College of Arts & Humanities / Major Map Template Prototype / Graphic Design

Graphic design is visual communication across media. It advertising, websites, apps, social media, virtual or augmented reality, to super-graphics, or way-finding systems. Design can inform, instruct, inspire, persuade, question, provoke, or elicit a response. Done with talent, heart, and intellect it has the power to meet the needs of people and organizations for positive change.

GRAPHIC DESIGN, B.A. | 4-YEAR PROGRAM

LEARNING EXPERIENCE Faculty members assign challenging pro-

The graphic design major educates and

jects covering everything from designing

trains students for the visual communication

posters, multi-page publications, websites,

needs of industry and concerns of our

apps, social media, motion graphics, brand

rapidly changing contemporary culture. It

identity systems, packaging, and campaigns

is a rigorous program emphasizing design

to build professional print and web portfolios.

process, context, conceptualization and

You will enjoy visiting designer exhibits and

innovative problem-solving. The curriculum

lectures, fieldtrips to local and regional

includes the study of type, image, message,

design agencies, printers, museums in San

user-centered research methods, history,

Diego, LA, Palm Springs, or the Mexican

theory, criticism, business strategy and the

border. Study abroad opportunities

use of appropriate tools and technology.

compliment a global perspective.

Designers explore solutions using visual

FACILITIES

systems across media, such as, print, web, multi-screen devices, emerging media and the built environment.

Graphic Design majors work in beautiful new computer labs located in the Ryan Library, where they have access to a wide-

SAN DIEGO DESIGN COMMUNITY

array of computers, scanners, color printers,

Graphic Design offers countless opportun-

large format printer and photographic

ities to participate within and beyond the

resources. Specialized facilities are available

discipline. You will have access to many

at the Keller Art Center’s Digifab Lab with

local and regional AIGA (American Institute

tools such as a laser cutter, CNC router,

of Graphic Design) events, conferences,

and 3D printers. There are also dedicated

student portfolio review, and monthly

lab spaces for drawing, painting and

Creative Mornings gatherings at the

printmaking, sculpture, wood and metal

downtown public library.

shop, photography, and ceramics.

GRAPHIC DESIGN, B.A.

surrounds us—from printed books, posters, packaging,

D E PA R T M E N T O F A R T & D E S I G N

CURRICULUM

CONCENTRATIONS

The first-year is foundational, building on

Marketing, Interdisciplinary, Interactive,

a range of analytical, formal, sensory and

and Illustration.

technical design experiences. Sophomore year introduces industry standard tools

FIRST-YEAR

and technology. Majors explore design

2-Dimensional Design

history, theory and criticism surrounding

3-Dimensional Design

type, image, and message. Junior year

Drawing I

emphasizes conceptual thinking in areas

Art History I or II

such as business and communication

SOPHOMORE

PLN U

strategy, brand identity programs, visual

Intro to Computer Graphics

systems and information design. Senior

GD I: Visual Symbolism

year introduces real-world human-centered

GD II: Typography

design applications for good. Majors build

History of Graphic Design

print and web portfolios for the Capstone

Concentration electives

Portfolio Review targeting professional practice. A range of concentration electives are available to expose students to specific areas of graphic design practice. Juniors and seniors also have opportunities to pursue professional internships over the summer or during the semester.

Portfolio Review

Portfolio Review

start branching

reflect on my

allowed us to really out and showing our true colors

focusing on what

we really love. We to create what we envisioned

ourselves doing in the world for our dream jobs and personal goals.

Sammy Melin, ’20

purpose and what I

want out of a career

Digital Photography GD III: Branding and Identity Programs Modern or Contemporary History Internship Concentration electives SENIOR Intro to Interactive Web Interactive Web Portfolio Preparation Portfolio Review Concentration electives

and has prepared me for the job

market. I got a ton

of critical feedback.

Sora Chiba, ’20

Jenna Segel, ’20

were encouraged

enabled me to

JUNIOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN, B.A. / MAJOR

LEARNING OUTCOMES Practice a comprehensive design process: Identify and define the design problem Gather, analyze and synthesize information Determine performance criteria to measure success Develop content Understand audience and project context: cognitive, social, cultural, technological, environmental, and economic Practice human-centered research methods Ideate and generate alternative solutions Katie Carmichael, ’20

Build prototypes/rich visual experiences with meaningful messages using visual principles, formal structures using problem solving and critical thinking Constructively critique and evaluate appropriate solutions Implement choices Evaluate outcomes Develop business and communication strategy

Develop and apply technical skills

through the use of tools and technology Design for unified visual systems

I definitely grew

I am very proud to

learned my passions

with a design

as a designer, and and my strengths.

The program

requires so much from students

that it forces them

Learn to be flexible, nimble and dynamic

to learn about

meeting deadlines

proud of the work

in practice using organizational skills and Practice sustainable production methods Collaborate productively in teams Complete a comprehensive body of work (8–10 projects) across media, with the

highest standards of excellence targeting professional practice

themselves. I’m that I created.

Hailey Haakenson, ’20

say I am graduating degree from Point Loma and I know

every second was

100% worth it. I am so thankful for all I have learned each

day and for all the helpful feedback and innovative instruction I

received while

earning this degree.

Katie Carmichael, ’20

D E PA R T M E N T O F A R T & D E S I G N

I feel prepared for

the program I can

know that there

an interviewer and

the work force. I

will always be onthe-job learning, but because of

stand in front of

feel confident in

my abilities. Sierra Marshall, ’20

MEDIAN SALARY EARNINGS According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics graphic designers median annual wage for graphic designers was $52,110 in May 2019. Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028. Graphic designers are expected to face strong competition for available positions.

CAREERS/RELATED FIELDS Advertising Animation

PLN U

Branding and Corporate Identity Creative Talent Temp Agencies Design Practice Editorial and Publishing Experience Design Entertainment Media Environmental Graphics Emerging Media

DEPARTMENT OF ART & DESIGN Faculty

Exhibition Design Freelance Game Design Human-Centered Design

David Carlson, M.A. and M.F.A. ,

Information Design

Associate Professor and Department of

In-house Design

Art & Design, Chair

Institutions and Government

California State University of Fullerton

Motion Design

Vermont College of Fine Art

Museums

David Adey, M.F.A. , Professor

Package Design

Cranbrook Academy of Art Lael Corbin, M.F.A. , Associate Professor San Diego State University Karah Lain, M.F.A. , Assistant Professor

Prepress and Printing Publishing Typeface Design Virtual/Augmented Reality Web Development UI/UX

Oregon College of Art and Craft Courtney Mayer, M.F.A. , Associate Professor

The majority of our graduates are employed

Washington State University

in design careers within the first year.

Point Loma Nazarene University Department of Art & Design (619) 849–2396 artanddesign@pointloma.edu

Due to COVID-19 activities may be adjusted to provide a safe environment for our students.