Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Art, Graphic Design
The profession of graphic design is an extremely broad field that offers its practitioners enormous variety in how they choose to specialize. For this reason, the UWG Graphic Design program chooses to focus on building solid foundations of knowledge in design concepts, typography, and critical thinking, with an emphasis on mixing analog and digital processes. A degree from the UWG Art Program also features the advantage of a large amount of cross-disciplinary coursework including photography, printmaking, drawing, painting, and a basic web design course.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog. A program map, which provides a guide for students to plan their course of study, is available for download in the Courses tab below.
UWG Graphic Design is a small, quality program that focuses on solid foundations of design, with an emphasis on typography, print design, and traditional craft combined with computer skills in a new state-of-the-art Mac lab. The program features cross-disciplinary coursework, which includes related areas such as photography and printmaking. a basic web design course is also offered.
Career Opportunities
Link to Additional Career Information:
https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Graphic-Design.And.Commercial-Art
External Resource
Program Location
Carrollton Campus
Method of Delivery
Face to Face
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
This program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required:
This program may be earned entirely face-to-face. However, depending on the courses chosen, a student may choose to take some partially or fully online courses.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited universities of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, he/she will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
Coursework
View our [program_checklist] to see the complete degree requirements.
Downloads
General
Choose two (6 hours) DSW courses.
ART 3210 Non-Western Art
ART 3220 Art of the Ancient World
ART 3230 Medieval Art
ART 3240 18th/19th Cen Art
ART 3250 Italian Renaissance/Baroque Art
ART 3260 American Art
ART 3270 20th Cen Early Modern Art
ART 3275 Art Since 1945
ART 3280 Museum Seminar
ART 4290 Modernist Criticism
ART 4295 Hist of American Architecture
ART 4295 Special Topics: Art History
An introductory course dealing with the elements and principles of composition as they relate to the two-dimensional areas of the visual arts. For advising purposes, the Department of Art recommends that students take Design I (ART 1006) in conjunction with Drawing I (ART 1007).
Introduction to drawing using various media and dealing with landscapes, still-life, one- and two-point perspective, and the figure. Both clothed and nude models may be used. For advising purposes, the Department of Art recommends that students take Design I (ART 1006) in conjunction with Drawing I (ART 1007).
Drawing from the live model, both nude and clothed, focusing upon correct proportions and anatomy. A variety of drawing media will be used. For advising purposes, the Department of Art recommends that students take Design II (ART 1008) in conjunction with Drawing II (ART 1009).
An introductory course dealing with the elements and principles of composition as they relate to the three-dimensional areas of the visual arts. For advising purposes the Department of Art recommends that students take Design II (ART 1008) in conjunction with Drawing II (ART 1009).
An introduction to art and architecture as social products of a global human history. Both the comparability and diversity of human social organizations and the role of visual culture in them will be discussed. From the Prehistoric through the Gothic era in Europe. Lecture/discussion format.
An introduction to art and architecture as social products of a global human history. Both the comparability and diversity of human social organizations and the role of visual culture in them will be discussed. From the Early Renaissance in Europe to the present. Lecture/discussion format.
Lecture-based course on selected topics in non-Western art of Asia, Africa, Oceania, or the New World, studying artworks from within or across these cultures in their cultural and historical contexts. May be repeated up to 9 credit hours if the topic changes.
Lecture-based course on selected topics in the art of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Near East, Greece or Rome, studying artworks from within or across these cultures in their cultural and historical contexts.
Lecture based course in religious and secular art in the Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, or Northern Renaissance periods, c. 100-1500 CE, including selected scripture, painting and architecture in historical and cultural context. May be repeated up to 9 credit hours if the topic changes.
A lecture-based course in Italian Renaissance or Baroque art, studying artwork from the period in historical and cultural context. May be repeated up to 6 credit hours if the topic changes.
This is a lecture-based course on 18th or 19th century art which studies artwork in its historical and cultural aspects including Rococo, Neoclassical, Romantic or Realist movements. It focuses on the painting, sculpture, photography, graphic arts of the 18th or 19th century. May be repeated up to 6 credit hours if the topic changes.
Lecture-based course in American art, studying artwork in its historical and cultural context.
Lecture-based course on the art and architecture of the pre-World War II period, exploring the concepts and formal characteristics of 'modernism' in Western art.
