Program Description
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, CMU’s graphic design program will help you develop the skills needed in a rapidly advancing field. CMU’s graphic design faculty members have a vast variety of experience and are recognized worldwide for their achievements. You’ll sharpen your skills in fully equipped digital studios with the latest design software. And you’ll take your experience further by joining a student organization that brings renowned speakers to campus, participates in portfolio reviews and arranges tours of design studios.
Put Your Degree to Work
Graduates of the art program at CMU find a variety of career opportunities.
Anything designed for visual appeal is done under the skilled hand of a graphic designer, from soup labels to billboards, text animation and web sites. At CMU, our alumni work in every imaginable occupation, from design of patient hospital forms to on-set design for a major network broadcast series.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
Below is a list of potential careers, median salary over the course of the career and projected job growth.
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2026 |
|---|
| Graphic designer | $48,700 per year | 4% (11,100 more jobs) |
| Art director | $92,500 per year | 5% (4,900 more jobs) |
Multimedia artist/animator
| $70,530 per year | 8% (6,200 more jobs)
|
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Art Major: Graphic Design Concentration
Total: 78 semester hours
Core Courses I
(12 hours)
ART 096
Art Event Attendance
0
Attendance at lectures, exhibition openings or workshops as approved by the Department of Art and Design. Students are required to register for and complete ART 096 for every semester they have a signed BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, BA in Art History or a BAA in Studio Art. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: Signed BFA in Studio Art or Graphic Art, or signed BA in Art History, or signed BAA in Studio Art.
ART 106
Introduction to Drawing
3
Introduction to drawing media and techniques with a focus on drawing from observation and to formal principles of composition and conceptual inventiveness.
ART 117
Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Art
3
Introduction to the aesthetic theory and visual language of Modernism, Post-Modernism, and Post-Postmodernism.
ART 119
Design Foundations
3
Introduction to elements and principles of design and their application, including creative problem solving and visual literacy, as it applies to two and three-dimensional form.
Introduction to elements and principles of design, creative problem solving and visual literacy as it applies to digital media.
Core Courses III
(12 hours)
Select from the following:
ART 202
Introduction to Digital Fabrication
3
Introduction to digital fabrication, such as 3D modeling and printing, used in the creation of a final product or as component in the creative process.
ART 207
Introduction to Animation: Traditional Media
3
Basic film animation with no previous animation experience required. This course covers basic traditional animation techniques in a variety of 2-D and 3-D materials.
ART 214
Introduction to Ceramics
3
An introduction to hand-building and wheel-throwing processes with an emphasis on technical, formal, historical, and conceptual development.
ART 217
Introduction to Figure Drawing
3
Introduction to the study of the human figure in drawing with emphasis on three-dimensional representation, proportions, and anatomical structure. Prerequisite: ART 106.
ART 233
Introduction to Painting
3
An introduction to painting media and techniques with a focus on painting from observation in order to express light, space, form through the use of color.
ART 241
Introduction to Photography
3
Introduction to the basic technical and conceptual skills of digital photography as a fine art.
ART 251
Introduction to Printmaking
3
An introduction to fine art printmaking. This course explores a variety of print techniques including relief, intaglio, lithography and/or silkscreen. Recommended: ART 106.
ART 261
Introduction to Sculpture
3
An introduction to the basic tools, techniques, processes, materials, history and concepts of traditional and contemporary sculpture.
Core Courses IV
(12 hours)
Select from the following:
You may choose to take ART 341, 363, 366, and 384, but may count only one of these courses toward the Core IV requirement.
ART 287
Introduction to Non-Western Art
3
An introduction to the visual arts of non-European cultures: Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. Explores relations between arts, philosophies, and ways of life.
ART 312
Special Studies in Art History
3-9
Study of an art historical topic outside of the scope of regular departmental offerings, as selected by instructor. This course is repeatable when content is not duplicated. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 317
Digital Art History and Archaeology
3
Contemporary digital techniques and processes used in art history and archaeology. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 319
The Methods of Art History
3
Learn how to think like an art historian. Explore the ways art historians interpret art. Develop research skills on art historical topics. Prerequisite: Completion of 36 credit hours, including 6 credit hours in art history.
