Art Major: Graphic Design Concentration
Why study art and graphic design at CMU?
CMU's art program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, helps each student prepare to start an art-related career, teach elementary or secondary art, or pursue a graduate degree. Learning from faculty members whose artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, students will develop artistic abilities, strengthen analytical skills, and improve interpretive capabilities. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Fully equipped studios for work in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography
- The Steven L. Barstow Artist-in-Residence program, featuring nationally acclaimed artists who teach, exhibit, and conduct workshops on campus
- Internship opportunities with area organizations, businesses, and artists
- Professional development through involvement in student organizations such as Students of Design and the National Art Education Association
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of artists and related workers is expected to increase nine to 17 percent.
- Competition for jobs is expected to be keen for both salaried and freelance jobs in all specialties, because the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings.
- Excellent job opportunities for all teachers are expected as retirements, especially among secondary school teachers, outweigh slowing enrollment growth; opportunities will vary by geographic area and subject taught.
Career options
Graduates of the art program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Art Administrator
- Ceramicist
- Elementary or Secondary School Teacher
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Museum Curator
- Painter
- Printmaker
- Sculptor
- College or University Professor
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Art Major: Graphic Design Concentration
Please note: The following does not go into effect until the 2012- 2013 Undergraduate Bulletin. Please see your advisor.
( Total: 78 semester hours )
(15 hours)
Core Courses I
Foundations
3
ART 105 Drawing I
Introduction to drawing media and techniques with a focus on drawing from observation and to formal principles of composition and conceptual inventiveness.
3
ART 115 2-D Design
Introduction to form and its relation to the 2-dimensional surface. Focus on the elements and principles of design, creative problem solving and visual literacy.
3
ART 117 Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Art
Introduction to the aesthetic theory and visual language of Modernism, Post-Modernism, and Post-Postmodernism.
3
ART 118 3-D Design
Introduction to elements and principles of design, creative problem solving, and visual literacy as it applies to 3-dimensional form, space, and time.
3
ART 122 Color and Composition
An exploration of the theories and principles of color and composition. Prerequisite: ART 115. CR/NC option available.
(9 hours)
Core Courses III
Select three of the following:
3
ART 130 Painting I
An introduction to painting with the exploration of media, techniques, and the concepts of space, form, and color.
3
ART 140 Photography I: Introduction to Digital Photography
Introduction to the basic technical and conceptual skills of digital photography as a fine art.
3
ART 150 Printmaking I
An introduction to intaglio and lithography printmaking techniques as a fine art. Prerequisite: ART 105.
3
ART 160 Beginning Sculpture
An introduction to the basic tools, techniques, processes, materials, history and concepts of traditional and contemporary sculpture.
3
ART 170 Weaving/Fiber Design I
Introduction to hand weaving on a frame loom, and off-loom techniques which may include basketry, fabric collage, felting, papermaking, and dyeing.
3
ART 214 Introduction to Ceramics
An introduction to hand-building and wheel-throwing processes with an emphasis on technical, formal, historical, and conceptual development.
(3 hours)
Core Courses IV
Students in the Two- or Three-Dimensional Concentration are required to take ART 471; Graphic Design Concentration students are required to take ART 472.
3
ART 471 BFA Exhibition
Capstone experience for the B.F.A. art student, including a thesis exhibition, an artist’s statement, talk and final portfolio; and strategies for a successful post-graduate career. Must be taken in the last semester prior to graduation. Prerequisites: Signed BFA in Art and senior standing.
3
ART 472 Graphic Design Capstone Experience
A graphic design capstone experience focusing on the development of a personal design philosophy, a senior project and exhibition, a public presentation of work and a portfolio critique by an external assessor. Must be taken in one of the last two semesters prior to graduation. Prerequisites: ART 435; signed BFA with concentration in graphic design; and senior standing.
Select two of the following:
3
ART 318 Aesthetics
A philosophical understanding of art and its development.
3
ART 319 Art Criticism and the Methodology of Art History
The description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of visual art. (University Program Group I-B)
3
ART 341 History of Photography
The history of photography from the advent of the camera obscura to the present, emphasizing the contributions of major photographers.
3
ART 363 Design: The Interface of Art and Industry
Survey of the development of the applied arts in material culture from the invention of movable type through the twentieth century. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
ART 366 Contemporary Design Issues
A survey of the ethical, conceptual, and stylistic trends driving contemporary design theory and practice. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above.
3
ART 380 Greek Art and Architecture
The art and architecture of ancient Greece from the Geometric to Hellenistic periods. Prerequisites: ART 185.
