, or publication. Involves extensive exploration of color and imagery. Studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 231 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 240 Typography I 3.0 Credits
Uses the history of type as the backdrop for the introduction to the art and craft of conventional through state-of-the-art typesetting as well as the creative and extraordinary use of type. Focuses on the letter, word, and sentence. Studio/lecture.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSST 101 [Min Grade: D] or VSST 104 [Min Grade: D] or VSST 108 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 241 Production 3.0 Credits
Covers traditional and electronic means of print production. Explores alternate means of production and various printing and output methods. Studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 240 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 242 Typography II 3.0 Credits
Continues VSCM 240. Broadens the scope to deal with the paragraph and the typeset page, with increased attention to the importance of subtleties and refinements. Explores the differing requirements of type in relationship to pictorial images.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 240 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 247 On Screen Typography 3.0 Credits
This course develops a visual sensitivity to typographical compositions on screen while expanding knowledge of current technologies.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is DIGM or major is GRDS.
VSCM 330 Visual Communication IV 4.0 Credits
Examines problems in information graphics, including signage, environmental graphic design, and exhibit design. Studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 232 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 331 Visual Communication V 4.0 Credits
Focuses on techniques and methods of advanced problem solving. Through a series of three projects, the student learns to analyze conceptual and contextual relationships pertinent to any visual communication assignment. Studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 330 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 340 Typography III 3.0 Credits
Typography III concentrates on the exploration and management of large blocks of text in specific design problems. Special emphasis will be placed on the style and readability of typographic treatments.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 242 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 350 [WI] Graphic Design: 20th Century and Beyond 3.0 Credits
Concentrates on impact and significance of the graphic design profession in society through the history and movements of the profession and the work of 20th-century masters of visual communication. Students will analyze conceptual and contextual relationships and develop greater awareness of stylistic content and its relevance to the culture. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if classification is Junior or Senior.
VSCM 360 Design on Site 3.0 Credits
Weekly visits to studios of various design disciplines such as small graphic design offices, environmental graphic design firms, advertising agencies, book and magazine publishers, and website developers. A written report is due at the end of the term.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS.
Prerequisites: VSCM 232 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 399 Independent Study in Graphic Design 0.5-12.0 Credits
Provides individualized study in graphic design in a specialized area of study. May be repeated for credit. Department permission required.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS and classification is Junior or Senior.
VSCM 430 Visual Communication VI 4.0 Credits
Continues VSCM 331. Explores three-dimensional graphic design processes and techniques for communication, including problems of scale, material, form, and function. Emphasizes package design. Includes point-of-purchase design. Studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 331 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 440 Book Design 4.0 Credits
Investigates design of books, from their pre-Gutenberg origins to contemporary technology of design, binding, paper, and finishing. Includes multiple page formats, production grids, and sequential images. Lecture/studio.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 331 [Min Grade: D] or ADGD 310 [Min Grade: D] or EVGD 220 [Min Grade: D] or WMGD 220 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 450 Professional Portfolio 3.0 Credits
Focuses on the preparation of a professional Graphic Design portfolio. A critical process that includes the screening of completed projects, reworking or expanding projects, and reconstructing/creating final portfolio components. A formal interview presentation of the portfolio is also explored and refined.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS.
Prerequisites: VSCM 430 [Min Grade: D] or ADGD 320 [Min Grade: D] or EVGD 320 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 455 Electronic Portfolio 3.0 Credits
Focuses on the design and production of a web based Graphic Design portfolio using web graphics and imagery through visuals, motion and sound within the software programs of Dreamweaver & Flash.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS.
Prerequisites: VSCM 232 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 460 Professional Practice 3.0 Credits
Covers running a design office, including basic contracts, fee structures, and the design process. Explores types of design offices; working with suppliers, printers, photographers, and illustrators; scheduling; resumes and portfolios; taxes; and marketing of graphic design services. Lecture/field work.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 430 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 465 Special Topics in Graphic Design 3.0-12.0 Credits
Provides study in graphic design on a special topic or on an experimental basis. May be repeated for credit if topics vary.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
VSCM 477 Graphic Design Seminar 3.0 Credits
Provides a forum for discussion of current ideas in design, with a focus on print and broadcast advertising graphics. Includes presentations by invited professionals. Requires board presentation.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS and classification is Junior or Senior.
VSCM 478 Graphic Design Seminar: Advanced Techniques 3.0 Credits
An exploration for the subtleties that distinguish excellence in graphic design print, web and motion venues. Selections include: Advanced Typography and Electronic Portfolio.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 3 times for 9 credits
Prerequisites: VSCM 340 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 479 Graphic Design Seminar: Advanced Media 3.0 Credits
An exploration of advanced media development in Graphic Design as relevancy and currency demands. Selections include: Illustration I and II and Bookmaking.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 3 times for 9 credits
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS.
VSCM 480 [WI] Graphic Design Seminar: Design Perceptions 3.0 Credits
An exploration of how graphic designers use visual communications tools and how audiences perceive them. Selections include: History of Visual Propaganda and Deconstruction Advertising. May be repeated for credit if topic varies.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated 3 times for 9 credits
VSCM 482 Graphic Design for Cultural Organizations 3.0 Credits
Students experience firsthand how design can enhance the mission of cultural organizations, what it takes to develop innovative outreach programs, and how to apply for grants to achieve their creative endeavors. Projects assigned will be live, and will be conducted in and outside of the classroom.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is GRDS.
Prerequisites: VSCM 430 [Min Grade: D] or ADGD 320 [Min Grade: D] or EVGD 320 [Min Grade: D] or WMGD 421 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 485 Annual Report Design 3.0 Credits
Development and analysis of the corporate annual report as a graphic design concept and as a developed marketing tool.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 340 [Min Grade: D]
VSCM 496 Senior Thesis Graphic Design 3.0 Credits
Requires each student to define a problem and set a goal and strategies, develop a concept, and carry out a solution. Divides time among research, design, thematic development, and final presentation. Requires instructor approval of study.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: VSCM 430 [Min Grade: D]
