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Description
Study Graphic Design in Boston
Graphic designers influence the way people think by converting ideas, information, and emotions into visual symbols. Their work is behind the websites you surf, the packaging of your favorite products, the signage that helps you navigate a space, and the book that you just cant put down. Wherever you look, graphic design is embedded into the world, persuading and informing what you see and do every day.
Educating artists and designers is what we do best.
At Suffolk University, our NASAD-accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design gives you the intellectual and practical skills youll need to be successful in this diverse field. In your classes and through internship opportunities, youll gain exposure to (and experience in) the field before you even graduate. Our curriculum reflects new technologies and industry trends and blends them with typography, illustration, photography, and design history. While learning the latest software is important, to design well you'll need to develop skills in drawing, analysis, communication, and conceptual development.
NESAD also offers a Certificate in Graphic Design. This part-time, non-degree program is intended for students seeking to complement existing educational or employment credentials.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline February 15, 2015 Tuition fee- USD 16265 Semester (National)
Full-time: 12-17 credits per semester $16,265
Start date 2016 Credits 124 creditsThe Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a minimum of 124 credits.
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test- English
Course Content
Major Requirements: 28 courses, 88 creditsCourses numbered 200 and above have as a prerequisite the completion of the Foundation Studies program or its equivalent. Exceptions may be made only with the permission of the instructor and the Graphic Design program director.
The letter S preceding the course number indicates a studio course. A studio fee is assessed for all studio courses.
For specific sequence of courses, contact your advisor or the department.
- ADF-S101 Foundation Drawing I
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course concentrates on the traditional techniques of observational drawing. Fundamental principles and elements of drawing are introduced in structured lessons and exercises, which are supplemented by additional outside assignments. Foundation Drawing I stresses the development of visual skills as well as the broad use of drawing concepts, vocabulary, techniques and variety of materials.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
- ADF-S102 Foundation Drawing II
Prerequisites:
ADF S101
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will refine the basic visual skills developed in Foundation Drawing I (ADF S101). The elements of color and mixed media are introduced to expand technical possibilities, while more intensive work with the human figure provides exposure to gesture, structure and complex form. As students begin to develop a more sophisticated and personal approach, issues of expression and interpretation will be investigated, focusing on personal style and expression.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
- ADF-S152 3-Dimensional Design
Prerequisites:
ADF S151 or ADF S166
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course focuses on the fundamental elements of three-dimensional form. Line, plane and volume will be explored as students develop visual analysis and critical thinking skills in the round. The role of scale, proportion, structure, surface, light and display will be addressed, as students create forms that activate space and engage the viewer. The course will proceed from work with simple forms and techniques to more challenging and comprehensive problems addressing both additive and subtractive methods.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
- ADF-S156 Imaging
Prerequisites:
ADF S166
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Digital visual image generation and modification, especially when combined with traditional hand techniques, are essential skills for artists and designers of the 21st century. This course introduces techniques of image capture, manipulation and output. Weekly and longer-length assignments will address creative and innovative idea generation using these approaches.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
- ADF-S166 2D/Color
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This is an introductory-level course in the basic concepts and practices of two-dimensional design and color theory. The study of color and design is supportive of all studio disciplines and is vital to the understanding of all visual media. This course features an intensive, hands-on approach to color and design as students create, modify and master the three dimensions of color (hue, value, and strength) plus the principles of design(line, shape, value, composition and image). This in-depth study is essential and underlies all of the visual arts as they are practiced today. An understanding of color and design influences all artists' decisions, affecting the look, meaning and use of visual phenomena.
- ADF-S171 Integrated Studio 1
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This cross-disciplinary course will integrate the ideas and practices of two-dimensional design, color and drawing emphasis will be placed on understanding the creative process, exploring concepts and developing research skills. Students will undertake individual and collaborative projects in three spaces; the studio classroom, the digital world and the city at large.
