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Undergraduate Programs B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design: Theory, Research, Practice
The B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design: Theory, Research, Practice provides a curriculum for undergraduate students who seek professional careers in graphic design. This concentration will prepare students for professional practice and graduate study in creative problem solving for print and electronic media. Students completing this sequence will know how to apply theory to the creation of conventional and unconventional communication objects (that includes but is not limited to advertising campaigns, editorial layouts, corporate communications including annual reports and corporate standards, event announcements, advocacy campaigns, and web pages) that convey information to a target audience.
 Select Faculty Teaching in Communication (.pdf, revised 02.11.2007)To learn more about the B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design: Theory, Research, Practice at Rensselaer, use our automated Inquiry Wizard. You can request further information be delivered to you as email attachments or by postal mail. You can also use the inquiry system to send an email directly to Kathy Colman, LL&C Recruitment Coordinator. Degree Requirements
The curriculum will progress from introductory courses in foundations training (e.g. color theory, visual literacy theory, communication theory, introduction to visual communication, typography, design history, etc.) to intermediate to advanced courses in design studio topics (e.g., information design, interactive design, social and corporate communications, moving type, type and image). While the first two years will be devoted to foundations training, the third and fourth years will be focused on the application of theory and research to practical studies. The program culminates the fourth year with each major completing a thesis within their courses and submitting a well-designed digital and print portfolio that shows mastery of the competencies required for professional practice. All portfolios will be exhibited in a group exhibition at the Arts Center in Troy, New York (in collaboration with the Upstate Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts) at which time each portfolio will undergo a rigorous review by professional graphic designers.
All students must take two of the following writing courses: Students must also take two of the following courses in theory and research:
A list of appropriate courses will be provided to the adviser each term.
All students must take one of the following computer science courses:
Students must also take additional math and science courses to meet the minimum 24 credit requirement for graduation.
A graphics faculty member will advise you on the creation of the portfolio and writing of the thesis. You should approach an advisor you would like to work with to see if he or she is available. Be aware that supervisory responsibilities need to be shared among the faculty and thus you cannot be assured of working with a particular individual. We suggest you work on your portfolio with your faculty advisor within the context of a course or an independent study you are presently taking with this professor. Work closely with your advisor on the visual design and construction of your portfolio.
A written discussion pertaining one's artistic and professional aspirations can be an invaluable opportunity for professional development. With this goal in mind, write a thesis of 5-8 pages that responds to the following questions that are relevant to your future career goals:
The writing of your senior thesis is an important project that should be completed early during the year. You can "adapt" a related paper or papers from your graphics courses. Use Microsoft Word, Times Roman or an equivalent, 12 point type, double-spaced, with page numbers, and endnotes. Submit the thesis in hardcopy and electronic form to your advisor.
As Sara Eisenman writes in Building Design Portfolios, "... a portfolio is a rite of passage for every designer seeking freelance work, a design studio position, or a place in a graduate design program..." A portfolio documents a designer's work and embodies his/her creative style and ability. It should be aesthetically-pleasing, visually coherent, and versatile. Design the following portfolio components (i.e., if you have not already created them in a previous design course):
The digital portfolio should be on a CD-ROM, with a visually-pleasing jewel-case or an equivalent package design that relates to the aesthetic of the rest of the components of the portfolio. Use Flash, HTML, Acrobat (with InDesign or Illustrator), Director, or Dreamweaver to design the interface of the digital portfolio. Make two copies. One copy will be turned into the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for filing and documentation of you work in the concentration. As a result, it cannot be returned to you. The 3-D portfolio presentation case should contain between 10 to 15 of your best work from freelance jobs, internships, co-ops, and design classes that are relevant to the kind of job you are seeking. For instance, if seeking an art director position in an advertising agency, the majority of your work should be ads. If seeking a web design position, you will need more examples of websites, digital interfaces, and moving graphics. If seeking a job in a design studio that works with a variety of print conventions, you might want to include some of the following:
Create a visually-pleasing aesthetic that includes an engaging color-palette and graphics that you apply to each component of your portfolio coherently. Remember, that your time is better spent refining your best work, instead of re-designing bad work. RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS To produce an aesthetically unified set of material components, the guidelines below are suggested. You may alter them in consultation with your faculty advisor. Text Use up to 2 fonts (1 display font + 1 text font or just 1 text font) with adequate kerning, leading, and tracking. Typeset text for maximum readability and legibility. Restrain from centering the text. The font system should be readable, legible, and consistent throughout components. Color Use up to 3 (one should be black or another dark hue) colors throughout all components of the portfolio but not necessarily among the contents of the portfolio. Image Images should be high resolution and appropriately sized and cropped. They should be at least 300 dpi color images and 150 dpi black and white images. Do not use low-resolution imagery. Format The layout of each component should reflect an underlying grid that aligns and organizes all visual and verbal elements. It is recommended that you use a grid with 2 or more columns. Logotype Make it scalable with no gradients. Resume and Cover Letter Use the standard convention of 8-1/2 x 11 inches or another appropriate size. Business Card Use the standard convention of 3-1/2 x 2 inches or another appropriate size. CD-ROM business cards are acceptable. 3-D Portfolio Case You determine the dimensions. It can be store-bought or hand-made. Instructions will be provided for designing a hand-made case. Two-dimensional portfolio contents can be mounted onto black boards (no foam core). Three-dimensional contents should be inset in the board (instructions will be provided). Your portfolio could also be a bound book or binder. Work closely with your faculty advisor on the visual design and construction of your portfolio.
You will present your work in a group exhibition during the last semester of your study, in a location to be determined by the graphics faculty. The graphics faculty will work with you to plan and design the show. |
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