Many prominent Northwest artists, designers, and art historians began their professional careers by studying art at Portland State University. An even greater number of successful and productive people have used their training in the School of Art+Design as the basis for careers in commerce, industry, education, and a variety of creative fields. Serving a diverse student population, the school takes advantage of its geographical location in the heart of Portland, extending classroom activities into the city's vibrant cultural community.
The school offers the following undergraduate degree options: B.A., B.S. and Certificate in Art History, BFA in Art Practice, and BFA in Graphic Design.
Graphic Design—B.F.A.
The graphic design program provides a comprehensive education in design principles, applications, theories, history, and practice. The curriculum places particular emphasis on craft, concept, and research skills, as well as the development of effective design processes, the generation of meaningful narratives and story-telling techniques, and engagement with various community partners. Students work with faculty primarily through studio courses that introduce an increasing complexity of design problems and methodologies, combined with opportunities for independent development and interaction with professionals. The 100-level courses in graphic design introduce basic principles of design and art and their specific applications in graphic design. The 200-level courses provide a comprehensive studio experience with an increased emphasis on design thinking.
The first two years of study culminate with a required Sophomore Portfolio Review, occurring once each year at the end of the Spring term. All students majoring in graphic design (including students transferring in with lower- or upper-division credits) must pass this review to enroll in 300-level graphic design courses. Contact the School of Art+Design at 503-725-3515 or visit the website (http://www.pdx.edu/art-design/) or the graphic design program site (http://psu.gd) for details. Only after successfully passing the review are graphic design majors allowed to continue through the program. In their 300- and 400-level course work, students choose courses of increasing specialization, have opportunities to engage in professional internships, and work to develop a professional portfolio as the culmination of their design studies.
It is important to note that owning a laptop computer provides students with critical advantages for successful progression through the graphic design program. Especially in regard to their ability to work in our classrooms and studio spaces, students with laptop computers are better equipped to complete project assignments, conduct research, and maintain an awareness of activities occurring in design both within the program and beyond. All students majoring in graphic design who enroll in 200-level graphic design courses are required to own a laptop computer that meets minimum system specifications, including software required for courses in the program. The current laptop policy is available for review at
http://www.pdx.edu/art-design/sites/www.pdx.edu.art-design/files/PSUGD_LaptopGuide_16_17.pdf.
All students majoring in graphic design and taking 100-level graphic design courses are advised to purchase one of the recommended laptop systems. The sooner students make a commitment to owning a laptop system, the sooner the advantages of ownership will impact their ability to perform competitively and successfully in graphic design.
All students must complete the following requirements and are required to take the portfolio review at the end of their sophomore year.
Degree Requirements
100-Level Courses
200-Level Courses
| Art 200 | Digital Page Design I | 4 |
| Art 210 | Digital Imaging and Illustration I | 4 |
| Art 224 | Narrative and Communication Design | 4 |
| Art 225 | Communication Design Systems | 4 |
| Art 254 | Typography I | 4 |
| ArH 206 | History of Western Art | 4 |
| ArH 290 | History of Modern Design | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28 |
Sophomore Portfolio Review
Electives
| | Choose two 4-credit 100, 200 or 300 level Graphic Design, Art Practice, or Art History courses | 8 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 8 |
300 & 400-Level Required Courses
Choose 9 of the Following:
| Art 241 | Interaction Design Principles | 4 |
| Art 299 | Special Studies | 0-6 |
| Art 300 | Digital Page Design II | 4 |
| Art 310 | Digital Imaging and Illustration II | 4 |
| Art 315 | Professional Development | 4 |
| Art 333 | Friendtorship: Design, Art and Social Change | 4 |
| Art 342 | Interactive Media II | 4 |
| Art 345 | Introduction to Motion Graphics for Designers | 4 |
| Art 353 | Typeface Design | 4 |
| Art 358 | Video, Design & Community | 4 |
| Art 367 | Design Business Practices | 4 |
| Art 399 | Special Studies | 0-8 |
| Art 425 | A+D Projects | 4 |
| Art 441 | Interface Design | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 |
Total Credit Hours: 139