- ADF-S172 Integrated Studio 2
Prerequisites:
ADF S101
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course builds on the Integrated Studio 1 experience: synthesizing fundamental visual ideas. IS 2 investigates the construction, documentation, and transformation of volumetric form, environmental space, and time. Projects will explore narrative strategies and the creation of immersive experiences. Students will develop critical and analytical skills while employing a range of traditional and digital media-including video/sound capture and editing-as they explore the creative boundaries of the classroom studio, the city of Boston, and virtual space.
- ADG-S201 Basic Typography
Prerequisites:
ADF S151 OR ADF S166
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will introduce students to the creative use of typography in the design process and will provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to design with type.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADG-S202 Computer Typography
Prerequisites:
ADG S201 and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This advanced course focuses on the translation of the historical knowledge and hand skills learned in Basic Typography into a digital format. Students will learn how to produce quality typography, as well as experiment with and explore letterform design and manipulation.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
- ADG-S204 Design Beyond Design
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course focuses on the multi-disciplinary nature of the graphic design profession and the designer as a visual communicator, critical thinker and problem solver. Students will be exposed to a series of outside topics to which they will apply design solutions, mirroring the range of fields in which designers today are employed.
- ADG-S206 Graphic Design I
Prerequisites:
ADF S151 OR ADF S166
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Emphasizing the creative process from thumbnail to comprehensive, the course will also introduce the student to the language, tools, and techniques of the professional graphic designer. Attention will be paid to conceptualization, production and presentation in solving design problems. This course will expose students to a series of assignments designed to show step-by-step problem solving from observation and research, to the incorporation of these findings into the design of communication vehicles.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADG-S207 Graphic Design II
Prerequisites:
ADG S206 and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A continuation of the skills learned in Graphic Design I, involving projects that are broader in scope, more in-depth, and address societal issues.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
- ADG-S213 Web Design I
Prerequisites:
ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will introduce basic web site design and creation skills to students in order to prepare them for more advanced study in Web Design II. The class will use a variety of industry standard software to design and create basic working websites. Students will learn HTML, XHTML and CSS. Javascript, Flash and Action Scripting will be discussed and presented as supplemental tools. Information architecture, wire frames, interface design, user experience and web page layouts will be explored. The history, societal context and future of new media will be discussed throughout the semester.
- ADIL-S214 Illustration for Designers
Prerequisites:
ADF S102
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course introduces the skills necessary for meeting clients' illustration needs in a variety of media appropriate to their context. Emphasis will be placed on developing the ability to draw real objects and real people while advancing a personal style. Development of visual research and photo reference, thumbnailing and rendering skills for ones presentation of ideas and concepts while designing the proper environment for their illustration will be required.
- ADG-S219 Computer Applications in Design
Credits:
3.00
Description:
In this course students will learn the major software applications used by graphic designers, such as Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Through a series of problems, students will learn how and when to use specific software to produce their solutions and prepare portfolio-quality design.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADG-224 History of Graphic Design
Credits:
4.00
Description:
The first part of the course will focus on the history of graphic design from prehistoric times to the Industrial Revolution, including the origins of graphic communications in the ancient world, the development of the alphabet and early printing and typography. The second portion will concentrate on the period from the late 19th century to the present, and will include the Arts and Crafts Movement, the various-isms and their influence on modern art, the Bauhaus and International Style, and contemporary visual systems and image making.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
- ADG-337 Professional Practice
Prerequisites:
Senior BFA status
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This senior-year course is designed to provide final preparation for employment in the field of graphic design. In addition to helping each student develop a professional portfolio, the course will provide students with practical knowledge of the business aspects of graphic design, interviewing skills, resume preparation, personal branding and help students target internship opportunities for the following semester.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADG-S340 Web Design II
Prerequisites:
ADG S213 or Instructors permission
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course is intended as a continuation of the experience gained in Web Design I. The objective of the course is the development of advanced conceptual skills such as prototyping, usability testing, interactive philosophy, accessibility, project and content management. Students will further develop their professional multimedia skills by working with HMTL, XHMTL, CSS and other industry-standard tools. JavaScript will be discussed and we will use Flash for animation and video. Current techniques for distributions on mobile devices will be explored. Software that will be used during the class will include Dreamweaver, Flash, and other professional level software tools.
