Graphic Design BFA
Program Purpose
The Graphic Design BFA program is a four-year curriculum designed to prepare students to be critical thinkers and effective visual communicators and to succeed as working professionals in the design community. Graduates learn to conceptualize and synthesize information and use design to construct meaningful dialogue. Courses are focused on the principles of design, composition, typography, branding, media design, design systems, and semiotics. Topics are presented in the light of a gospel setting, with an emphasis on design practice that is positive, authentic, expansive, enlightening, and charitable.
Learning Outcomes
Cultural Change, Context and Audience
Students will be able to recognize design as a catalyst for positive cultural change and consider the importance of context, audience, and history in their work.
Students will be able to create strong, conceptual work which is informed by research, design thinking, and their own personal voice.
Students will be able to create dynamic visual communications which utilize effective composition, typography, and visual form.
Students will be able to exhibit a professional work ethic, demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively, and present themselves professionally through a well-designed portfolio and effective written and oral communication.
Students will be able to choose sustainable methods of working that anticipate the economic, environmental, ethical, moral, spiritual, and cross-cultural impact of their design.
Students will be able to create design solutions across three-dimensional and two-dimensional media, including print, interaction, and motion.
Students will integrate faith with design practice by recognizing their creative abilities as divinely bestowed gifts intended for service to others; approaching design challenges with prayer, pondering, and spiritual discernment; creating work that reflects eternal principles and uplifts audiences; and demonstrating integrity, reverence, and ethical conduct in all professional relationships and creative decisions.
Students will demonstrate sophisticated design thinking by conducting thorough research using ethnographic, historical, theoretical, and user-centered methodologies; analyzing complex design problems from multiple perspectives including technical, cultural, historical, and ethical dimensions; synthesizing research insights to generate innovative conceptual solutions; evaluating design effectiveness through appropriate assessment methods; and articulating clear, evidence-based rationales for design decisions in written and oral formats.
Students will create compelling visual communications by demonstrating mastery of typography, composition, color, image-making, and visual form across print, digital, motion, and dimensional media; applying design principles with sophistication to solve diverse communication challenges; developing fluency with contemporary design tools and technologies while understanding historical methods; crafting work of professional quality that meets the highest industry standards; and cultivating a distinctive creative voice and visual sensibility.
Students will demonstrate comprehensive understanding of design's role in culture by analyzing how design shapes and is shaped by historical, social, political, and technological forces; recognizing design as a catalyst for positive cultural change and human flourishing; situating their own work within broader design discourse and historical context; engaging respectfully with diverse perspectives, audiences, and cultural contexts; and understanding global design practices and their own responsibilities as designers in an interconnected world.
Students will make design decisions that reflect moral courage and wisdom by anticipating and evaluating the economic, environmental, social, and spiritual impacts of their design work; choosing sustainable methods and materials that demonstrate responsible stewardship; advocating for ethical practices in all professional contexts; designing with empathy for diverse audiences including marginalized and vulnerable populations; rejecting work that would exploit, deceive, or harm others; and applying gospel principles of honesty, integrity, and respect for human dignity to all design decisions.
Students will prepare for diverse professional paths by demonstrating excellent collaboration, communication, and leadership skills in team contexts; presenting ideas persuasively through written, oral, and visual means; creating a professional portfolio that showcases their abilities and creative vision; understanding business, entrepreneurship, and professional practices in design industries; exhibiting work ethic, reliability, and professionalism worthy of their BYU education; and maintaining a commitment to continued learning and professional growth.
Students will develop a commitment to using design for meaningful purposes by recognizing their professional work as a form of service to God and humanity; designing solutions that address real human needs and improve quality of life; contributing to family, community, Church, and society through their creative gifts; mentoring and uplifting others in their creative communities; remaining curious, humble, and committed to growth throughout their careers; and using their design abilities to build Zion and further God's purposes in the world.
Evidence of Learning
Professional Design Portfolio
A portfolio of work created in Graphic Design BFA classes.
BFA Capstone Project Documentation
A portfolio of work completed during the Capstone Project process including the written research thesis, iterative sketches, and descriptive photography/illustration/writing about the final project.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
Portfolio reviews
Graphic Design BFA students will be reviewed multiple times throughout their time in the program on the following schedule:
June: Incoming Juniors (as part of the BFA application review process)
August: New Seniors (after their internship experiences)
December: Both Juniors and Seniors
April: Graduating Seniors