ART 341
History of Photography
3
The history of photography from the advent of the camera obscura to the present, emphasizing the contributions of major photographers.
ART 363
History of Design: 1750-2010
3
Survey of the development of the applied arts in material culture from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution into the twenty-first century. Recommended: Sophomore standing or above. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)
ART 366
Contemporary Design Issues
3
A survey of the ethical, conceptual, and stylistic trends driving contemporary design theory and practice. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above.
ART 380
Greek Art and Architecture
3
The art and architecture of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age to Hellenistic periods. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 381
Early Christian and Byzantine Art
3
Art of the early church. Byzantine Art from the reign of Theodosius I to the fall of Constantinople in the fifteenth century. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 382/WGS 382
Gender and Art
3
Examines how gender identity has played a role in art. Examines artists, patrons, viewers, and subjects of representations as gendered and historically specific entities. Identical to WGS 382. Credit cannot be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 383
Modern Architecture
3
The history of building styles, technologies, and architectural theory in Europe and the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Prerequisite: ART 285.
ART 384
History of Animation
3
The history of animation from the advent of early frame-by-frame experimentation to the present emphasizing key artistic and technological developments. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 385
European Art from 1890-1940
3
A history and analysis of European art from 1890 to 1940. Prerequisite: ART 285.
History of American art from the colonial period to World War II. Prerequisite: ART 285.
An examination of the art and architecture of the Baroque period in Europe in the context of social, political and religious developments. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 hours of coursework.
ART 388
Eighteenth-Century Art
3
An examination of eighteenth-century painting, prints, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts of Europe and America in the context of social, political and intellectual developments. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 hours of coursework.
ART 389
Art of the Ancient Near East and Egypt
3
The art and architecture of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant from the origins of civilization through the Persian Empire. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
Study of the art of sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on art's role in the daily lives, social customs, and religions of particular African societies. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 480
Roman Art and Architecture
3
The art of Rome and the Roman world from earliest times to Constantine the Great. Prerequisite: ART 185.
ART 481
Western Medieval Art
3
Art of western Europe from the fall of Rome to 1500. Origins of Romanesque art and dissemination of the French Gothic style throughout Europe. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours.
ART 482
Italian Renaissance Art
3
An examination of the art and architecture of fifteenth- and sixteenth- century Italy in the context of social, political, and religious developments. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 hours of coursework.
ART 483
Nineteenth Century European Art
3
Stylistic evolution of nineteenth century European art as viewed against its political and cultural background. Neo-classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Symbolists. Prerequisite: ART 285.
A history and analysis of works of art from 1945 to the present. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisite: ART 285.
ART 486
Independent Study in Art History
1-6
Independent study of a topic in art history selected by student in consultation with instructor. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
ART 488
Northern Renaissance Art
3
An examination of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century art in Northern Europe in the context of social, political and religious developments. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 hours of coursework.
Art and architecture of the Islamic world from the rise of Islam through the 17th century. Prerequisite: Completion of 26 credit hours. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)
ART 495
Art History Study Abroad
1-9
Experiential learning-based course incorporating study in a foreign country. Students learn methods for analyzing and interpreting art of other cultures alongside appropriate tools and techniques. Prerequisites: 26 credit hours; Permission of Study Abroad Director; Permission of Instructor.
ART 580
Seminar in Ancient/Medieval Art History
3-6
Advanced study of a topic in ancient or medieval art history selected by instructor using readings, discussion, lecture, and research as appropriate. This course is repeatable when content is not duplicated. May be offered as Writing Intensive. May be taken for graduate credit. Prerequisites: ART 283, 319, and additional 6 hours of 300+ level art history courses; or graduate standing.
ART 581
Seminar in Early Modern Art History
3-6
Advanced study of a topic in early modern art history selected by instructor using readings, discussion, lecture, and research as appropriate. This course is repeatable when content is not duplicated. May be taken for graduate credit. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: ART 285, 319, and additional 6 hours of 300+ level art history courses; or graduate standing.