- ADG-S344 Graphic Design III
Prerequisites:
ADG S202, ADG S207, and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This continuation of Graphic Design I and II (ADG S206, 207) will concentrate on increasing sophistication in creative problem-solving abilities. Students will also develop an understanding of prepress terms and operations and the impact of technology on those operations. It will also provide the knowledge and skills necessary to enable students to make appropriate prepress decisions regarding more complex projects. Senior status preferred.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADG-S345 Graphic Design IV
Prerequisites:
ADG S344
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A continuation of the concepts and skills developed in Graphic Design III and their application to more complex, multi-pieced, in-depth projects.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
- ADG-S354 Advanced Computer Applications
Prerequisites:
ADG S201, ADG S206, and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course is designed to further explore software applications for specific and experimental effects. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to choose the appropriate software application and to execute the desired design, focusing on the design itself rather than on the limitations of computer programs. The course also focuses on solving the technical and production problems when preparing artwork electronically for printing. Software applications include Adobe Creative Suite:InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Choose one of the following courses:
- ADF-181 Ideas of Western Art I
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will survey the major concepts and issues of Western Art, from prehistoric to the Early Renaissance. Architecture, sculpture and paintings will be studied individually for their formal elements and visual importance, and also within their own aesthetic, historic and cultural context. Class discussion and visual analysis of works of art will encourage personal interpretation and critical thinking.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
- ARH-101 Art History I
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A survey of the art of western civilization from prehistoric caves to the cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Works of painting, sculpture, and architecture are presented in their historical context. Course covers Egyptian, Ancient Near Eastern, Greek, Roman, early Islamic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
Choose one of the following courses:
- ADF-182 Ideas of Western Art II
Credits:
4.00
Description:
This course will survey the major concepts and issues of Western Art, from Renaissance to contemporary art. Architecture, sculpture and paintings will be studied individually for their formal elements and visual importance, and also within their own aesthetic, historic and cultural context. Class discussion and visual analysis of works of art will encourage personal interpretation and critical thinking.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
- ARH-102 Art History II
Credits:
4.00
Description:
A survey of the art of Europe and America from the Renaissance to the present. Works of painting, sculpture, and architecture are presented in their historical context. Course covers the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop, and Post-Modernism.
Term:
Offered Both Fall and Spring
Type:
Humanities & History,Humanities Literature Requirement
Choose one of the following courses:
- ADG-400 Graphic Design Internship
Prerequisites:
Senior BFA status.
Credits:
3.00- 4.00
Description:
Seniors are required to pursue an internship with a local graphic design firm, whose work is directly related to that students intended area of professional concentration. Interns will observe and participate in all office procedures permitted by their place of internship and will be required to maintain a notebook of their observations. Required classroom seminars will reinforce new skills, share learning experiences and answer questions or concerns.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
- ADG-S410 Thesis Studio
Prerequisites:
Senior BFA standing required.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
The Thesis Studio involves the application of previously learned studio skills in a detailed investigation of a design project relating to the student's intended professional area of specialization. Normally offered spring semester.
Art History Elective (1 course, 4 credits)
Studio Electives (3 courses, 9 credits)
These electives are subject to change and must be approved by the Graphic Design program director. Choose three of the following courses:- ADG-S302 Italian Journal: Painting and Drawing On Paper
Prerequisites:
Instructors Consent
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This faculty-led study abroad course introduces the skills necessary for meeting clients' illustration needs in a variety of media appropriate to context. Florence, Italy and its environs will serve as the subject matter and catalyst in developing the ability to draw objects, i.e. Architecture, people and landscape while advancing a personal style. Study will begin with a pre-departure journal/book binding workshop at Suffolk University and then to the outdoors in and around Florence, Italy, Tuscan hill towns and the Veneto, where students will explore basic illustration styles, methods and techniques.
