When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s) and the Academic Planning Tool.
Learning Goals
- Graphic Design BFA majors prepare an industry relevant portfolio that successfully demonstrates readiness to enter the creative industry at the entry level.
- Graphic Design BFA majors can clearly articulate their creative process and critical thinking abilities relative to their educational experience.
- Graphic Design BFA majors are proficient in baseline industry standard software applications.
Double-counting rules within the department of Art & Design
- Students may double count 16 SH BA to BA;
- Students may double count 8 SH department minor to BA or BFA;
- Students may double count 4 SH department minor to department minor;
- Students may not have a photography minor and a studio art major
- Students may not have a BA and BFA within the department.
Double-counting restriction
Students in the Art and Design Department may, with department head approval, complete more than one major and/or minor in the department.
Departmental Honors
The department awards honors status for graduation for students receiving a 3.70 or higher GPA in the studio art, graphic design or art history major.
Off-Campus Study
Junior and senior studio art and art history majors are encouraged to spend a semester studying away from campus as part of the university’s GO program. Susquehanna studio art and art history majors have access to art centers all over Europe, particularly in London, Florence, the south of France and Paris. A liberal arts program at Regent’s College in London is one of the special programs available to art majors. Others may choose extended off-campus study in New York or Washington, D.C. This experience enriches the artistic spirit and opens up avenues for future careers. Students with modern language interests can combine language and art studies abroad.
Art History, Studio Art and Graphic Design Internships
The department encourages its majors to complete internships, which provide a valuable introduction to the professional art world. Studio art and art history majors typically complete internships at museums and galleries, while graphic design majors are expected to pursue internships at design firms, publishing houses and advertising agencies. All students may receive major credit for approved internships.
Major in Graphic Design (BFA)
The BFA in Graphic Design requires 72 hours of Department of Art and Design courses with grades of C- or better.
24 Department of Art and Design Requirements:
4 ARTH-101 Introduction to World Art I or ARTH-102 Introduction to World Art II
4 ARTS-111 Foundations of Art I
4 ARTS-112 Foundations of Art II
4 ARTS-113 Drawing
4 ARTS-243 Digital Photography
4 ARTH-412 Contemporary Art
36 Graphic Design Requirements:
4 ARTG-251 Computer Applications in Graphic Design
4 ARTG-252 Visual Communication
4 ARTG-253 Typography
4 ARTG-352 Package Design
4 ARTG-354 Interactive Graphic Design I
4 ARTG-355 Brand Identity Design
4 ARTG-451 Graphic Design Studio
4 ARTG-453 Publication Design
4 ARTG-454 Interactive Graphic Design II
12 Electives
Choose from ARTG, ARTH, or ARTS courses, including ARTS 400 Independent Study and ARTS 404 Internship.
Major in Graphic Design (BA)
The BA major in graphic design requires 48 semester hours of Art Department courses with grades of C- or better.
The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design is a liberal arts program intended for those who are interested in graphic design but unsure if they wish to pursue a career in the field. Students are strongly encouraged to double-major with a related program, such as Marketing, Editing & Publishing, Luxury Brand Marketing & Management, Creative Writing or Communications-Advertising. Many other combinations are possible. Admission to the program does not require a portfolio, but those seeking to transfer to the BFA in Graphic Design program may only do so with approval.
20 Department of Art Requirements
4 ARTH-101 Introduction to World Art I: Prehistory to 1400
or ARTH-102 Introduction to World Art II: 15th to 20th Century
4 ARTS-111 Foundations of Art I
4 ARTS-113 Drawing or ARTS-243 Digital Photography
4 ARTH-300 or higher Art History Elective
4 ARTS-402 Senior Portfolio
16 Graphic Design Requirements
4 ARTG-251 Computer Applications in Graphic Design
4 ARTG-252 Visual Communication
4 ARTG-253 Typography
4 One course chosen from the following:
ARTG-352 Package Design
ARTG-354 Interactive Graphic Design I
ARTG-355 Brand Identity Design
ARTS-400 Independent Study
12 Electives
Choose from ARTG, ARTH, or ARTS courses, including ARTS-400 Independent Study and ARTS-404 Internship.
