Graphic Design

Fall 2020 BFA candidate Arjun Saatia presenting graphic design work.

The Graphic Design program is built upon a sophisticated integration of fine art foundations, digital technical mastery, and strategic design thinking. Distinctively positioned within the fine arts, the curriculum challenges students to navigate a diverse range of methodologies—from traditional print to emerging digital platforms like web, motion graphics, and app design. Projects emphasize a rigorous synthesis of corporate, expressive, and experimental aesthetics, ensuring students develop a versatile creative voice prepared for a complex visual landscape.

This development is supported by a culture of hands-on instruction and collaborative critique, offering students the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world projects with community and business clients. Our studio serves as a professional hub for this growth, featuring a dedicated iMac lab equipped with industry-standard Adobe software. As the industry evolves, the program proactively addresses the role of Artificial Intelligence, teaching students to critically engage with AI as a burgeoning tool for creative efficiency and conceptual exploration. Designed for both high-level production and side-by-side collaboration, the facility provides a spacious environment where students move seamlessly between digital execution and collective creative exchange.

Throughout the year national, regional, and local designers, as well as artists and illustrators working in a crossover of the arts and design, visit the program and work with students. Some of our past visitors include Arlton Lowry from Made by Few (Little Rock), Liz Seibert and Grace Robinson from ProjectProjects (New York), Kristian Anderson from Studio Science (Indianapolis), Erik Brandt from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Allison Hale from IBM (Austin), Zhao Liu from China Central Academy of Fine Art (Beijing, China).

In addition, the Baum Gallery has featured works by such well known graphic designers as Stephen Farrell, April Greiman, Denise Gonzales Crisp and Seldon Hunt.

Students are also encouraged to submit work to a variety of competitions each year including, AIGA student competitions, and the regional AAF awards competition and more.

Degree Requirements

BFA Major in Studio Art (83 hours of Art)

The degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires successful completion of 120 hours, whose required components include (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see UCA Core requirements and note that ART 2325, 2335, or 2336—required for Art majors and minors—fulfills the LD UCA Core requirement in Critical Analysis, Fine Arts/Humanities) and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (again, see UCA Core requirements); (2) 83 hours of art and design courses in an approved BFA major in Studio Art and emphasis degree plan as described below; (3) and electives to bring total credit hours to 120. Art and design courses must follow a prerequisite structure. A minor is not required. This degree may require more than the normal eight semesters to complete. Students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 major GPA on a minimum of 24 hours of art may apply for acceptance to the BFA program after completing the Major Advancement Portfolio Review (MAP). Students are strongly encouraged to follow the semester-by-semester structure in the published BFA Academic Map. As such, this document is to be used as a checksheet to evaluate the student’s progress through the degree in a course-by-course manner.

In order to complete the state-mandated minimum number of hours for core requirements in general education, art majors are required to complete a Humanities course in either the Diversity category or in the Responsible Living category.