Graphic Design

Students study Graphic Design at San Joseé State University either in the BA Art, Design Studies, Emphasis in Graphic Design program, or in the BFA Graphic Design program. The two programs are specifically tailored to meet the different needs of the typical graphic design student.

The BA Art, Design Studies, Emphasis in Graphic Design program addresses the needs of students interested in a broad art education while still concentrating on the graphic arts, but without requiring extensive professional preparation and specialization courses. Open to all entering art students who complete a series of core art prerequisites either at San José State University or through the transfer process, the BA program uses an interdisciplinary design curriculum to guide students toward a future graduate education, or a broad studio–art based design education. Program graduates find careers in a variety of businesses associated with communication, advertising, product development, sales and promotion, purchasing and many others. Demand for BA graduates comes from the growing number of industries recognizing the ever–changing nature of business, requiring creatively talented people with a broad liberal arts education and outcome–oriented design preparation.

The BFA Graphic Design program prepares students seeking intensive professional preparation comparable to that of any other national or international graphic design program, while in addition gaining a general university education. Students wishing to enter the program start by completing a series of core art prerequisites either at San José State University or through the transfer process, followed by a series of introductory graphic design courses. During the introduction process, students must maintain high academic standards while passing through a series of competitive, rigorous portfolio reviews. The process determines which students advance into the highly structured upperclass curriculum, while simultaneously preparing them to meet the demands of a program focused on creating exceptionally talented designers.

The intermediate and advanced portions of the program cover specific areas of study including typography, form and image, and information architecture for traditional print media, as well as interface and interactive design for new media. Students continue to study design methodology and theory while developing presentation, technical, and personal communication skills. The BFA Graphic Design program has both gained from, and contributed to, the development of the Silicon Valley and Bay Area’s status as a major international center of communications and information design. Program graduates compete for placement with the finest national and international talent, and play a significant role in the region’s design profession.

Wireless Laptop Project

The School of Art and Design requires all students enrolled in graphic design courses to use their own portable computers as creative tools in class. The university provides student loan programs and educational discount programs in conjunction with Apple, Dell, and Gateway computer, and other prestigious software companies, available though the University Spartan Bookstore (see detailed information at http://www.sjsu.edu/wireless/programs/)