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  • Graphic Design
Graphic Design Program
Integrating Art, Science, and Culture

»Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

The BFA in Graphic Design combine exploratory, practical, and research-based processes to prepare students for the future of design in professional practice and research. The undergraduate program helps students demonstrates knowledge in UI/UX, human-centered design, graphic design, AI design research, and sensorial aesthetic explorations including preparing students with a professional portfolio and/or for graduate studies. These include conceptual and theory-based approaches in design history, writing, verbal articulation, and visual literacy to prepare students for both professional practice and graduate design studies. 

 

 

The Graphic Design Program provides training on the most updated industry-standard software with access to maker-space labs and materials and encourages and reinforces hands-on experience. Students have opportunities to work in design related campus jobs and are required to complete a 120-hour design internship prior to graduation and have the option to pair their degree with minors in Advertising/public relations, Marketing, Computer Science, Creative and Cultural Industries, Sociology, Business, Psychology among other programs. Students graduate with experiential skills from internships, design-specific travel course opportunities, and a concentration of design research and professional portfolio development preparing students for the future in design.

 

Royal Albert Dock

Cell Phone Design Cook Create Connect

 


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Margo Pawell Design Symposium

Margo BannerChapman University’s Margo Pawell Design Symposium, originally established in 2013, is dedicated to bringing together diverse experts to discuss topics in graphic design giving our students and the regional design community a chance to gather and partake in the discourse. In 2016 the symposium was renamed to honor the legacy of Ms. Margo Pawell, beloved former student and alum who inspired creativity, intellect, and passion here at Chapman and Orange County as a whole. Read more ...

Integrated

CommpostOC Portfolio Review
The graphic design program has hosted the annual OC Portfolio Review since 2003 and has allowed our students to be involved in the local design community, helped begin building a community of their own and with leadership skills. Students gain access to invaluable resources and opportunities to help make the transition from student to professional designers.

Visual Thinker Lecture Series
The Department of Art hosts lectures each semester designed to explore visual culture from a wide range of art and design professionals across disciplines offering opportunities to learn, be inspired, and network.

Commpost
Since 2005 the Graphic Design program has been communicating and posting what is happening with professors, students, interns and alumni.

 

Individual

Assessment

Students are assessed on their performance and progress in their sophomore year by all design faculty, and in their junior and senior years, by design faculty and outside professional designers invited to the annual OC Portfolio Design Club, helping the students mature and grow.

Ed Hardy branded sneakersInternships
Students are encouraged to intern as soon as they are able and required to complete 120 hrs of field internships in their senior year. Students partner with the Career and Professional Development and a Graphic Design faculty member as they work. Internship locations include design firms, advertising agencies, and industries with in-house design departments.

Check out a few places our students have interned at over the years.

Interdisciplinary

Students work on a variety of projects in their all courses that allow them to gain “real world” experience. These assignments provide the experience to work on projects based on industry standards, with peers in Ad/PR, Law, Science, Marketing, Political Science, Computer Science, to name a few. There are also projects that involve actual outside the University clients.

International Opportunities

London, Olympics, and Beyond


Graphic Design 308, Sustainable Design. During the period of 2009 – present, graphic design has provided their majors and minors the opportunity to work in London with primary agencies responsible for the Olympic Games, the Living Cities project, Lunar Mission One, Neom, and the Bedford Brick Works. We’re honored to be the only university in the world to offer our students these opportunities. Check out the blog for the 2019 course.

Global Studies
Chapman University students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs. Studying abroad will provide a unique opportunity which opens up fresh perspectives on international political, economic and social issues, interpersonal relationships and ultimate career choices.