Graphic Design

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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

School of the Arts

Program description

Graphic design is a creative and analytical process that integrates art and technology to communicate ideas and information. The goal of the Department of Graphic Design at VCU is to educate students to become innovators and leaders in three related areas of professional practice: print design, sequential design and interaction design.

Career opportunities

Graphic Designer, Web Designer/Developer, Art Director, Exhibit Designer, User Interface Designer

Change of major requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.

Students are required to submit their application here: http://arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/current-vcu-student/

Typical Application deadlines:

For Spring: November 1st

For Fall: April 1st

A portfolio is required (more information here: http://arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/current-vcu-student/)

Bachelor-level job titles

Art Director
Brand Strategist
Communications Director
Communications Strategiest
Digital Content Creator
Exhibit Designer
Graphic Designer
Interactive Design
Layout Designer
Logo/Brand Designer
Marketing Communicator
Motion Graphics Designer

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Graphic Design

Plan of study in Bulletin

Graphic Design

Requirements

Highest level of math required

MATH 131

Science required

Core only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Graphic Design

Building/room location:

Pollak Building, Room 332

Phone:

(804) 828-1709

Email:

gdes@vcu.edu

http://arts.vcu.edu/graphicdesign/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
Exploring UNIV 291 modules: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.
Apply to University, VCUarts, and external grants and scholarships.
Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!.
Check out university art spaces and the VCUArts Calendar.
Join student run clubs or the Student Government Association.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources.
Attend VCUarts visiting artist lectures and related events every semester.
Visit local and regional museums of art, history, and diversity every semester.
Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Explore“What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job opportunities in your field of study.
Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
Brush up on your technology and other skills at The Workshop or The Depot or Lynda.com

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work.
Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
Talk to your academic and/or career advisor about professional inclinations and career options.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to explore minors, certificates .If planning to study abroad, have plans and ideas ready for discussion in the Spring of your Sophomore year.
See your professor to discuss research interests and opportunities in the discipline.
Keep all your Graphic Design project work for end of the year Sophomore Portfolio Review.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend Objects+Methods Lectures
Attend SOTA and University lectures
Attend AIGA student group meetings
Apply for Undergraduate research grant
Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider Qatar student exchange
Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
Apply for VCUarts Dean's International Study Grants: http://arts.vcu.edu/grants/
Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project that will help you and others. Undergraduate Research Grants: http://arts.vcu.edu/grants/

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
Prepare for internships. Internship Support Grants.
Seek out volunteer work/projects, with an emphasis on graphic design.
Apply for a show of their own work or curatorial project at The Anderson this year and forward.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss degree progression and elective coursework for your senior year.
Attend scholarship meetings and meet with advisor regarding scholarships as needed
Prepare for Junior Review. All work from your Junior year should be kept for consideration.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend Objects+Methods Lectures
Attend SOTA and University lectures
Attend AIGA student group meetings
Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider Qatar student exchange
Apply for Dean’s International Study grant for research study abroad
Consider working with students from other Arts disciplines on a project that will help you and others. Undergraduate Research Grants: http://arts.vcu.edu/grants/
Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year to explore your interests.
Prepare for or take an internship for credit (GPA 3.0 or higher)
Seek out projects with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
Attend GDES and Depot workshops hosted by VCUarts alumni.
Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
Study Abroad is not allowed during the Fall or Spring of your Senior year.
Carefully consider which electives will help you be marketable in your desired career path. Electives from Graphic Design, Arts Cross Disciplinary and Innovate can add to your skill sets in a meaningful way.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend Objects+Methods Lectures and Workshop
Attend SOTA and University lectures and workshops
Attend AIGA student group meetings and events.
Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Bring back work and research from study abroad and share with your colleagues. The Department hosts lectures and workshops led by returning students to help others learn and think about study abroad

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Gain research experience with Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.
Seek out project opportunities and jobs with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Follow up on all job opportunities shared on the gdes-all listserv.
Attend all alumni events and job fairs offered during Senior Studio.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2018-2019

Graphic Design

School of the Arts

Concentration(s):

No concentration

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY	DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression. Exploring UNIV 291 modules: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO. Apply to University, VCUarts, and external grants and scholarships. Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience	Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!. Check out university art spaces and the VCUArts Calendar. Join student run clubs or the Student Government Association.	Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office. Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website for programs, events, and resources. Attend VCUarts visiting artist lectures and related events every semester. Visit local and regional museums of art, history, and diversity every semester. Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe	Explore“What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job opportunities in your field of study. Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities. Build your LinkedIn profile with Career Services. Brush up on your technology and other skills at The Workshop or The Depot or Lynda.com	Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work. Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities. Talk to your academic and/or career advisor about professional inclinations and career options. Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to explore minors, certificates .If planning to study abroad, have plans and ideas ready for discussion in the Spring of your Sophomore year. See your professor to discuss research interests and opportunities in the discipline. Keep all your Graphic Design project work for end of the year Sophomore Portfolio Review.	Attend Objects+Methods Lectures Attend SOTA and University lectures Attend AIGA student group meetings Apply for Undergraduate research grant Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails	Consider Qatar student exchange Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week. Apply for VCUarts Dean's International Study Grants: http://arts.vcu.edu/grants/ Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project that will help you and others. Undergraduate Research Grants: http://arts.vcu.edu/grants/	Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed. Prepare for internships. Internship Support Grants. Seek out volunteer work/projects, with an emphasis on graphic design. Apply for a show of their own work or curatorial project at The Anderson this year and forward.	Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience	Year 3	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss degree progression and elective coursework for your senior year. Attend scholarship meetings and meet with advisor regarding scholarships as needed Prepare for Junior Review. All work from your Junior year should be kept for consideration.	Attend Objects+Methods Lectures Attend SOTA and University lectures Attend AIGA student group meetings Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails	Consider Qatar student exchange Apply for Dean’s International Study grant for research study abroad Consider working with students from other Arts disciplines on a project that will help you and others. Undergraduate Research Grants: http://arts.vcu.edu/grants/ Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office	Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year to explore your interests. Prepare for or take an internship for credit (GPA 3.0 or higher) Seek out projects with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design	Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation. Attend GDES and Depot workshops hosted by VCUarts alumni. Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Study Abroad is not allowed during the Fall or Spring of your Senior year. Carefully consider which electives will help you be marketable in your desired career path. Electives from Graphic Design, Arts Cross Disciplinary and Innovate can add to your skill sets in a meaningful way.	Attend Objects+Methods Lectures and Workshop Attend SOTA and University lectures and workshops Attend AIGA student group meetings and events. Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails	Bring back work and research from study abroad and share with your colleagues. The Department hosts lectures and workshops led by returning students to help others learn and think about study abroad	Gain research experience with Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Seek out project opportunities and jobs with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.	Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Follow up on all job opportunities shared on the gdes-all listserv. Attend all alumni events and job fairs offered during Senior Studio.