Graphic Design and Media (BS)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Graphic Design & Media will prepare students for careers in design and creative visual media fields. The program’s rigorous sequenced curriculum emphasizes hands-on design practice, integrating the building of formal and technical skills with critical analysis, theory, and research. Students will learn the professional skills and competencies necessary to compete in the global marketplace for graphic arts, media and visual design.

Please see the College of Fine Arts, Department of Art web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Learning Objectives

 Upon completion of the BS in Graphic Design & Media, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate fluency in technology and state of the art software applications used in design professions.
2. Employ a workflow strategy appropriate to the technical and creative needs of a given context.
3. Analyze and critically respond to examples of design verbally and in written form.
4. Apply research to identify and focus design problems, in the context of a client and audience relationship.
5. Apply multiple ideations and analytical strategies throughout the design process.
6. Formulate original and appropriate design responses to observed conditions or cultural contexts.
7. Assemble a competitive portfolio of quality works of design and media appropriate to the student’s focus and career goals. The portfolio works will demonstrate a range of creative strategies and original solutions effective within the identified design, communication, and social contexts.

Career Possibilities

Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Communications Specialist, Publication Designer, Multimedia Designer, Art Director, Creative Director, Advertising Designer, Motion Graphics Specialist, Animator, Concept Artist, Visual Marketing Director, Environmental Designer, UI Specialist, Brand Manager, Photo Imaging Specialist, Infographics Designer, Typographer, Illustrator.

Program Application Requirements

Each spring, a panel of Graphic Design faculty will review the work of qualifying students for acceptance into the Graphic Design & Media program. Students who are selected to the program may continue taking the remaining Graphic Design & Media core courses. Students who are not recommended for the program may either change majors or reapply the following year. Students may apply for the program up to two times.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Courses

In order to qualify for the Graphic Design Program Portfolio Review, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 in all Art- and Design-related coursework. The students must have completed and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the following prerequisites courses in order to apply to the program with at least a 2.3 GPA in each:

ART 101 Drawing I  

ART 107 Design Fundamentals I  

ART 108 Design Fundamentals II-3D   

ART 156 Design Fundamentals III  

GRC 210 Typography I  

GRC 250 Design & Media Studio I  

Students are encouraged to meet with a College of Fine Arts advisor—with their transcript or degree worksheet—the semesters prior to application in order to discuss course progression. Students can retake prerequisite courses in which they do not receive a 2.3 GPA in order to meet the course requirements must retake courses and meet the GPA standards before applying to the Graphic Design Program. Students also should be enrolled in, or already completed, GRC 320 Design Methods and Research  at the time of application. 

Transfer students must meet with a College of Fine Arts advisor—with their transcript—the semester prior to application in order to determine course equivalencies. Transfer students must also meet with the Graphic Design Program Coordinator, with their current portfolio of work, to assess the design projects developed thus far. Students who do not meet the course equivalencies and do not possess a portfolio of comparable work will be advised to take prescribed courses in order to meet the program requirements.

Portfolio and Application

After confirming that the course requirements have been met, students may apply for the Graphic Design & Media program by submitting a portfolio that includes the following:

• A portfolio of projects completed within Graphic Design & Media core courses.
• Supportive work from other art or design-related courses or projects created outside of the university.

Specifications for the portfolio application and the deadline of application will first be announced during the Fall semester each year. Applications are due early in the Spring semester.

NOTE: The Graphic Design & Media curriculum is designed for students to graduate in a spring semester. Please see your academic advisor for more information regarding your progression and intended graduation date.