Program: Design Studies, Area of Specialization in Graphic Design, BA (2023-2024) - San José State University

Apr 04, 2025

MyRoadmaps Catalog

The following roadmap is a sample advising map to complete the degree program in four years. Please consult your MyPlanner and major advisor as you develop your individualized academic plan. Students must have completed 60+ units in order to enroll in SJSU Studies courses.

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1

Fall Semester (15 units)

ANI 11 - Illustration Fundamentals I
3 unit(s) *
ARTH 72 - Design in Society
3 unit(s) (C2) *
DSGD 83 - Digital Applications: Basics
3 unit(s) *
GE Area E 3 unit(s)
GE Area A2 3 unit(s)

Spring Semester (15 units)

DSGD 63 - Fundamental Graphic Visualization
3 unit(s) *
DSGD 99 - Introduction to Typography
3 unit(s) *
ARTH 70A - Art History, Prehistoric to Medieval
,
ARTH 70B - Art History, Renaissance to Modern
(Recommended), OR
ARTH 70C - Arts of Asia
3 unit(s) (C1) *
GE Area B4 3 unit(s)
GE Area A1 3 unit(s)

Year 2

Fall Semester (15 units)

DSGD 100 - Visual Communication & Process
(BFA GD Portfolio Review I) 3 unit(s) **
DSGD 109 - Digital Apps: Motion & Interaction Design 3 unit(s) **
GE Area A3 3 unit(s)
GE Area B1+B3 3 unit(s) ***
GE Area D + US123 3 unit(s)
Complete the Upper Division Writing - Directed Self Placement

Spring Semester (15 units)

DSGD 104 - Introduction to Graphic Design
(BFA GD Portfolio Review II) 3 unit(s) **
GE Area B2+B3 3 unit(s) ***
GE Area C2 3 unit(s)
GE Area D + US123 3 unit(s)
GE Area F 3 unit(s)

Year 3

Fall Semester (15 units)

DSGN 100W - Writing Workshop: Design
3 unit(s) (WID)
Approved Lower Division Design Elective 3 unit(s) ^
Approved Upper Division Design Elective 3 unit(s) ^
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)

Spring Semester (15 units)

DSGD 176A - Graphic Design History and Theory
3 unit(s) *
Approved Lower Division Design Elective 3 unit(s) ^
Approved Upper Division Design Elective 3 unit(s) ^
SJSU Studies Area R 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
Apply to Graduate

Year 4

Fall Semester (16 units)

DSGD 111 - Design Values and Professional Practices
3 unit(s) **
SJSU Studies Area S 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
Physical Education 1 unit(s)

Spring Semester (14 units)

DSGN 197 - BA Senior Project
3 unit(s) **
SJSU Studies Area V 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 3 unit(s)
University Elective - Lower or Upper Division 1 unit(s)
Physical Education 1 unit(s)

Roadmap Notes

48 units of degree requirements + 47 units of GE/SJSU Studies + 25 units of University Electives = 120 units

* Courses are 50% in Common Requirements for the Major (24 units across the four programs).
** Courses are “Area of Specialization” (12 units per program).
*** Either B1 or B2 must be taken with a B3 - Laboratory .
^ Courses are “Design Electives” (12 units). See departmental advisor-approved design electives list at Design Office (ART 120).