3
ART 381 Early Christian and Byzantine Art
Art of the early church. Byzantine art from the reign of Theodosius I to the fall of Constantinople in the fifteenth century. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
3
ART 382/WST 382 Gender and Art
Examines how gender identity has played a role in art. Examines artists, patrons, viewers, and subjects of representations as gendered and historically specific entities. Identical to WST 382. Credit cannot be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
3
ART 383 Modern Architecture
The history of building styles, technologies, and architectural theory in Europe and the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Prerequisite: ART 285.
3
ART 384 Arts of Non-European Traditions
An introduction to the visual arts of nonEuropean cultures. Arts of Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. Relations between arts, philosophies, and ways of life will be discussed. Prerequisites: Completion of 26 credit hours.
3
ART 386 American Art from the Colonial Period to 1913
A history of American painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from the colonial period to 1913. An analysis of major artists and regional styles. Prerequisite: completion of 26 credit hours.
3
ART 480 Roman Art and Architecture
The art of Rome and the Roman world from earliest times to Constantine the Great. Prerequisite: ART 185.
3
ART 481 Western Medieval Art
Art of western Europe from the fall of Rome to 1500. Origins of Romanesque art and dissemination of the French Gothic style throughout Europe. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
3
ART 482 Italian High Renaissance Art
An intensive examination of the art and architecture of High Renaissance Italy with emphasis on the works and careers of Leonardo, Bramante, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Prerequisite: ART 285.
3
ART 483 Nineteenth Century European Art
Stylistic evolution of nineteenth century European art as viewed against its political and cultural background. Neo-classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Symbolists. Prerequisite: ART 285.
3
ART 486 Independent Study in Art History
Advanced research in a selected topic. Prerequisites: ART 185, 285; permission of instructor.
3
ART 586 Seminar in Art History
Students will pursue topics of special interest and share their research with the group. May be taken for graduate credit. Prerequisites: 12 credits in art history or graduate standing.
(12 hours)
Core Courses II
3
ART 185 Introduction to Western Art, Part I
History of Western art from prehistoric through medieval periods. Roots of Western culture as seen in differing artistic styles and attitudes. (University Program Group I-A)
3
ART 285 Introduction to Western Art, Part II
History of Western art from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Relations of form and content to cultural attitudes. Unique contributions of major artists. (University Program Group I-A)
3
ART 385 European Art from 1890-1940
A history and analysis of European art from 1890 to 1940. Prerequisite: ART 285.
3
ART 485 Art After 1945
A history and analysis of works of art from 1945 to the present. Prerequisite: ART 285.
Select hours from the following:
3
ART 135 Introduction to Graphic Design
An introduction to the theory and practice of communication design. An emphasis is placed on technical and aesthetic fundamentals.
3
ART 235 Logo and Identity Design
A continuation of ART 135, with emphasis on development of conceptualization and visualization skills. The course focuses on printed materials that apply to identity systems. Prerequisites: ART 135.
3
ART 239 Digital Imaging I
Classroom and lab work emphasizing photography and the fundamentals of digital image making. This class includes input, image adjustments, manipulations, output, and presentation. Prerequisite: ART 140.
3
ART 335 Design Bureau
Investigations into the conception and production of communication graphic solutions for real-world clients in a group or "bureau" pre-professional studio setting. Prerequisites: ART 140, 235, 349; signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
3
ART 349 Typography
An intensive survey of the history and application of letterform. Prerequisite: ART 135.
3
ART 358 Web Design I
Web design as it relates to graphic design. Prerequisites: ART 349; signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
3
ART 363 Design: The Interface of Art and Industry
Survey of the development of the applied arts in material culture from the invention of movable type through the twentieth century. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
ART 435 Professional Design Practices
Development of print production and portfolio skills in preparation for employment in the communication design field. Prerequisites: Signed BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. Pre/Co-requisites: ART 335.
3
ART 436 Graphic Design Internship
Supervised internship of 180 hours in a graphic design firm or related field designed to complement classroom learning. Prerequisites: ART 235, 349; signed BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design; minimum of 56 credit hours completed and permission of instructor.
3
ART 438 Motion Graphics
Introduction to computer-aided animation theory and application. Prerequisites: ART 235, 349; signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
3
ART 449 Advanced Typography
Advanced study in the theory and development of letterform. Prerequisites: ART 349, signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
3
ART 458 Web Design II
Advanced web design as it relates to graphic design. Prerequisites: ART 358, signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
3
ART 535 Digital Multimedia for Designers
The design and visual development of multimedia using a variety of authoring tools. Prerequisites: ART 358, ART 438, and a signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
Select any ART course except ART 114 or 126.