Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Overview
Translate Your Love of Art into a Rewarding Career
The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design degree program is designed to help you acquire the computer graphics, digital imaging, and production skills you need to achieve success in the graphic design field. Engaged with the latest techniques, tools, and applications, you will enhance your understanding of color, composition, design, and typography. Even more important, you will learn to develop and present creative solutions to your clients’ most pressing design issues.
Whether you plan to become a graphic designer, computer artist, advertising or creative director, or production specialist, this bachelor’s degree in graphic design will accelerate your creativity and put you on the path toward a rewarding and interesting career.
Core Curriculum
College of Professional Studies degrees* integrate a core set of course requirements that ensure all of our graduates possess a well-rounded educational background and understanding of the world. The core courses allow students to gain insights into disciplines other than their field of study, as well as develop expertise in written and oral communication and critical thinking.
Written Communication (9 q.h.)
Complete the following three courses:
| ENG 1004 | College English 1 | 3 q.h. |
| ENG 1005 | College English 2 | 3 q.h. |
| ENG 3006 | College English Workshop | 3 q.h. |
Diversity (3 q.h.)
Complete one of the following courses:
| CMN 2002 | Intercultural Communication | 3 q.h. |
| MGT 1503 | Managing in a Diverse and Changing World* | 3 q.h. |
| POL 2230 | Civil Liberties | 3 q.h. |
| SOC 1110 | Diversity | 3 q.h. |
| SOC 1635 | Race and Ethnicity | 3 q.h. |
| SOC 2440 | Gender and Work Roles in Society | 3 q.h. |
Information Literacy (3 q.h.)
| ITC | Information Technology Elective | 3 q.h. |
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Suggested courses: |
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| ITC 1001 | Intro to PC Productivity Tools | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 1002 | Technology and Information Fluency | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 1120 | Website Design | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 1235 | Internet Essentials | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 1255 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 q.h. |
Mathematics (6 q.h.)
Complete a minimum of six quarter hours from the following courses:
| MTH 1001 | College Algebra 1 | 3 q.h. |
| MTH 2002 | College Algebra 2 | 3 q.h. |
| MTH 2512 | Finite Mathematics | 3 q.h. |
| MTH 2101 | Precalculus | 3 q.h. |
| MTH 3005 | Calculus 1 | 4 q.h. |
| MTH 3010 | Calculus 2 | 4 q.h. |
| MTH 3015 | Calculus 3 | 4 q.h. |
| ECN 2001 | Statistics 1 | 3 q.h. |
| ECN 2002 | Statistics 2 | 3 q.h. |
Ethical & Political Perspectives (3 q.h.)
Complete one of the following courses:
| LDR 3230 | Ethical Decision Making | 3 q.h. |
| PHL 1001 | Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics | 3 q.h. |
| PHL 2160 | Bioethics | 3 q.h. |
| PHL 2180 | Business Ethics | 3 q.h. |
Science Perspectives (3 q.h.)
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Choose one course with any one of the following prefixes: BIO, BTC, CHM, ESC, PHY |
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Suggested courses: |
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| BIO 1010 | Biology 1 | 3 q.h. |
| BIO 1825 | Biology Today: An issues Approach | 3 q.h. |
| CHM 1011 | Chemical Principles 1 | 3 q.h. |
| CHM 2105 | Chemistry and the Environment | 3 q.h. |
| ESC 1525 | Energy for Today and Tomorrow | 3 q.h. |
| ESC 1121 | Introduction to Meteorology and Weather Forecasting | 3 q.h. |
| ESC 1123 | Observational Astronomy | 3 q.h. |
| PHY 2301 | Physics 1 | 3 q.h. |
Historical Perspectives (3 q.h.)
| HST | History Elective | 3 q.h. |
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Suggested courses: |
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| HST 1001 | Civilization of the Ancient & Medieval Worlds | 3 q.h. |
| HST 1002 | Civilization of the Early Modern World | 3 q.h. |
| HST 1003 | Civilization of the Modern World | 3 q.h. |
| HST 3213 | Contemporary America | 3 q.h. |
| HST 2205 | Coming to America: The American Immigrant Experience |
3 q.h. |
Total Core Curriculum: 30 q.h.
