Graphic Design

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

2020-2021

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

Brand Strategist
Communication Strategist
Digital Content Creator
Exhibit Designer
Graphic Designer
Interactive Design
Layout Designer
Logo/Brand Designer
Marketing Communicator
Motion Graphics Designer
Packaging Design
Photoshop Artist

Graduate and professional level job titles

Art Director
Communications Director
Marketing Manager
Producer

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

Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help.
Digitally archive studio & personal work.
Explore UNIV 291 modules: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Apply to join the Honors College.
Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary.
Visit local and regional museums of art, history, and diversity every semester.
Check out university art spaces and the VCUArts Calendar.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities.
Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage.
Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options.
Attend VCUarts visiting artist lectures and related events every semester.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake.
Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center.
Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it.
Brush up on your technology and other skills at The Workshop or The Depot or LinkedIn Learning.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures.
Keep all your Graphic Design project work for end of the year Sophomore Portfolio Review.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests.
Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond).
Attend AIGA student group events.
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 short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
Join a cultural or identity-related organization.
Consider Qatar student exchange
Apply for VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building.
Seek out volunteer work/projects, with an emphasis on graphic design.
Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni.
Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
Prepare for Junior Review. All work from your Junior year should be kept for consideration.

GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Create a community-engaged research project.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship.
Attend AIGA student group events.
Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events.
Consider Qatar student exchange or apply for VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Update your ePortfolio.
Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project.
Prepare for or take an internship for credit (GPA 3.0 or higher)

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
Seek out projects with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design
Attend GDES and Depot workshops hosted by VCUarts alumni.

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.
Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures.
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

Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps.
Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above).
Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark.
Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
Attend AIGA student group events.
Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails.

DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY

Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
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

Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
Seek out project opportunities and jobs with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools.
Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor.
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 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

2020-2021

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	Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience. Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression. Take a tour to learn about library spaces, services, & how to get research help. Digitally archive studio & personal work. Explore UNIV 291 modules: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.	Apply to join the Honors College. Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs. Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Use REAL’s Student Opportunity Center platform to take the hassle out of finding hands-on experiences and make your first-year extraordinary. Visit local and regional museums of art, history, and diversity every semester. Check out university art spaces and the VCUArts Calendar.	Consider Peace Corps Prep through VCU Globe to expand skills in global leadership and intercultural communication. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore study abroad and national scholarship opportunities. Review the OMSA website. Follow them on social media for events, resources & other ways to engage. Visit a study abroad fair and complete Rams Abroad 101 online to learn about study abroad options. Attend VCUarts visiting artist lectures and related events every semester.	Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through Handshake. Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation with the da Vinci Center. Create a draft resume and meet with a career advisor in VCU Career Services to discuss it. Brush up on your technology and other skills at The Workshop or The Depot or LinkedIn Learning.	Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Build a LinkedIn profile, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study. Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams. Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
Experience	Year 2	Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library. Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses. Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program. Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures. Keep all your Graphic Design project work for end of the year Sophomore Portfolio Review.	Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break. Find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Meet with a faculty member to discuss your personal and professional interests. Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond). Attend AIGA student group events. Apply for Undergraduate research grant. Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails.	Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities. Get to know other VCU students and meet new friends from all over the world at a monthly Global Café. Join a cultural or identity-related organization. Consider Qatar student exchange Apply for VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant.	Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events. Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor. Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections. Gain practical experience related to career goals through internships, shadowing, part-time work, or independent skill building. Seek out volunteer work/projects, with an emphasis on graphic design. Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project.	Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest. Consider who you would ask to serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation. Get plugged into VCULink to connect with students and alumni. Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides. Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning. Prepare for Junior Review. All work from your Junior year should be kept for consideration.	Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions. Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Create a community-engaged research project. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities, such as the Fulbright Student Scholarship. Attend AIGA student group events. Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails.	Apply to be a Diversity Ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events. Consider Qatar student exchange or apply for VCUarts Dean's International Study Grant.	Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Update your ePortfolio. Seek research opportunities and apply for funding through VCU Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project. Prepare for or take an internship for credit (GPA 3.0 or higher)	Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year. Seek out projects with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design Attend GDES and Depot workshops hosted by VCUarts alumni.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met. Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures. 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.	Apply for a year-long service or fellowship opportunity after graduation through programs like Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Literacy Lab, Richmond Teacher Residency, or AmeriCorps. Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships (see professional organizations listed above). Continue to find opportunities and organizations through SOC that can help you make a difference and make your mark. Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization. Attend AIGA student group events. Always read listserv messages. Internship scholarship, part time work and other information is shared via listserv emails.	Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field. Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations. 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	Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio. Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences. Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals). Seek out project opportunities and jobs with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.	Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation. Consider training to become an educator through programs like RTR, which prepares graduates from a variety of majors to become effective teachers in high-need schools. Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview through InterviewStream or with a career advisor. 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 alumni events and job fairs offered during Senior Studio.