Apr 19, 2025  
DRAFT 2025-2026 Academic Catalog 
    
DRAFT 2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Graphic Design, BFA


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The BFA Graphic Design program, offered by the Department of Design , prepares students for intellectually and aesthetically challenging careers in Graphic Design. Preparation involves both theoretical and practical study with emphasis on typography, form and image, information architecture, experience design and interactive design. Admission to the BFA Graphic Design program is by portfolio review, which takes place after completing preliminary course work. After admission, passage of portfolio reviews conducted at the end of each semester are required to continue to advance through the BFA GD program. All students are required to complete a professional internship. In addition to the regular curriculum, students have the opportunity to attend special classes and workshops led by studio professionals and faculty members.

Students must pass a milestone portfolio review to remain in the BFA program. Students who do not pass the review will be changed to the Design Studies, BA .

The Graphic Design Program is on the list of schools accredited by National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

Major-Specific Requirements

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all major preparation and major required courses. Students who drop below a 3.0 for two consecutive semesters will have their degree status changed from the BFA to the Design Studies, BA .

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements


Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements: 

  1. Academic (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)

  2. General Education (GE) (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)

  3. American Institutions (AI) (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3A, 3B, 4, UD 3, or UD 4)

  4. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) 3 units (see Writing in the Disciplines

  5. Physical Education (PE) (0-2 units)

  6. Units in Residence (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major)

  7. Upper Division Units (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)

  8. Undergraduate Policies & Procedures

Apply for Graduation
Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Summary of Degree Units


Core Lower Division General Education: 25 (3 units may be satisfied by major coursework)

American Institutions/ US123 Requirements: 6 (Note: may be satisfied by GE coursework)

Upper Division General Education: 9 

Physical Education: 2

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR): 3 

Lower Division Humanities & the Arts College Requirement: 3

Upper Division Humanities & the Arts College Requirement: 2-4

Major Preparation: 21

Major Requirements: 48

University Electives: 1

Total: 120

3. Upper Division College of Humanities & the Arts Requirement (2-4 units):


Complete a course offered by the College of Humanities & the Arts in a discipline other than your major.

4. Major Preparation (21 units)


Preparation Courses (6 units)


Complete One Course From:


Highly Recommend Students take ARTH 70B 

Additional Support Courses (15 units)


6. University Electives (1 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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