Lecture-based course on art movements from 1945 to the present.
This course involves classroom study of the art collections and architecture of a city or country followed by a trip to visit what has been studied. The subject varies: American cities or abroad. Credit will vary by trip. Students enrolling in the summer Bayeux program will take 4 hours; others take 3 hours credit. May be repeated up to 16 hours credit.
This is a creative problem solving fine art studio course designed to serve as an introduction to the historical precedents, theories, processes and materials utilized in the realization and production of Contemporary Ceramic art. Emphasis will be placed on developing a variety of hand-building techniques and attaining a basic understanding of claybody composition and properties. Also included will be an introduction to slips, glazes, and firing techniques. In addition, this class will focus on developing content, and learning about artists (both ceramic artists and artists working in other media) of both past and present. We will consider Ceramics in a variety of contexts such as: Ceramics, Communication, Commentary, Commodity, Celebration and Critique.
This is one of two introductory painting courses, either of which fulfills the Art Core Painting requirement for Art majors and building on the knowledge base of the Art Foundation courses. This course uses watercolor as a vehicle for visual expression. Open-ended painting problems from both nature and the imagination will be presented. Students will mat and frame a selection of art works produced during the term.
A painting course using oil, acrylic and/or other opaque media as a vehicle for continued progress in visual expression. Students will frame a selection of artwork produced during the term.
This course explores the use of digital - SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Studio practice emphasizes digital workflow and print production. Assignments are usually weekly and present a cumulative set of strategies for constructing images. Course also provides an introduction to the history and the many cultural implications of the medium. Emphasis is placed on sophisticated seeing and image making within the camera rather than digital manipulation.
A survey of the basic printmaking methods associated with relief and intaglio printmaking, including an introduction to book forms.
An introduction into the four sculptural processes:Subtractive Method (carving); Additive Method (modeling);Substitutive Method (casting); and, Constructive Method (assembling). Emphasis is made on preliminary designing of mass, space and volume.
A discussion-based seminar based on intellectual and theoretical debates about modern and contemporary art, focusing on the concept of the avant-garde and the practice of art criticism. Readings are informed by theoretical developments such as psychoanalysis, semiotics, Marxist Art History, gender and race studies, post structuralism and visual culture debates.
Investigation of a particular topic, problem or issue in Art History with emphasis on those not covered in other art history courses.
Major Required
An introduction to communication design with a strong emphasis on sound design and typographic principles, developing an understanding of structure, history, technology and application.
Students integrate knowledge of typography with visual form and meaning. Design methodology and research are emphasized.
All BA and BFA candidates must enroll and successfully complete ART 4078. (See department website for specific requirements for ART 4078). Art faculty will review juniors based on their portfolio, writings, presentation and transcript progress. Candidates will be assessed on the level of knowledge and skill base gain to date. Successful candidates will be allowed to enroll into their respective capstone courses (ART 4298 or ART 4998). Course May be repeated up to two additional times. Unsuccessful review on the third attempt may result in candidates being placed on probation or removed from their degree program. ART 4078 must be taken during a semester when the student is enrolled in 12 credit hours.
Design problems are studied holistically through assignments that stress dynamic relationships inherent in context, form and content to gain a deeper understanding of the development of design systems and concepts.
Design studio problems that explore a variety of approaches to data systems, strategies, and applications. Research, conceptual development and presentation are emphasized.
An expansion of research into the structure, history, technology and application of sound graphic and typographic principles. Research, conceptual development and presentation are emphasized. May be repeated for up to (9) hours. Repeated courses may meet graphic design elective requirements.
Conceptual development and realization of an approved senior-level thesis project culminating in a Senior Exit Show. Research and presentation strategies are emphasized. May be repeated for up to (9) hours. Repeated courses may count towards the Graphic Design elective requirement.
Research and study within a studio concentration that culminates in the public presentation of the senior exhibition (ART 4899: Senior Capstone II). Students will be required to research this project and document its development prior to the presentation of the written capstone component. With the aid of their peers, advisors and faculty jurors' students will work through the articulation of their goals by active critiquing and self-assessment.
