B.A. B.F.A. Graphic Design
Courses
120 credit hours
95% career outcome rate
2 degree options
Graphic DesignFeatured Courses
As a student in the graphic design major at Concordia Nebraska, you’ll have the opportunity to take specialized courses related to various aspects of the graphic design profession. These classes, designed to equip you for leadership and service in various graphic design careers, are taught by some of our esteemed faculty who have extensive experience in their fields.
ART 145
Digital Imaging
Explores capturing, digitizing and editing images with an emphasis on meeting aesthetic and technical requirements of the graphic design industry. Students will learn to color-correct, manipulate, retouch, enhance and composite digital images.
ART 190
Graphic Design
This course combines creative development of ideas, effective communication and correct technical reproduction of the graphic design process with the study of historic and contemporary movements, designers, and innovations in the graphic design/illustration experience. From the invention of writing to the printing press to the digital age, this course allows for an in-depth survey of the graphic design arena.
ART 235
Digital Photography
Explores photography as an art form. Development of a critical eye for photography through historical and cultural context, as well as in-class group critiques. An introduction to technical and creative strategies such as exposure, lighting, color, perspective, and editing. A focus on thematic and conceptual projects that require students to challenge how they see and understand the world through a lens.
ART 403
Brand Development
Students work on a self-directed sequence of advanced layout and design problems within brand development and application.
ART 490
Cross Platform Narrative Design
An intensive, cross-disciplinary project-based study of mediums within narrative formats. Long term/large-scale projects developed by students with peer and faculty review.
Graphic DesignSample Schedule of Courses
The following sample course of study is an example of the sequence of courses you might take in order to receive your degree. Please plan to discuss your actual course of study with your advisor, who can help you stay on track to meet your academic and professional goals.
Graphic Design: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Sample Course List
Semester 1 (B.A.)
ART 103
Observational Drawing
An exploration of the foundational aspects of mark-making, this course is a study in drawing what you see. Emphasis will be placed on observational, expressive and compositional aspects inherent to drawing through the use of various black and white and color media.
credits
ART 145
Digital Imaging
Explores capturing, digitizing and editing images with an emphasis on meeting aesthetic and technical requirements of the graphic design industry. Students will learn to color-correct, manipulate, retouch, enhance and composite digital images.
credits
ART 203
Two-Dimensional Design
Explores the elements and principles of composition, systems of organization, and the exploration of two– dimensional media. This course provides an analysis of the interaction between visual subject matter, form and content. Emphasis on perceiving formal relationships in natural and artistic contexts. Initial study in color theory and color relationships.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 2 (B.A.)
ART 190
Graphic Design
This course combines creative development of ideas, effective communication and correct technical reproduction of the graphic design process with the study of historic and contemporary movements, designers, and innovations in the graphic design/illustration experience. From the invention of writing to the printing press to the digital age, this course allows for an in-depth survey of the graphic design arena.
credits
ART 205
Three-Dimensional Design
An essential foundation in the process of making dimensional objects. Projects explore different techniques in production of form through additive and subtractive means. There will be an emphasis on formal production by strongly considering the elements and principles of design in the making of objects in space.
credits
ART 235
Digital Photography
Explores photography as an art form. Development of a critical eye for photography through historical and cultural context, as well as in-class group critiques. An introduction to technical and creative strategies such as exposure, lighting, color, perspective, and editing. A focus on thematic and conceptual projects that require students to challenge how they see and understand the world through a lens.
credits
ART 271
Art History I
A historical survey of the art and architecture of European and near Eastern cultures prior to the Renaissance; art of Islam, Oceana and the native arts of the Americas.
credits
Total Credits
12
Semester 3 (B.A.)
ART 207
Moving Image
An introduction to history, practices, and strategies related to time-based media with an emphasis on video. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to explore temporal formats that involve sound, editing, continuity, writing, and other narrative and non-narrative techniques. An introduction to basic technical skills related to the various production phases of video and other media.
credits
ART 272
Art History II
A study of painting, sculpture and architecture from early Renaissance through 19th century styles. The art of the Eastern cultures of China and Japan will also be explored.
credits
ART 280
Typography
Exploration of the design and use of basic letter forms, typographic contrast, hierarchy of information, major type families and characteristics, and typographic grids. Students build skills for the art of typesetting and typographic layout, and for expressive typography and conceptual thinking.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 4 (B.A.)
