Declaring the Major | Progressing in the Major
Description of the Major
Graphic Design is a major offered by the School of Art, Design and Art History, within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. As part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (B.F.A.), students learn the vocabulary, visual perception, methods, processes, craft and technology of graphic design. Specialized courses in print design include advertising, computer graphics, illustration, web design, package design and special topics addressing current design issues and problems.
For further information, visit the School of Art, Design and Art History website.
Degrees Offered
B.F.A.
Concentrations
None
Minors
None
Declaring the Major
New Freshmen and Transfer Students
Entering Freshmen
A portfolio review is not required, but highly recommended, for prospective freshmen. The school hosts on-campus Portfolio Review Days in November and January. Faculty members also attend National Portfolio Review Days held off-campus (locations determined each fall). Incoming freshmen are able to freely declare studio art as their major through their first semester. All students MUST declare the studio art major and complete all lower-division prerequisite studio art courses before you are eligible to apply to the graphic design major.
Other Students
Prospective transfer students and students who are currently enrolled in JMU under another major and wish to declare a Studio Art major must submit a portfolio for review to the transfer/change of major portfolio review committee. Transfer and change of major portfolios will be reviewed once each fall and spring semester. Transfer and change of major students who are not recommended for admission to the studio art major may reapply the following semester. Portfolio reviews for transfer and change of major students are held prior to advanced registration.
Currently Enrolled Major Changers
None.
Admission to the Major
Admission to the Graphic Design major is selective and competitive for a limited number of seats. Completion of all admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the major. Admission to Graphic Design is based upon completion of all prerequisite art courses and individual merit as determined by a faculty review of your art portfolio submitted in satisfaction of the course GRPH 208, Portfolio Review.
To apply, you must be a Studio Art major and have completed all lower-division (100 and 200 level) prerequisite studio art courses including the following:
You must be enrolled in GRPH 208, Portfolio Review, during the semester following completion of GRPH 200, GRPH 202 and GRPH 206 (or be concurrently enrolled in GRPH 206 and GRPH 208).
Portfolios developed as part of GRPH 208, are reviewed each semester prior to pre-registration. Students enrolled in GRPH 208 will be emailed at the beginning of the semester and will be informed of the exact time and location of the GRPH 208 portfolio review. Students not accepted will have one opportunity to reapply in the following semester or may choose to continue the studio art major.
Teaching licensure in art is available as part of all degree programs. As a student enrolled in art education coursework, you will be exposed to both theoretical and practical issues related to comprehensive art education delivery. In addition to intensive art education methods coursework, you will participate in three practicum experiences designed for elementary, middle and high school levels.
Progressing in the Major
None.