Term:
Summer
Type:
Expanded Classroom Requirement
- ADG-S305 Conceptual Typography
Prerequisites:
Take ADG-S202
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course is designed to build on core typography knowledge and further students' understanding of the conceptual possibilities of using type in design. Advanced typographic problems requiring the implementation of both traditional and alternative methods will facilitate a deeper exploration of modern communication issues including layered hierarchies, type in motion, typographic voice and illustration.
- ADG-S311 Integrated Advertising
Prerequisites:
ADG S206 and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will provide instruction towards creatively translating marketing needs into innovative and effective advertising solutions through a series of challenging projects. Students will learn skills applicable to the advertising industry by focusing on creative executions across multiple-media applications including print, direct mail, collateral, outdoor, online, and other media. There will be emphases on idea generation and campaign development with the goal of message communication through the balance of various elements including page design, copywriting, typography, illustration, photography, and visual effects. The history of advertising from the early 20th century to the ever-changing complexity of today's digital landscape will be studied.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S312 Packaging Design
Prerequisites:
ADG S201 or ADG S601 AND ADG S206 or ADG S606 AND ADG S219 or ADG S619 OR Instructor Permission.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
In this course, students will study the evolution and history of packaging design, discuss philosophies, learn industry terminology and examine contemporary designs. Using case studies, students will analyze the package design process from concept to production and over the course of the semester, develop a line of packaging and supporting marketing materials for one brand. Guest lectures and field trips will supplement readings and in-class discussions, which will address brand extension and consistency, packaging templates, professional procedures, product photography and printing.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S328 Designing for the Greater Good
Prerequisites:
ADG S207 and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
In this class,students will study contemporary models of inspiring change through branding, systems design, and product design, and explore how design can have an impact in raising awareness and funding for social, environmental, political, and health issues. Students will work on three integrated design campaigns projects focused in social innovation, design of community, connected to health, and environmental impact to learn how to identify the opportunities to inspire change through design, and how to leverage print, social media, new fundraising tools, and online resources to create a successful effort. Students will also explore successful case studies in cause-related design.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S330 Motion Graphics
Prerequisites:
ADG S219 OR instructor approval
Credits:
3.00
Description:
Enter the world of motion design and learn how to make movies that incorporate image, type and video. This class will focus on learning to create moving graphics that are geared toward being broadcast on television, web or film. Students will create time-based works such as title sequences, ads, and videos that they art direct. In the very near future, motion design will be a necessary skill for designers to compete in the marketplace. Motion design can be applied to many areas of graphic design from on-screen presentation to environmental design. During the class, students will build their motion design portfolio that will give them an edge above conventional print and web designers.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
- ADG-S334 Publication Design
Prerequisites:
ADG S202 and ADG S207 and ADG S219 or Instructor's Consent.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will focus on the skills necessary to create publications such as books, magazines, annual reports and catalogs. The goals of this course are three-fold: to further enhance the understanding of typography in regard to publications, to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to design publications for either a print or digital environment, and to integrate the students' own art and/or photography in their work.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADG-S343 Advanced Topics in Interactive Design
Prerequisites:
ADG-S340;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course is designed to follow Web II (ADG S340/ADG S740) and will prepare students for the real-world experiences designers often encounter in the field of interactive media. Students will continue their exploration of interactive design and choose a final project direction that furthers their understanding of interactive media. These topics include designing for and implementing Content Management Systems, designing and production for mobile computing platform uses, cross platform compatibility and concepts of information architecture, and designing with an emphasis on market needs for multimedia.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S348 Advanced Illustration for Designers
Prerequisites:
ADG S214
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course focuses on the preparation of illustration for specific markets within the graphic design product development and publishing fields. Independent development and proficiency in a variety of media and the learning of different methods of preparing artwork for reproduction in traditional printed and/or digital environments will be covered. The continuation of the development of a personal sketchbook, photo reference, and the shooting of photographs for research will be further explored.