Continued research and advanced study within a studio/design concentration will culminate in the public presentation of the senior exhibition. Capstone Experience II will provide an opportunity to consolidate, expand and refine the skills that are essential to your discipline. The preparation of an oral defense for this final body of work, their creative thesis visual project, will undergo the critical review of an Art Faculty Committee prior to its public presentation in the Senior Fine Arts Exhibition. Additionally, the completion of the written component of the creative visual project, begun in ART 49XX, Capstone Experience I, will describe in full the processes and the outcomes of the senior research.
Major Selects
†GRAPHIC DESIGN ELECTIVES - Choose fifteen (15) hours from:
ART 4985 Special Topics: Graphic Design
ART 3403 History of Graphic Design
ART 4400 Graphic Design: Studio Problems
ART 4586 Graphic Design Internship
ART 3302 Interm Ceramics (Molds/Means)
ART 4302 Interm Ceramics: 20th Cen
ART 3601 Painting I
ART 3602 Painting II
ART 3702 Photography II
ART 3703 Photography III
ART 4704 Documentary Photography
ART 4705 History of Photography
ART 3802 Relief Printmaking
ART 4803 Intaglio
ART 4804 Lithography
ART 4821 Screenprinting
ART 4805 Advanced Screenprinting
ART 4822 Book Arts/Letterpress
ART 3902 Sculpture II
ART 3903 Sculpture III
ART 4000 Advanced Drawing
ART 4007 Digital Media
This is an intermediate course that provides students the opportunity to expand their technical skills, experience and critical thinking skills through the completion of a series of process specific projects. Each project requires research, an oral presentation and the production of personally derived artwork that utilizes the given process/technical information and reflects the assigned research.
This course provides art majors the opportunity to explore the historic perspectives, cultural relevance and technical aspects of graphic and design issues within the context of the contemporary profession of design. Study of historic print production processes will include printmaking and photography. Pre-requisites: ART 1006, 1007, 2201, Permission of Instructor. $75.00 lab fee request.
This is one of two introductory painting courses, either of which fulfills the Art Core Painting requirement for Art majors and building on the knowledge base of the Art Foundation courses. This course uses watercolor as a vehicle for visual expression. Open-ended painting problems from both nature and the imagination will be presented. Students will mat and frame a selection of art works produced during the term.
A painting course using oil, acrylic and/or other opaque media as a vehicle for continued progress in visual expression. Students will frame a selection of artwork produced during the term.
This course covers the use of analogue 35mm film cameras, traditional darkroom methods of image-making and analogue/digital hybrid processes. Conventional genres of image making such as still life, portraiture, and landscape are used as a means to explore contemporary issues. The course stresses continued development of a personal visual vocabulary and understanding of historical and cultural implications.
This course explores digital manipulation of imagery as a post-production process. Exercises explore various strategies for reconfiguring imagery and what the reconfiguring does to the meaning of imagery. Selected readings and discussions aid in the discussion/understanding on/of these topics. The course also stresses continued development of personal visual vocabulary and understanding of historical and cultural implications.
Printmaking II will offer advanced experiences in relief printmaking including the introduction of color. In addition, students will develop image with text through a brief historical survey of letterpress printing.
Emphasis on this course is on acquiring technical skills and learning the safe and appropriate use of tools and materials in the fabrication of sculptural objects. Course also addresses the impact of material and technique upon form and content with the use of mass, space and volume.
Emphasis of this course is on acquiring technical skill and learning the safe and appropriate use of tools and an expanded view of traditional and nontraditional materials in the fabrication of sculptural objects. Students will expand individual visual, vocabulary, technique, media and concepts through research, design and construction.
Advanced visual art production and personal expression in drawing. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours.
This course is an introduction to Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Flash for all art majors. Students will create an online portfolio of their work with an emphasis on personal promotion and professionalism. Lessons will focus on bitmap and vector based imaging and the aesthetics of web design. Additional topics will include how to effectively work with color, text, font layout and other means of digital imaging.
This course expands the development of ceramic techniques aesthetics specific to the 20th century art movements: Futurism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Pop/Funk, and Photorealism. Students will progress through each movement with assigned research and technical instruction that will foster an understanding of the role of Ceramics in each of these 'Fine Art' movements. Ceramic Tromp l'oeil techniques will be employed during the completion of a series of period influenced projects. At this level students learn a variety of kiln firing methods and kiln maintenance. Students are responsible for the firing of their own work. Additional emphasis will be placed on studio maintenance and operations. Students will also continue to extend their ceramic/art history and theory research to fuel the development of content in their own artwork.
