Graphic Design BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 120
Co-op Option(s): One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 50.0409
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 27-1024
About the Program
Drexel University's Graphic Design curriculum provides a balance of theory and practice in rigorous design study enhanced the by Drexel's real-world Coop experience and general education coursework in the humanities, business, and social sciences. Students learn to conceptualize, visualize, and realize visual communications through project-based exploration and experimentation grounded in the formal foundations of typography, image-making, aesthetics, and critical thinking.
Emphasizing communication across all contemporary media and environments, the program encourages students to apply visual communication in other fields through interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced coursework across the university. Working on two- and three-dimensional projects and screen-based media, students utilize the latest emerging practices and technologies to stay current with the industry and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving professional environment.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Studio Art and Art History Requirements | ||
| ARST 1001 | Design Foundations A | 3.0 |
| ARST 1005 | Design Foundations B | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Select any ARST (Studio Art) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Select any ARTH (Art History) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| Select a minimum of three (3) credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Tools and Techniques | ||
| Any MATH (Mathematics) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Select a minimum of three (3) credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Any BIO (Biotechnology & Bioscience) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Any CHEM (Chemistry) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Any ESS (Environmental Science & Sustainability) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Any PHYS (Physics) 1000-4999 level course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Digital Photography I | ||
| Digital Photography II | ||
| Social Media for Photographers | ||
| Photography and Business | ||
| Select any BUSN (General Business) 1000-4999 level course | 3.0 | |
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| Graphic Design Core Studios | ||
| GRDS 1001 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| GRDS 2001 | Introduction to Typography | 3.0 |
| GRDS 2002 | Introduction to Graphic Design Systems | 3.0 |
| GRDS 2011 | Introduction to Motion in Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| GRDS 2012 | Introduction to UI/UX for Design | 3.0 |
| GRDS 3001 | Advanced Design Systems I | 3.0 |
| GRDS 3011 | Advanced UI/UX for Design | 3.0 |
| GRDS 3021 | Experimental Making for Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| GRDS 4001 | Advanced Design Systems II | 3.0 |
| GRDS 4011 | Cross-Disciplinary Studio | 3.0 |
| GRDS 4012 | Advanced Studio for Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| GRDS 4022 | Graphic Design Entrepreneurship Studio | 3.0 |
| GRDS 4999 | Graphic Design Senior Capstone | 3.0 |
| UXID 1110 | UX Research | 3.0 |
| Graphic Design Seminars | ||
| GRDS 2022 | Graphic Design Theory and Practice | 3.0 |
| Graphic Design Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
| Concepts in Graphic Design Disciplines | ||
| Themes in Graphic Design History | ||
| Topics in Typography | ||
| Topics in Image-Making | ||
| Special Topics in Graphic Design | ||
| Topics in Graphic Design Technologies | ||
| Special Topics in Graphic Design | ||
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 120.0 | |
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A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Upon graduation, students will be able to think critically, logically, and ecologically about the design process.
2. Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in creative decision-making and self-critique.
3. Upon graduation, students will be able to utilize traditional, current, and future design processes and technologies to create effective visual communication.
4. Upon graduation, students will be able to display strong verbal communication, writing, and presentation skills.
5. Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively and professionally across disciplines.