the graphic
design program at san josé state university offers a bachelors
of fine arts degree, and is one of ten areas in the school of art design;
illustration/animation, photography, creative arts, fine arts, art history,
art education, digital media art, graphic design, industrial design and
interior design. the school of art design is one of the largest and most
diverse programs in the state and nation, and is an accredited institutional
member of the national association of schools of art design.
the graphic design faculty have implemented a course of study that emphasizes
consistency of planning and analysis with innovation in visual communications—that
of the “ form-giver” and that of the “planner.”
methods of organization and creative expression form the basis for typographic
and image problem solving. through a diverse series of classes, students
acquire the craftspersonship and organizational confidence necessary to
success-fully present their concepts, with emphasis always on conceptual
message development and fundamental theory rather than vocational training.
the design program relies heavily on the university system to contribute
significantly to the education of the design student. their competence
is due largely to degree requirements that mandate a liberal education
as an enhancement and intellectual necessity for their future careers
as designers. typically, the students have won many national prizes and
awards in competitions from los angeles to new york.
the design faculty are committed professionals with diverse experiences as practitioners and researchers in many specialized areas of design. it is the distinct record of the faculty and student achievement which indicates that a broadly educated, comprehensive problem solving graduate will fare better with conceptually creative approaches to design education.
