The Graphic Design BFA is designed to prepare students with the fundamental skills to create visual responses to the communication challenges of the contemporary world. With ever evolving technologies and the vast array of markets, this BFA program provides specialized training in conceptual development, visual media and a mastery of creative technology. Upon completion of the program, students will immediately be prepared for a career in graphic design with a professional portfolio that showcases their design work for printed and digital media.
Admission into the Major and Academic Standards:
Students may choose the BFA in Graphic Design as a major during the regular UA admissions process. However, full admission to the BFA program is only granted after applying to be admitted to the program through the BFA portfolio review process. Students expecting to complete the requirements for the BFA in Graphic Design in four years should begin program course work as first-semester freshmen and apply to the BFA portfolio review in the fall semester of the sophomore year. If the student does not gain admission into the program after the first attempt, the student can reapply the following year. If the student is not admitted into the BFA program after the second portfolio review process, they are not eligible to apply a third time or to pursue the BFA in Graphic Design degree, and it is recommended that they change to the BFA or BA in Studio Art. The student is responsible for keeping track of courses completed and applying at the appropriate time. Students must be enrolled in or have completed GDS 214 in order to apply for admission to the program. Specific details regarding the BFA portfolio review process and course sequence are available on the departmental website.
Once admitted, students will matriculate through the BFA in Graphic Design program as a cohort and must register for and pass all required classes with a C- or higher grade. Students admitted to the program during the portfolio review process who do not earn a C- or higher in GDS 214 and ART 210 will have their admission rescinded and would need to reapply in the following cycle. Students who, at any time in the curriculum sequence do not pass required GDS courses with a C- or higher or who do not register for the required courses, will be out of sequence with the program cohort. As such, their admission to the program will be annulled, and they will be required to reapply to the program the following academic year.
Transfer students will follow the same guidelines and procedures for admission to the program. Admission of students transferring to UA during the spring semester will be based on merit and available space in the program.