This is a professional preparatory class in which students in the class operate as a design team that interacts directly with a variety of selected clients, with faculty supervision, to realize professional projects. The course will be a combination of discussion, lecture, client meetings, studio and production time, with client project assignments throughout the semester. This course fulfills the same requirement as ART 4403 or 4404 for all graphic design majors, but not both.
Students will secure a position with a company for field experience. Academic component includes written reports and/or visual presentations. Permission of the department is required. May be repeated up to 15 Credit hours; however, no more than 9 credit hours in a given semester.
This course is designed to give advanced students and in-depth experience studying and creating documentary images. Documentary projects are expensive investigations of a subject. Students will define a project with the assistance of the instructor and continue to investigate this project for the entire semester. Progress will be assessed through bi-monthly critiques and monthly submission of images. Whereas concept based art is meant to reflect the personal feelings of the artist and commercial photography is meant to convey ideas for a client, documentary is meant to reflect outwards on society. Projects should have some socio-political or cultural significance. Students will also learn about the history and major figures in documentary photography through slide lectures and readings.
Printmaking III will offer advanced experiences in the intaglio method of printmaking including hard and soft ground etching, aquatint, spit bite and monoprinting. Color etching will be introduced, and exposure to book forms will continue.
Printmaking IV offers an introduction to the history and processes of aluminum plate and stone lithography, and continued exposure to the book as an art form.
Advanced expressive problems at the undergraduate level in one or more of the following methods: relief, intaglio, or lithography. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours.
Screenprinting is a versatile printmaking medium in which students can combine a variety of marks, including photographic, digital and autographic into images which can be printed on many surfaces (paper, canvas and other fabric, wood, plastic, glass, etc.) This course is an investigation into the techniques and conceptual possibilities of water-based screenprinting (serigraphy) with emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach.
Letterpress and Printing and Book Arts will continue with advanced problems where Printmaking Survey (3801) ended. The utilization of moveable type (typesetting) will compare aesthetics, history and vocabulary with those of current computer based typesetting. Letterpress will explore fine letterpress printing and expressive typography while learning to operate the Vandercook SP20 Test Press. A variety of two and three dimensional formats will be considered for letterpress application, with an emphasis on the role of the book from its inception to current trends in the book arts.
Individual studio problems in various topics or media relevant to the student's special interest and competence. May be repeated up to 15 credit hours.
No faculty members listed
Guidelines for Admittance
Each UWG online degree program has specific requirements that you must meet in order to enroll.
- Complete online application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. Official transcripts are sent from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
- Verify specific requirements associated with specific populations identified here: Freshman Adult Learners Transfer International Home School Joint / Dual Enrollment Transient Auditor Post-Baccalaureate Non-Degree Seeking Readmission
Admission Process Checklist
- Review Admission Requirements for the different programs and guides for specific populations (non-traditional, transfer, transient, home school, joint enrollment students, etc).
- Review important deadlines:
- Fall semester: June 1 (undergrads)
- Spring semester: November 15 (undergrads)
- Summer semester: May 15 (undergrads)
See program specific calendars here
- Complete online application
Undergraduate Admissions Guide
Undergraduate Application
Undergraduate International Application - Submit $40 non-refundable application fee
- Submit official documents
Request all official transcripts and test scores be sent directly to UWG from all colleges or universities attended. If a transcript is mailed to you, it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically.
Undergraduate & Graduate Applicants should send all official transcripts to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Murphy Building
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118-4160 - Submit a Certificate of Immunization, if required. If you will not ever be traveling to a UWG campus or site, you may apply for an Immunization Exemption. Contact the Immunization Clerk with your request.
- Check the status of your application
Contact
COE Academic Advisement Center
Specific dates for Admissions (Undergraduate Only), Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.
Specific Graduate Admissions Deadlines are available via the Graduate School
- Develop broad knowledge on the history of art and design.
- Develop thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of art and design.
- Demonstrates in-depth technical focus and proficiency within an area of concentration.
- Demonstrates in-depth research and content development within an area of concentration.
- Demonstrates preparedness for a professional career in the arts.