Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

Graphic Design Major (B.F.A.)


Major code BF6321

College of Fine Arts
School of Art + Design
Seigfred Hall 528
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.4290
www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/art

JP Rhea, Assistant Professor of Instruction in Graphic Design/contact person
jprhea@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The Graphic Design area at Ohio University places emphasis on providing an understanding of the designer’s personal and social responsibility, developing the student’s capacity for critical thinking, and stimulating imagination and innovation. Understanding graphic design within a cultural context is an essential component of a designer’s education.

In the School of Art + Design, students in the Graphic Design area accomplish visual research in printmaking, sculpture, digital art, ceramics, painting, and photography while studying in their design studio classes. Studio classes, inside and outside the Graphic Design program, as well as liberal arts courses, prepare students for an immediate goal, the design practice, and a long term goal, continuing intellectual, personal, and creative growth.

Admissions Information

All incoming first year students who wish to pursue a degree in Art +Design are encouraged to submit a portfolio for talent scholarship consideration.  Students who wish to pursue a BFA degree in Studio Art, Interior Architecture or Graphic Design should submit a portfolio at the time of application.  All students will have the opportunity to submit an updated portfolio for program and concentration application during the fall and spring semesters. 

Current Ohio University Undergraduate students wish to begin pursuing a degree in the School of Art+ Design should complete the application to the BFA programs offered in Fall and Spring.  Students who are unsure of BFA concentration can elect to begin their studies through the BA in Studio Art and apply to a concentration the following term.  Students who elect to pursue the BA in Studio Art may update their program plan without a portfolio review.

All incoming transfer students who wish to pursue a degree in Art +Design are encouraged to submit a portfolio for talent scholarship consideration.  Students who wish to pursue a BFA degree in Studio Art, Interior Architecture or Graphic Design should submit a portfolio at the time of application.  All students will have the opportunity to submit an updated portfolio for program and concentration application during the fall and spring semesters. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Many graduating designers secure positions within top design firms nationally and internationally. Through the rigor of their academic studies and practical training, graduating designers are prepared also to enter advanced degree programs.

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements


Ohio University requires completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for conferral of a bachelor’s degree. However, the Graphic Design major requires a minimum of 128 semester hours. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide  page.

School of Art + Design Requirements


All majors in the School of Art + Design (B.A. and B.F.A. degrees) require an accumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.75 GPA in the major.

Introductory Art History


Complete the following two courses:

Art History 3000/4000-Level Courses


Complete one of the following two courses. In addition, complete one additional AH 3000/4000-level course, except AH 4711 , AH 4920 , and AH 4930 .

Design-Related Studios Additional Options


Up to two courses can be included from the list below to meet the Design-Related Studios requirement. ART 2110 , ART 2120 , ART 3110 , and ART 3120  can count for EITHER the Design-Related Studios requirement OR to meet the Studio Art requirement, but not both.

Graphic Design Thesis


Complete the following courses: