B.F.A. in Art with a major in Graphic Design
Harrisonburg, USA
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Key Summary
About: The Graphic Design B.F.A. at James Madison University teaches fundamental design principles, research and digital practice. Students learn design terminology, visual language theory, process, methodology, structure, craft and industry-standard technology. Courses include print, brand identity, illustration, interaction and web design, UI & UX, package design and special topics. The degree requires 78 credit hours, with 39 in graphic design.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter branding, visual communication, web and interaction design, UI/UX, illustration, package and product design, motion graphics, front-end development, design research, creative direction and graduate study. Career opportunities include internships, entry-level design roles and placements and freelance work.
The Graphic Design program at JMU is rooted in fundamental design principles, research and applications while addressing current and emerging technologies through digital practice.
Students learn design terminology, the theory of visual language, process and methodology, structure and craft, and industry-standard technologies and programs. Our specialized courses cover design for print, brand identity, illustration, interaction and web design, UI & UX, package design, and special topics courses addressing contemporary design issues and problems.
The B.F.A. in Art with a Graphic Design major requires 78 credit hours in graphic design, art, art history and art and design-related courses. Of these hours, 39 must be taken in graphic design courses.
Frequent field trips to design events, guest speakers, workshops and internship opportunities allow design students to engage with design leaders in the field.
The Graphic Design program at JMU provides a professional education with an interdisciplinary approach. Program objectives for the graphic design student are:
- Be able to articulate ideas and understand the fundamental elements and principles of graphic design while using correct terminology pertinent to the field.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of artistic methods, craft and formal structure as vehicles to enhance a solutions communicative value.
- Be proficient in both traditional and digital ways of making.
- Develop diverse problem-solving methodologies that combine theory, research, analytical skills and conceptualization to create effective graphic design solutions.
- Develop a professional graphic design portfolio reflective of one’s knowledge and abilities that encompasses the contemporary design market.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art with a major in graphic design is rooted in fundamental design principles, research and applications while addressing current and emerging technologies through digital practice. The study of the historical and cultural context of the field broadens students’ knowledge and nurtures their creativity.
The graphic design program objectives are enhanced by frequent field trips to design-related events, studio visits, guest speakers and vetted internship opportunities which provide students with exposure to top-notch professionals in the field. On campus, students can get involved in student clubs and organizations, such as student chapters of AIGA: The Professional Association for Design. There are opportunities to engage with visiting designers and exhibitions through the Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art as well as collaborate with faculty and peers for shows at JMU galleries. Graphic design majors also have many opportunities to gain professional experience working for a variety of JMU offices and organizations.
Required Courses
- General Education: The Human Community courses 41 Credit Hours1
- University electives 1 Credit Hours
- Major requirements (listed below) 78 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Major Requirements
This major requires 78 credit hours in art, art history and art-related courses; 36 are graphic design concentration required and elective courses.
Foundation Courses: 18 Credit Hours
- ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ART 104. Drawing I (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ART 108. Drawing II (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance [C2VPA] Credits: 3.00
- ARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern [C2VPA] Credits: 3.00
Required art studio courses (choose four of the following): 12 Credit Hours
- ART 220. Introductory Ceramics: Potter’s Wheel (0,9) Credits: 3.00
or - ART 222. Introductory Ceramics: Handbuilding (0,9) Credits: 3.00
- ART 232. Introduction to Fiber Arts: Structures Credits: 3.00
- ART 234. Introduction to Fiber Arts: Surfaces Credits: 3.00
- ART 240. Metal and Jewelry (0,9) Credits: 3.00
- ART 252. Introductory Painting (0,9) Credits: 3.00
- ART 260. Introductory Photography: Black and White (0,9) Credits: 3.00
- ART 270. Printmaking: Screenprint (0,9) Credits: 3.00
or - ART 272. Printmaking: Relief and Intaglio Credits: 3.00
or - ART 274. Printmaking: Lithography (0,9) Credits: 3.00
- ART 276. Introductory Book Arts: Materials and Structures Credits: 3.00
- ART 280. Sculpture (0,9) Credits: 3.00
Major Courses (Required): 33 Credit Hours
- ARCD 303. History of Design Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 101. Digital Media Design I (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 200. Image Making (0, 6) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 201. Digital Media Design II Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 206. Typography I (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 208. Portfolio Review Credits: 0.00
- GRPH 306. Typography II (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 312. Web Design Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 313. Interactive Media Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 408. Brand Identity Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 497. Graphic Design Senior Capstone Credits: 6.00
Major Courses (Electives): 15 Credit Hours
- Major electives: Credits / Units: 6.00
- GRPH 300. Illustration (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 301. Digital Media Design III Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 304. Package Design (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 375. Letterpress Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 376. Intermediate Book Arts: Concept, Content, Form Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 380. Wayfinding, Signage, Exhibit Design Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 390. Independent Study in Graphic Design Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- GRPH 392. Topics in Graphic Design Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 496. Internship in Graphic Design Credits: 1.00 - 6.00 1
Additional Courses
- Art and design electives 2 Credits / Units: 6.00
- Art history electives (300-400 level) 3 Credits / Units: 3.00
Footnotes:
1A maximum of six credit hours of practicum or internship may count toward the degree.
2Art and design electives may include courses from architectural design, art education, graphic design, industrial design, studio, studio assistant and internships. Excludes all art history courses and ART 200.
3Excludes ARTH 490, ARTH 495 and ARTH 499.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
First Semester
- ART 102. Two-Dimensional Design (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ART 104. Drawing I (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ARTH 205. Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance [C2VPA] Credits: 3.00
- Cluster One: Skills for the 21st Century Credits / Units: 3.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 3.00
Second Semester
- ART 106. Three-Dimensional Design (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- ARTH 206. Survey of World Art II: Renaissance to Modern [C2VPA] Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 101. Digital Media Design I (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- General Education: The Human Community Credits / Units: 6.00
Second Year
First Semester
- ART 108. Drawing II (0,6) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 200. Image Making (0, 6) Credits: 3.00
- Two-D or Three-D Studio Art Courses Credits / Units: 3.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 6.00
Second Semester
- GRPH 201. Digital Media Design II Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 206. Typography I (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 208. Portfolio Review Credits: 0.00
- Two-D or Three-D Studio Art Courses Credits / Units: 3.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 6.00
Third Year
First Semester
- ARCD 303. History of Design Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 306. Typography II (0, 9) Credits: 3.00
- GRPH 312. Web Design Credits: 3.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 6.00
Second Semester
- GRPH 313. Interactive Media Credits: 3.00
- Two-D or Three-D Studio Art Courses Credits / Units: 3.00
- Art history elective (300-400 level) Credits / Units: 3.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 6.00
Fourth Year
First Semester
- GRPH 408. Brand Identity Credits: 3.00
- Two-D or Three-D Studio Art Courses Credits / Units: 3.00
- GRPH Concentration Elective Credits / Units: 6.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 3.00
Second Semester
GRPH 497. Graphic Design Senior Capstone Credits: 6.00
- Art and art-related electives Credits / Units: 6.00
- General Education: The Human Community courses Credits / Units: 2.00
- University Elective (if total credits do not reach 120) Credits / Units: 1.00
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
Graphic Design
- Associate Director, Conservation Systems at The Nature Conservancy
- Project Manager, Forest and Climate Conservation at The Nature Conservancy
- Marketing Content Coordinator at Hunter Hotel Advisors
- Content Strategy Associate at BKO
- Data Visualization & Cartography Editor at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Associate Director of Communications at Emily Krzyzewski Center
- Hardware Digital Design & Verification Engineer (University Grad) at Qualcomm
- Part-Time Student-User Experience (UX) Designer-Remote - 90391 at John Deere
- Motion Designer (3D Animation) at Planit Advertising, Inc.
- Senior Software Engineer at IPG Photonics
- Communications Specialist at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
- Architectural Associate at RS&H
- Architectural Associate at RS&H
- 2023 Campus - National Security Consulting at Guidehouse
- Sr. Research Assistant - Breast Medical Oncology Research at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Entry Level Systems & Applications Engineers - December 2022 and May 2023 Graduates at NXP Semiconductors
- User Experience Designer at Paragon Application Systems, Inc.
- Communications Specialist 2023 at nVent
- Technology Services Management Trainee 2023 (Fort Worth, TX) at BNSF Railway
Web Design
- Entry Level SAS Admin at i28 Technologies Corporation
- Front End Software Engineer - Tysons at Alarm.com
- Front End Software Engineer - Greenville at Alarm.com
- (#6393523002) Front End Software Engineer - Centennial at Alarm.com
- Digital Marketing Associate at BKO
- Senior Software Engineer at IPG Photonics
- Data Visualization & Cartography Editor at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Java Developer(Entry Level) at SourceMantra Inc
- Motion Designer (3D Animation) at Planit Advertising, Inc.
- Jr Database Developer at QED Enterprises, Inc.
- Consultant - Campus Hire (Columbia, SC) at Capgemini America Inc.
- User Experience Designer at Paragon Application Systems, Inc.
- Software Engineer III at Paragon Application Systems, Inc.
- Jr. Cloud Services & Support Engineer: O365/SaaS at SRI International
- New Grad: Waveserver Software Engineers at Ciena
- Hiring Fresh Grads for Entry Level UI/UX Developer at i28 Technologies Corporation
- NetSuite Technical Associate Consultant (180895) at Oracle
- Software Developer with partial remote work at Ignite Fueling Innovation
- JAVA/ ADF Software Developer at Ignite Fueling Innovation
Illustrator
- Licensing Representative at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Marketing Content Coordinator at Hunter Hotel Advisors
- Data Visualization & Cartography Editor at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Motion Designer (3D Animation) at Planit Advertising, Inc.
- Software Developer Engineer in Test at SAS - Analytics Software & Solutions
- Fisheries Biologist at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- HR Coordinator at Andros Foods USA Inc.
- Senior Technical Writer at Microchip Technology Inc.
- Senior Fish Culturist at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Wildlife Investigator at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Research Network Engineer at University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Employee Benefits Analyst Career Development Program at USI Insurance Services
- Biologist Technician - Fisheries at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Environmental Communications Support at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
- Middle School Science Teacher at Rowan-Salisbury School System
- Architecture Associate at BDG Architects
- Bird Farm Technician at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Pheasant Distribution Driver at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Senior Accountant at Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Visual Design
- User Experience Designer at Paragon Application Systems, Inc.
- GIS Software Developer at DNV
- Web Services Front End Designer and Developer at Spartanburg County Public Library
- Transportation Management Trainee 2023 at BNSF Railway
- Intermediate Experiential Designer at Interior Architects
- Writing Counselor at Tripp Lake Camp
- Director, Office of Statistics and Evaluation, Bureau of Community Health and Prevention - (2200096K) at Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Junior Designer at Interior Architects
- UI designer-ChinaGeo at Lenovo
- Technical Writer at Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Tidewater Jewish Foundation
- Sales Associate at World Market
- Quality Inspector at Cranial Technologies, Inc.
- UI Designer at EAI Technologies
- Sales Lead at ascena (Ann Taylor, LOFT & Lane Bryant)
- Audio Visual Technician at Blue Ridge Event Production
- Designer at McGraw Hill
- Senior Designer at Infosys
- Graphics Design Specialist at WRS Political
Internships for JMU Students
Graphic Design
- Digital Creative UX Intern at PetSmart
- Digital Design Specialist | Paid Spring Internship at Online Optimism
- Graphic Design Internship at Georgia State Games
- Social Media Intern at EHOMIE NEW YORK INC.
- UX Designer / UX Researcher Intern - Summer 2023 Internship (Meraki) at Cisco
- Graphic Design Part-Time Intern - Raleigh, NC (HYBRID) at Southern Energy Management
- 2023 Intern - National Security Consulting at Guidehouse
- Software Engineer Intern (Summer 2023, Remote/Hybrid) at Vectorworks, Inc.
- Paid WCPI Communications/Development Internship Program (Spring 2023) at Women's Congressional Policy Institute
- User Experience Intern at Santander Bank, N.A.
- Digital Marketing Intern at Leading Authorities, Inc.
- Corporate Relations Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- 2023 Summer Intern - Customer Experience (Design) at General Motors
- Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Experience Design Intern - Undergraduate Summer 2023 at Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.)
