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Graphic Design Degree Requirements

Complete these requirements for a Graphic Design degree.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design program prepares students to engage in a dialogue that critically examines culture, within which graphic design and digital media play an integral role.

The curriculum promotes the cultivation of critical thinking and creative visual skills based upon historical and contemporary trends and theories. It combines an intense focus in Graphic Design with studies in art history and fine art disciplines such as Ceramics, Drawing, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

The B.F.A. in Graphic Design is a professional undergraduate degree program, and is an excellent choice for those who aspire to work as graphic designers. 

All art or design majors begin in the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Visual Arts degree program. Students gain entrance to the B.F.A. in Graphic Design program through a formal application process.

Majors in Graphic Design must complete at least 24 credits in Graphic Design.

Required 120 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above, and 30 of which must be from UND) including:

I. Essential Studies Requirements (see University ES listing).

II. The following curriculum of 69 major credits:

All BFA degree majors have a minimum requirement of 69 credits in Art, Art History or Graphic Design courses in conjunction with other program requirements as follows:

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Core Requirements (15 credits)
ART 112Two Three Dimensional Design3
ART 115First Year Seminar3
ART 210History of Art - Ancient to Medieval3
ART 211History of Art - Renaissance to Present3
ART 230Introduction to Drawing3
Additional supportive courses (12 credits)12
200-level two-dimensional studio art courses (6 credits)
200-level three-dimensional studio art courses (6 credits)
Studies in Art History (6 credits)6
300/400-level art history courses
Studies in Graphic Design (24 credits)24
200-level Graphic Design Courses (3 credits)
300/400-level Graphic Design Courses (21 credits)
Art & Design Electives (12 credits)12
300/400-level studio art courses outside Graphic Design (6 credits)
300/400-level art history, graphic design or studio art courses (6 credits)
Total Credits69

B.F.A. in Graphic Design Program Requirements

  • B.F.A. Application - All B.F.A. in Graphic Design majors must apply to be accepted into the program. Accepted students will be expected to demonstrate creative growth, and maintain a 3.00 grade point average in all art and design courses.
  • B.F.A. Review - B.F.A. Reviews are evaluations conducted with departmental faculty. After being  accepted into the program, BFA majors must advance through at least one review.
  • B.F.A. Portfolio Review/Exhibition - B.F.A. in Graphic Design majors either participate in a portfolio review or mount a gallery exhibition of art or design work that reflects concentrated study in the program. This presentation serves as a culmination of their undergraduate studies.

General Education Courses

Essential Studies (ES) is UND’s program in general education. Along with your required major courses, it helps form the core of your UND undergraduate education. Your ES courses focus on essential skills employers require including communication, critical thinking and problem solving.

Graphic Design Degree Requirements Disclaimer

The requirements on this page are pulled from UND’s academic catalog and may not reflect future terms. Updates are published annually in April.

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