ART 582
Seminar in Modern and Contemporary Art History
3-6
Advanced study of a topic in modern and contemporary art history selected by instructor using readings, discussion, lecture, and research as appropriate. This course is repeatable when content is not duplicated. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: ART 285, 319, and additional 6 hours of 300+ level art history courses; or graduate standing.
ART 586
Special Topics Seminar in Art History
3-9
Advanced study of a thematic or cross-temporal art historical topic selected by instructor using readings, discussion, lecture, and research as appropriate. This course is repeatable when content is not duplicated. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: ART 319; additional 6 hours of 300+ level art history courses; or graduate standing.
ART 589
Research Seminar in Art History
3
Seminar supporting research projects in art history. Must be taken in one of the last two semesters prior to graduation. May be taken for graduate credit. Prerequisites: 3 credits of 500-level art history and signed Art History major; or graduate standing.
Core Courses V
(3 hours)
Students in the Animation Concentration are required to take ART 477; Studio Concentration students are required to take ART 471; Graphic Design Concentration students are required to take ART 472:
Capstone experience for the B.F.A. art student, including a thesis exhibition, an artist’s statement, talk and final portfolio; and strategies for a successful post-graduate career. Must be taken in the last semester prior to graduation. Prerequisites: Signed BFA in Art and senior standing.
ART 472
Graphic Design Capstone Experience
3
A graphic design capstone experience focusing on the development of a personal design philosophy, a senior project and exhibition, a public presentation of work and a portfolio critique by an external assessor. Must be taken in one of the last two semesters prior to graduation. Prerequisites: ART 435; signed BFA with concentration in graphic design; and senior standing.
ART 477
Animation Portfolio and Professional Practices
3
Students will focus on a portfolio, reel, and professional website. It will also cover job search, freelance skills and engaging the media arts community. Prerequisite: ART 422.
Core Courses II
(6 hours)
ART 283
Introduction to Western Art, Part I
3
History of Western art from prehistoric through medieval periods. Roots of western cultures seen in differing artistic styles and attitudes. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)
ART 285
Introduction to Western Art, Part II
3
History of Western art from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Relations of form and content to cultural attitudes. Unique contributions of major artists. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)
Electives I
(30 hours)
Select hours from the following:
ART 231
Introduction to Graphic Design
3
An introduction to the theory and practice of communication design. An emphasis is placed on technical and aesthetic fundamentals.
ART 235
Logo and Identity Design
3
A continuation of ART 135, with emphasis on development of conceptualization and visualization skills. The course focuses on printed materials that apply to identity systems. Prerequisites: ART 135.
Investigations into the conception and production of communication graphic solutions for real-world clients in a group or "bureau" pre- professional studio setting. Prerequisite: signed BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design.
An intensive survey of the history and application of letterform. Prerequisite: ART 231.
Web design as it relates to graphic design. Prerequisites: ART 349; signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
ART 363
History of Design: 1750-2010
3
Survey of the development of the applied arts in material culture from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution into the twenty-first century. Recommended: Sophomore standing or above. (University Program Group I-A: Human Events and Ideas)
ART 435
Professional Design Practices
3
Development of print production and portfolio skills in preparation for employment in the communication design field. Prerequisites: Signed BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. Pre/Co-requisites: ART 335.
ART 438
Motion Graphics
3
Introduction to computer-aided animation theory and application. Prerequisites: ART 235, 349; signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
ART 449
Advanced Typography
3
Advanced study in the theory and development of letterform. Prerequisites: ART 349, signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
Advanced web design as it relates to graphic design. Prerequisites: ART 358, signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
ART 535
Emerging Media in Graphic Design
3
Developments in visual communication and their application through each step of creating a complete design cycle focused on the principles of usability design. Prerequisites: ART 358, 438; signed BFA with a concentration in graphic design.
Electives II
(3 hours)
Select any ART course except ART 114 or 126.