ART 161
Visual Studies
Visual Studies will place an emphasis on the development of higher-level critical thinking skills and a broad introduction to the aesthetic vocabulary of form, concept, criticism and historical theories in the visual arts. Students will develop skills to articulate and defend critical positions about artists, works of art and art exhibitions.
credits
ART 240
Video Production
A focused opportunity to comprehend and expand the practical and artistic processes of manipulating video imagery through all phases of production. Exposure to broad range of video projects and production methodologies that are seen in professional industries. Collaboration and teamwork are emphasized.
credits
ART 303
Layout and Design
Concentrated study in the aesthetic and functional organization of information and visual elements within two- dimensional composition. With an emphasis on preparing text and images for electronic pre-press and for selecting printing options.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 5 (B.A.)
ART 273
Art History III
A study of the diverse movements within the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture and photography from the beginning of the 20th century to the present time. Recent developments in art theory will be emphasized.
credits
ART 365
Interactive Design
This course explores communication through interactive media with an emphasis on basic web design and motion graphics. Design projects include explorations of web- based interface design, navigation principles, interactive and time-based media for designers.
credits
ART
Art Elective
An art elective course
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 6 (B.A.)
ART 403
Brand Development
Students work on a self-directed sequence of advanced layout and design problems within brand development and application.
credits
ART 351
Illustration
Exploration in traditional illustration techniques and media to communicate a variety of topics, subject matter, and concepts.
credits
ART 390
Graphic Design Internship
Experience in Commercial Design; practice gained while working in an internship position within a professional graphic design firm. Prerequisites: 20 hours of studio art courses and permission from the art faculty. P/F. Students should contact the Office of Career Services to obtain the undergraduate internship/practicum packet and review the required process.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 7 (B.A.)
ART 489
Portfolio and the Art Vocation
A guided plan of study resulting in a professional print and digital portfolio, resume', job search process, business interview etiquette and attire, and planning for post-graduate career opportunities.
credits
ART 490
Cross Platform Narrative Design
An intensive, cross-disciplinary project-based study of mediums within narrative formats. Long term/large-scale projects developed by students with peer and faculty review.
credits
Total Credits
6
Semester 8 (B.A.)
ART 407
Design Systems
Concentrated study in conceptual and practical problem solving as related to visual communication.
credits
ART
Art Elective
An art elective course
credits
Total Credits
6
Choose (6) Hours From
ART 102 - Intro to Film Theory
ART 213 - Integrated Materials
ART 214 - Figure + Time
ART 241 - Advanced Video Production
ART 315 - Printmaking
ART 335 - Advanced Digital Photography
ART 352 - Advanced Illustration
ART 366 - Advanced Interactive Design
Graphic Design: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Sample Course List
Semester 1 (B.F.A.)
ART 103
Observational Drawing
An exploration of the foundational aspects of mark-making, this course is a study in drawing what you see. Emphasis will be placed on observational, expressive and compositional aspects inherent to drawing through the use of various black and white and color media.
credits
ART 145
Digital Imaging
Explores capturing, digitizing and editing images with an emphasis on meeting aesthetic and technical requirements of the graphic design industry. Students will learn to color-correct, manipulate, retouch, enhance and composite digital images.
credits
ART 203
Two-Dimensional Design
Explores the elements and principles of composition, systems of organization, and the exploration of two– dimensional media. This course provides an analysis of the interaction between visual subject matter, form and content. Emphasis on perceiving formal relationships in natural and artistic contexts. Initial study in color theory and color relationships.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 2 (B.F.A.)
ART 190
Graphic Design
This course combines creative development of ideas, effective communication and correct technical reproduction of the graphic design process with the study of historic and contemporary movements, designers, and innovations in the graphic design/illustration experience. From the invention of writing to the printing press to the digital age, this course allows for an in-depth survey of the graphic design arena.
credits
ART 205
Three-Dimensional Design
An essential foundation in the process of making dimensional objects. Projects explore different techniques in production of form through additive and subtractive means. There will be an emphasis on formal production by strongly considering the elements and principles of design in the making of objects in space.
credits
ART 235
Digital Photography
Explores photography as an art form. Development of a critical eye for photography through historical and cultural context, as well as in-class group critiques. An introduction to technical and creative strategies such as exposure, lighting, color, perspective, and editing. A focus on thematic and conceptual projects that require students to challenge how they see and understand the world through a lens.
credits
ART 271
Art History I
A historical survey of the art and architecture of European and near Eastern cultures prior to the Renaissance; art of Islam, Oceana and the native arts of the Americas.
credits
Total Credits
12
Semester 3 (B.F.A.)
