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Graphic Design (Fine Arts, B.F.A.)

The Graphic Design program provides a sequenced curriculum structured to prepare students for successful transition into professional practice, designing communications for a wide range of traditional and digital delivery. Further, the program provides a solid foundation of traditional art experiences and design practices to build students’ ability to create dynamic visual designs. The design curriculum stresses essential competencies in conceptual problem solving, analysis and articulation, aesthetics, design theory, productivity, and the application of technology, all necessary for advanced exploration and entry into professional practice. The elective coursework provides students with concentrated study in specific specializations within design, which gives students the opportunity to craft their career goals by choosing among a range of print and digital deliveries. Graduating portfolios represent a rich experience in print design, branding, packaging, interactive media, advertising, typography, and image making. Students graduating from the program pursue careers in graphic design studios and advertising agencies throughout the country, or continue their education in M.F.A. programs.

Graphic Design (Fine Arts, B.F.A.)


Description


What is Graphic Design at ODU like?

The Graphic Design program provides a sequenced curriculum structured to prepare students for successful transition into professional practice, designing communications for a wide range of traditional and digital delivery. Further, the program provides a solid foundation of traditional art experiences and design practices to build students’ ability to create dynamic visual designs. The design curriculum stresses essential competencies in conceptual problem solving, analysis and articulation, aesthetics, design theory, productivity, and the application of technology, all necessary for advanced exploration and entry into professional practice. The elective coursework provides students with concentrated study in specific specializations within design, which gives students the opportunity to craft their career goals by choosing among a range of print and digital deliveries. Graduating portfolios represent a rich experience in print design, branding, packaging, interactive media, advertising, typography, and image making. Students graduating from the program pursue careers in graphic design studios and advertising agencies throughout the country, or continue their education in M.F.A. programs.

Program Highlights


What makes Graphic Design at ODU unique?

  • All graphic design students can expect a creative environment built upon the experience of a faculty of practicing designers and design educators.

  • Our dedicated state of the art facilities include classroom and production spaces built and equipped to facilitate instruction and invention with traditional and digital media.

  • Combined, the graphic design faculty have over 50 years of teaching experience in higher education within the field of graphic design.

  • Design work created by students continually receive recognition at professional venues like Communication Arts magazine, the National Student Show, the Adobe Design Achievement Awards, the FLUX Student Design Competition, the Richmond Ad Club, the American Advertising Federation Awards, and the Brass Ring Awards.

Careers


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Graphic Designers

$53,280

MEDIAN SALARY


Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Multimedia Artists and Animators

$76,560

MEDIAN SALARY


Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Art Directors

$103,510

MEDIAN SALARY


Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.

Film and Video Editors

$83,950

MEDIAN SALARY


Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Courses


What are some courses offered in Graphic Design at ODU?

GDES 374:
Web Design


This advanced course is an introduction to the basic methods and techniques used to design for web-based delivery. Topics of study include; site management and organization, navigation, grid structures, hierarchy and inventory of content, appropriate use of type and graphics, and format. Emphasis will be placed on process and research, appropriateness, accessibility, dynamic user interface experiences. Prerequisites: GDES 371 and GDES 372 or permission of the instructor.

GDES 378:
Brand Identity


This advanced course is devoted to the study and design of coordinated systems of visual communication elements used to identify a company or cause. Projects will address project research, creative brief development, messaging, and effective ideation for application across coordinated graphic design campaigns for print and digital delivery. Prerequisites: GDES 371 and GDES 372 or permission of the instructor.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Graphic Design at ODU?

Students entering the Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Graphic Design should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)

Students seeking admission into the Graphic Design program must successfully complete required foundational art studio and graphic design coursework. Subsequently, students must pass GDES 370—Graphic Design Continuance Review—in order to be considered for admittance into the program. At the conclusion of this course, students will apply for continuance in the major by submitting a portfolio and essay, and completing a test-of-skills exam.

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 374

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,039

Active Duty Military Rate


Per Credit:

$ 250

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 407

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Robert McCullough Prize


The Robert McCullough Prize is a cash award endowed yearly to an exceptional Graphic Design student, regardless of class standing (graduating seniors may apply). The Prize was established in memory of Robert McCullough, longtime Art Department faculty member and founder of the Graphic Design program.

 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

Undergraduate Admissions


Location:

1004 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-3255


Email:

admissions@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

Transfer


I like this program and want to transfer. What are my next steps?

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful transition, engagement, and academic achievement of transfer students. The services and programs offered to you as a Monarch are endless so take advantage of every opportunity. Even before you set foot on campus, we encourage you to Explore, Experience, and Engage! Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.

Additional Programs


Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?

With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master'seducation specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.

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