Graphic Design (B.F.A.)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design is the professional degree focused on a more intensive study of coursework in the field of graphic and communication design. This program trains professional artists and designers to the highest level possible for undergraduate students and will be especially valuable for those who plan to pursue graduate studies in art and design. Admission to the B.F.A. in Graphic Design requires a portfolio review; for more information, please consult the department website. B.F.A. students are required to go through the sophomore review successfully and to maintain at least a 3.0 in their major to remain in the program. Students must plan on spending their senior year on the Mechanicsburg campus to execute a body of work for their senior exhibition.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Graphic Design program can:

1. Demonstrate and apply a basic knowledge of foundational visual communication principles, processes, and communication theories with the ability to develop informed considerations between form, meaning.
2. Apply typography, images, interactivity, motion, sequencing, color, and other such elements effectively in the contexts of specific design projects.
3. Employ vocabulary of art/design in the analysis/critique of creative work.
4. Acquire the ability to place works of art/design in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.
5. Recognize how communication theories, principles, and processes have evolved through history.
6. Implement communication theories, principles and methods to contemporary design practice.
7. Utilize formal vocabulary and concepts of design—including content, elements, structure, style, and technology—in response to visual communication problems.
8. Apply creative strategies for planning, producing, and disseminating visual communications.
9. Select appropriate, purpose-based choices from creative approaches to communication opportunities and generate alternative solutions.
10. Critique art/design of self and others.
11. Conduct critical evaluations of different technologies in specific design problem contexts.
12. Shape and create technological tools and systems to address communication problems and further communication goals.
13. Recognize and analyze the social, cultural, and economic implications of technology on message creation, production, and human behavior to incorporate results into creative decisions.
14. Utilize research methods and interpret findings practically and apply them in art/design development.
15. Demonstrate awareness of personal responsibilities through the knowledge of professional design practices and processes related to the ethics and standards in the field of study.
16. Identify vocational opportunities, knowledge, and skills beyond the classroom.
17. Articulate the relationship between Christian faith and contemporary art/design and to the student’s individual area of study.

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

Twenty-one credits from the following Design courses:

Three credits from the following:

Cross-Concentration Studies (12 credits)

Six credits from the following 2-D courses:

Six credits from the following 3-D courses:

QuEST Requirements