- 2023 Summer Internship Program at Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- Intern, Designer at Minnesota Twins
- Intern - Corporate Functions (HR, Marketing, TA, Finance, Communications, Sales, & Retention) at DISH
- AutoZone Summer 2023 Internship Program at AutoZone, Inc.
Web Design
- Digital Creative UX Intern at PetSmart
- Technology, Digital Products & Cybersecurity Interns - Summer 2023 at PPL Corporation
- Full-Stack Engineer Intern at Arbor
- Dell Technologies Services - Systems Development Engineer Intern at Dell Technologies
- User Experience Intern at Santander Bank, N.A.
- Digital Marketing Intern at Leading Authorities, Inc.
- 2023 Summer Intern - Customer Experience (Design) at General Motors
- IT Summer Intern - Cyber Security at Arconic Corp
- Health Policy Intern at Community Education Group
- Software Engineer - Summer Intern at Brightspot
- Intern - Software Engineer, Summer 2023 at Enterprise Holdings
- Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Intern – Summer 2023 at WPS Health Solutions
- Summer Journalism Internships in Digital/Editing/Business Reporting/Audience/Data at Dow Jones News Fund
- User Experience Internship - Summer 2023 at Casey's
- Technology Services Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) (Fort Worth, TX) at BNSF Railway
- Retirement Operations Fund Management Intern at CUNA Mutual Group
- Retirement Operations Analyst Intern at CUNA Mutual Group
- 2023 Business Systems Analyst Summer Internship Program at TD Bank
- Dev Productivity Engineering Internship at Nutanix
Illustrator
- Digital Design Specialist | Paid Spring Internship at Online Optimism
- Graphic Design Part-Time Intern - Raleigh, NC (HYBRID) at Southern Energy Management
- Digital Artist Intern at KCF Technologies, Inc.
- Clean Energy Marketing Fellow at Distributed Sun LLC
- User Experience Internship - Summer 2023 at Casey's
- Graphic Design Internship - Spring 2023 at SOFWERX at DefenseWERX
- Product Designer Intern (Summer 2023) at Garmin
- Online Graphics and Web Designer Internship {Top 5 Employer in PA} at WebFX
- Spring Product Development Intern at Headsweats
- Virtual Graphic Design Intern - Fall/ Winter Semester 22-23 at 360 Marketing
- Short Film/Video Content Creator ( Part-Time, Paid) (Immediate, Remote/Flexible hours) - School Year 2022-23 at CaringDr Corporation
- Public Relations & Marketing Spring Internship (Virtual) at The Amish Heritage Foundation
- Social Media Marketing Spring Internship (Virtual) at The Amish Heritage Foundation
- Communications Intern, Fall 2022 (REMOTE, UNPAID) at Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)—Chicago
- Motion Graphics Intern at Risk and Strategic Management, Corp.
- Graphic Design Analyst at KME.digital
- Fall 2022 Creative Intern at Charity Brands Consulting
- Internship - UI/UX Designer at Ethos Group
- Graphic Design Intern at Relevnt
Visual Design
- Digital Creative UX Intern at PetSmart
- Digital Design Specialist | Paid Spring Internship at Online Optimism
- Graphic Design Part-Time Intern - Raleigh, NC (HYBRID) at Southern Energy Management
- Summer 2023 Internships for Creative and Visual Arts at Camp Weequahic
- Digital Marketing Intern at Leading Authorities, Inc.
- 2023 Summer Intern - Customer Experience (Design) at General Motors
- Experience Design Intern - Undergraduate Summer 2023 at Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.)
- Digital Artist Intern at KCF Technologies, Inc.
- CDC Program Evaluation Internship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- 2023 Blackstone Visual Design Summer Analyst at Blackstone
- Product Design Intern - Summer 2023 at WillowTree Inc.
- Transportation Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- User Experience Intern at CUNA Mutual Group
- Creative Services Summer Intern at CUNA Mutual Group
- UX Designer Intern at Acoustic
- Creative Services Internship January-May 2023 at E. & J. Gallo Winery
- Character Art Intern - Fortnite - R23434 at Epic Games
- UI/UX Design Intern - Unreal Engine - R23420 at Epic Games
- Virtual Graphic Design Intern - Fall/ Winter Semester 22-23 at 360 Marketing
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.