- ADG-S360 Corporate Design
Prerequisites:
ADG S202 and ADG S207
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course explores the issues of contemporary branding used to identify, establish and promote the business community. Specific emphasis will be placed on the analysis and development of corporate identity systems including the development of logotypes, stationery, signage systems, marketing collateral/advertising/direct mail campaign development, environmental graphics and websites.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S365 Digital Photography
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course offers students the experience of creating digital and film photographs while studying concepts of art direction and techniques that can enhance their compositions. The primary objective is to generate professional still and motion images for digital media, including the Web. Students will manipulate their photographic images using Photoshop rather than the traditional darkroom. Students will also learn how to photograph their own artwork and use a digital camera. Advanced students will be encouraged to explore independent tracks of study.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S366 Environmental Graphic Design
Prerequisites:
ADG S202, ADG S207 and ADG S219
Credits:
3.00
Description:
A cross disciplinary course bringing together interior design students and graphic design students to collaborate on problem solving in the visual and built environments. In the studio, students will be exposed to design issues and problems, both experiential and graphic. Students will be working in teams bringing new insight to solutions for a variety of client/project types. Field trips to fabricators, professional firms and EGD sites will be included. This is a survey class designed to introduce students to ways of producing three dimensional graphic design projects within the built environment.
Term:
Occasional
- ADG-S370 Artists' Books
Prerequisites:
Take ADG-S201 ADG-S206 or Instructor's permission.
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course will cover traditional book design and construction techniques, as well as contemporary, non-traditional methods. Students will learn to blend design, craftsmanship and content to create books that are themselves works of art. This is a hands-on studio course.
Term:
Occasional
- ADFA-S251 Printmaking Studio
Prerequisites:
ADF S102
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course is designed to familiarize students with the printmaking studio and various techniques. Students will gain exposure to a number of techniques including non-toxic processes. Over the course of the semester, students will be expected to develop a portfolio of prints while working in class and independently. Open to NESADSU majors only.
Term:
Offered Fall Term
- ADIL-S202 Illustration II: Process & Practice
Prerequisites:
ADIL-S201;
Credits:
3.00
Description:
This course expands on the process of the concepts and principles introduced in Illustration I with emphasis on idea generation and picture making. Assignments emphasize all aspects of preliminary stages and final art. Each assignment addresses a particular market and target audience with special emphasis on traditional narrative illustration that involves clothed figure models, other visual reference, and theatrical staging. Students will practice problem-solving within a defined set of parameters, using a medium of choice and utilizing approaches learned in Traditional Techniques and Digital Techniques. Emphasis is placed on the need to preserve spontaneity and vitality in task-based creative work. Various pre-production, formatting and presentation requirements for effective print and digital reproduction are also demonstrated.
Term:
Offered Spring Term
- ADIL-S223 Traditional Techniques
English Language Requirements
TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 77
To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to
take an IELTS test. More About IELTSRequirements
We do not use specific minimums for scores or grades in the decision process, but weigh all factors together to gain a whole view of you and your potential for success as a Suffolk University student:
- Level and range of high school courses selected
- Grades achieved (official high school transcript with senior year grades)
- SAT or ACT scores (our code is 3771)
- Recommendations (two required; one from a guidance counselor, one from a teacher)
- The essay
- Other required forms
- Admission interview (optional)
- Transfer students should view the transfer requirements page for more details.
In high school, you should have completed:
- Four units of English
- Three units of mathematics (algebra I and II and geometry)
- Two units of science (at least one with a lab)
- Two units of language
- One unit of American history
- Four units distributed among other college preparatory electives
We may also consider other factors in the review process, such as:
- Class rank
- Honors courses
- AP courses
We are also very interested in personal qualities that will offer us further insights into you as an applicant, including:
- Admission interview
- Extracurricular involvement
- Community service
- Special interests
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Related Scholarships*
- Academic Excellence Scholarship
"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."
- Alumni Study Travel Fund
Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.
- Amsterdam Merit Scholarships
The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Suffolk University.
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