ART 207
Moving Image
An introduction to history, practices, and strategies related to time-based media with an emphasis on video. Students will work both individually and collaboratively to explore temporal formats that involve sound, editing, continuity, writing, and other narrative and non-narrative techniques. An introduction to basic technical skills related to the various production phases of video and other media.
credits
ART 272
Art History II
A study of painting, sculpture and architecture from early Renaissance through 19th century styles. The art of the Eastern cultures of China and Japan will also be explored.
credits
ART 280
Typography
Exploration of the design and use of basic letter forms, typographic contrast, hierarchy of information, major type families and characteristics, and typographic grids. Students build skills for the art of typesetting and typographic layout, and for expressive typography and conceptual thinking.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 4 (B.F.A.)
ART 161
Visual Studies
Visual Studies will place an emphasis on the development of higher-level critical thinking skills and a broad introduction to the aesthetic vocabulary of form, concept, criticism and historical theories in the visual arts. Students will develop skills to articulate and defend critical positions about artists, works of art and art exhibitions.
credits
ART 240
Video Production
A focused opportunity to comprehend and expand the practical and artistic processes of manipulating video imagery through all phases of production. Exposure to broad range of video projects and production methodologies that are seen in professional industries. Collaboration and teamwork are emphasized.
credits
ART 303
Layout and Design
Concentrated study in the aesthetic and functional organization of information and visual elements within two- dimensional composition. With an emphasis on preparing text and images for electronic pre-press and for selecting printing options.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 5 (B.F.A.)
ART 273
Art History III
A study of the diverse movements within the fields of painting, sculpture, architecture and photography from the beginning of the 20th century to the present time. Recent developments in art theory will be emphasized.
credits
ART 365
Interactive Design
This course explores communication through interactive media with an emphasis on basic web design and motion graphics. Design projects include explorations of web- based interface design, navigation principles, interactive and time-based media for designers.
credits
ART
Art Elective
An art elective course
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 6 (B.F.A.)
ART 213
Integrated Materials
An exploration of the intuitive process of drawing and the spatial language of sculpture, challenging the boundaries between the two, this course will focus on creating a unique dialog based on symbolism and metaphorical content.
credits
ART 351
Illustration
Exploration in traditional illustration techniques and media to communicate a variety of topics, subject matter, and concepts.
credits
ART 390
Graphic Design Internship
Experience in Commercial Design; practice gained while working in an internship position within a professional graphic design firm. Prerequisites: 20 hours of studio art courses and permission from the art faculty. P/F. Students should contact the Office of Career Services to obtain the undergraduate internship/practicum packet and review the required process.
credits
ART 403
Brand Development
Students work on a self-directed sequence of advanced layout and design problems within brand development and application.
credits
Total Credits
12
Semester 7 (B.F.A.)
ART 214
Figure and Time
An exploration of the dynamic human response to time and space, this course is a study of the human figure through an assortment of drawing approaches, time-based exercises, and performative strategies. An exploration of identity, embodiment, and representation as practiced through collaborative drawing reconnects eye to hand, mind to body, and individual to community.
credits
ART 489
Portfolio and the Art Vocation
A guided plan of study resulting in a professional print and digital portfolio, resume', job search process, business interview etiquette and attire, and planning for post-graduate career opportunities.
credits
ART 490
Cross Platform Narrative Design
An intensive, cross-disciplinary project-based study of mediums within narrative formats. Long term/large-scale projects developed by students with peer and faculty review.
credits
Total Credits
9
Semester 8 (B.F.A.)
ART 407
Design Systems
Concentrated study in conceptual and practical problem solving as related to visual communication.
credits
ART 499
BFA Honors Thesis Capstone
This course is required for all the Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates seeking to exhibit their artwork in the BFA Thesis Exhibition. To accomplish this, the student prepares and displays a solo or group show of their artwork and presents their study in the Research Symposium. Prerequisites: BFA candidate and permission of the art faculty through the Senior Exit Portfolio Review.
credits
ART
Art Elective
An art elective course
credits
Total Credits
9
Choose (6) Hours From
ART 102 - Intro to Film Theory
ART 213 - Integrated Materials
ART 214 - Figure + Time
ART 241 - Advanced Video Production
ART 315 - Printmaking
ART 335 - Advanced Digital Photography
ART 352 - Advanced Illustration
ART 366 - Advanced Interactive Design
Graphic Design Faculty
As experts in graphic design, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet the faculty