Design (Graphic/Information), B.A.
Central’s Design Program Overview
Today, graphic and experience design is an innovation catalyst within many industries. Design (Graphic/Information) students explore Design’s principles, vocabularies, iteration, prototyping, and reflection in the creation of physical and digital forms with words, symbols, and images. Typography gives students ways to realize and give visual form to written language which then frames concrete and abstract thinking. Learning objectives are realized through methodologies in typography, design history, motion graphics, and UI/UX design.
The Design Curriculum
Central’s Design curriculum emphasizes human-centered design and professional industry practices. By engaging in iterative design processes, research-driven problem-solving, and the development of strategic presentation skills, students gain the ability to transform products, services, and information systems through innovative design thinking.
The program focuses on emerging and traditional applications of design across business, arts & culture, applied engineering, and life sciences. Through coursework and hands-on projects, students acquire historical and contemporary knowledge to create solutions that revolutionize product design, information systems, and visual communication across industries.
Key competencies include:
- Design research methodologies
- Design brief development and execution
- Strategic problem-solving and applied creativity
- Digital and print media proficiency
- Cross-disciplinary design application
A Bachelor of Arts in Design (Graphic/Information)
Central’s BA in Design (Graphic/Information) prepares students to thrive in professional design environments by integrating rigorous studio practice, theoretical frameworks, and interdisciplinary applications. The program offers a comprehensive academic structure that builds expertise in:
- Graphic Design (print and digital media)
- Information Design
- Marketing and Communications
- Web Design and UI/UX Development
- Branding and Identity Systems
- Interactive and Multimedia Design
- Time-Based Media (motion graphics, animation)
- 3D Design
- Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Applications
By blending conceptual development with technical proficiency, the Program fosters innovative design thinking and prepares students to navigate an evolving creative industry.
The Faculty, Facilities, and Opportunities
The Design Faculty consists of experienced professionals with current knowledge and expertise in graphic/information design and multi-media. Students benefit from small classes with cohorts, state-of-the-art facilities, including a production print center, fully equipped design laboratories ensuring access to the latest hardware and software tools and technologies.
Upper-level students may apply (through portfolio review and instructor approval) for participation in:
- Design Internship Experiences: Opportunities with graphic design agencies, corporate communication teams, product development firms, publishers, and multimedia design companies.
- Central Design: A student-operated and faculty-supervised, full-service graphic design studio.
- International Design/Study Abroad: A program fostering global design perspectives.
Career Outcomes for Design Graduates
Graduates of the Design Program are highly sought after in the creative economy, securing positions as:
- Creative Directors
- Art Directors
- Graphic Designers
- Experience Designers
- Production Supervisors
They work in nationally recognized design firms, advertising agencies, corporate communication departments, publishing houses, multimedia production studios, and animation/3D design companies.
Key Skills and Professional Achievements
- Mastery of creative problem-solving and technical design applications
- Development of professional-grade design portfolios
- Proficiency in branding, web design, multimedia, 3D imaging, and animation
- Experience in design research and interdisciplinary applications
Requirements: (54 credits)
Required Courses (39 cr)
| DES 122 | Fundamentals of Graphic/Information Design | 3 |
| DES 222 | Graphic/Information Design I | 3 |
| DES 225 | History & Design of Typography | 3 |
| DES 322 | Graphic/Information Design II | 3 |
| DES 325 | Digital Imaging / Motion Graphics I | 3 |
| DES 326 | Digital Imaging / Motion Graphics II | 3 |
| DES 419 | History of Design | 3 |
| DES 436 | Graphic/Information Design III | 3 |
| DES 438 | Graphic/Information Design IV | 3 |
| DES 425 | 3-D and AV/VR for Graphic/Information Design | 3 |
| DES 499 | Computer Applications for Graphic/Information Design | 3 |
| MKT 306 | Advertising and Promotion | 3 |
| Directed Elective Approved by your Advisor (3 credits) | 3 |
Additionally Required (15 cr)
| ART 110 | Introduction to Art History | 3 |
| or | |
| ART 112 | History of Art I | 3 |
| or | |
| ART 113 | History of Art II | 3 |
| ART 130 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 224 | Illustration I | 3 |
| MKT 295 | Fundamentals of Marketing | 3 |
| Directed Elective Approved by your Advisor (3 credits) | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 54
Academic Advising and Degree Requirements
Students must complete 18 credits in either a standard Minor or through a Major-Related Course list as approved by an advisor. First-year and transfer students may receive advising directly from Design faculty once classes commence. Design majors are encouraged to structure their coursework strategically and limit design-designated courses to 6 credits per semester to maintain a rigorous but balanced workload. All course selections require advisor approval.