*Lowell Institute School degree requirements vary.
See curriculum pages for more information.
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (30 q.h.)
We require all bachelor's degree students to complete required core curriculum, allowing you to gain insight into disciplines other than your field of study.
Foundation Courses (21 q.h.)
Complete nine credits of humanities electives from a modern foreign language or the following prefixes:
| ART, ASL, CMN, ENG, JRN, MUS, PHL, TCC, THE | 9 q.h. |
Complete six credits of Social Science electives from the following prefixes:
| ANT, CJS, ECN, HST, POL, PSY, SOC | 6 q.h. |
Complete two of the following courses:
| ENG 3003 | Writing for the Professions 1 | 3 q.h. |
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ENG 3004 |
Writing for the Professions 2 | 3 q.h. |
| ENG 3002 | Expository and Persuasive Writing 2 | 3 q.h. |
| JRN 1050 | Writing for the Media | 3 q.h. |
Major Courses (54 q.h.)
Complete all of the following courses:
| ART 1100 | Visual Foundations: Two-Dimensional Design (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 2105 | Visual Foundations: Three-Dimensional Design (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 1110 | Visual Foundations: Color (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 2510 | Graphic Communication and Production | 3 q.h. |
| ART 4141 | Graphic Design 1 (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 4142 | Graphic Design 2 (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 4211 | Advertising Design (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 2601 | Introduction to Computer Graphics (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 2720 | Electronic Publishing Design and Systems (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 3010 | Creative Imaging: Custom Computer Design (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 3320 | Advanced Computer Illustration (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 4630 | Advanced Electronic Publishing Design (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 4700 | Portfolio Development Workshop (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
Complete five of the following courses:
| ART 1001 | Introduction to Art | 3 q.h. |
| ART 1115 | Principles of Drawing (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 1160 | Digital Photography 1 | 3 q.h. |
| ART 2111 | Designing Web Graphics (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| ART 2112 | Designing Web Graphics 2 (Studio)* | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 1101 | Fundamentals of Human Communication | 3 q.h. |
| CMN 2051 | Professional Speaking | 3 q.h. |
| MKT 1001 | Principles of Marketing | 3 q.h. |
Non-Business Electives (26 q.h.)
Open Electives (29 q.h.)
Total Quarter Hours: 160
*Studio courses meet for 3 1/2 hours.
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Academic transcripts: submit one of the following
- Official high school degree
- Official GED
- Official associate degree showing degree conferral and date
- Transfer credit documentation: should be submitted with your application material
- Academic transcripts from each institution you previously attended:
- Official U.S. transcripts: if you applied previously earned credit toward your earned associate degree, you must request transcripts from each institution you attended.
- Official foreign transcripts: must include English translation. We encourage you to submit a course-by-course evaluation of your diploma(s) and transcript(s)
- College-level examinations: official examination score(s)
- Military evaluation
- Academic transcripts from each institution you previously attended:
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Undergraduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $52,000.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Undergraduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This bachelor’s degree program in graphic design is intended for students who wish to pursue a career as a:
- Graphic designer
- Graphic artist
- Commercial or industrial designer
- Desktop publisher
- Production specialist
- Drafter
- Prepress technician
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for graphic designers are expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations. While keen competition for jobs is expected, individuals with a degree that includes website design and animation courses will enjoy the best opportunities. Given the project-based nature of the industry, graphic designers often perform freelance work after-hours, while holding a salaried job in design or another occupation.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
- Call Toll Free:
- 877.668.7727
- Email:
- Contact Us
Upcoming Academic Term Dates
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Spring Term
April 9, 2012 (6- & 12-week classes)
May 21, 2012 (6-week classes) -
Summer Term
July 2, 2012 (8-, 6-, and 4- week classes)
July 30, 2012 (4-week classes)