VAD 211. Fundamentals of Visual Communication Design. 3 Hours

Course for non-majors in the basics of design for communication. Attention to page layout, typography, image, graphic style, and information delivery.

VAD 220. Design Processes I. 3 Hours

Introduction to the iterative design processes, including tools, technologies, and fundamentals of print and digitally based graphic design. Students gain skills in a range of software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to generate effective visual communication. Additional programs and technologies current in the field are explored. Emphasis on production design techniques, equipment, assembly strategies, craft, and problem-solving strategies.

VAD 240. Form and Concept. 3 Hours

Introduction, exploration, and application of design principles and elements within the context of graphic design. This course guides students through design methodologies and processes, generating concepts, developing ideas, translating meaning across forms, and creating digital and physical prototypes.

VAD 245. Typography. 3 Hours

Studio investigation of the history, tradition, discipline, and function of typography within visual and verbal communication. Through applied projects, students examine type anatomy, classification, hierarchy, and composition while developing technical proficiency in Adobe InDesign. Emphasis is placed on technical precision, formal sensitivity, and conceptual development; with special focus on structure, space, proportion, sequence, and the integration of type and image across print and digital media.

VAD 307. Drawing for Graphic Design. 2 Hours

Exploration of materials, procedures, and drawing techniques for design presentations. Prerequisite(s): VAF 104.

VAD 310. Computer Illustration. 3 Hours

Exploration of the use of the computer as tool and medium for the creation and production of image and illustration for print and electronic graphic design. Prerequisite(s): VAD 220, VAD 240.

VAD 318. Graphic Design for Three Dimensions. 3 Hours

Application of graphic design principles to packaging, product, exhibition, and environmental design. Prerequisite(s): VAD 240, VAD 245; VAF 117.

VAD 320. Graphic Design Production. 3 Hours

Advanced exploration of digital technologies and industry-standard software as tools and platforms for the creation, production, implementation, and presentation of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on professional file setup for packaging, print, and digital work, including cross-media systems and commercial pre-press workflows. Students develop proficiency in print production, interface design, AI-supported workflows, and prototyping using UX software while exploring user experience principles within contemporary visual communication environments. Prerequisite(s): VAF 112; VAP 240; and VAD 245.

VAD 345. Advanced Typography. 3 Hours

Advanced study of typographic design emphasizing the aesthetic, semantic, and informational qualities of type in print and digital communication. Students investigate typographic systems, hierarchy, grids, and composition through complex design problems that explore how form shapes meaning. The course introduces foundational animation techniques, extending typographic communication into contemporary screen-based environments. Prerequisite(s): VAD 245.

VAD 351. Motion Design. 3 Hours

Exploration of the generation and application of motion in visual communication. This course builds on graphic design form, methods, technique, and principles to generate dynamic messaging using type, sound, image, and animation. While the computer and appropriate applications are primary tools, hand generated methods for concept and storyboarding are stressed as well. Prerequisite(s): VAD 220, VAD 240, VAD 245, VAD 320.

VAD 355. Interaction Design. 3 Hours

Investigation of the use of interactivity as applied to the digital and analog landscape. Focus on the design of richly interactive interfaces for current and emerging media (computers, mobile, touch etc.). While some emphasis is on the development and implementation of design vehicles, decided attention is paid to concept and visual effectiveness. Prerequisite(s): VAD 220, VAD 240, VAD 245, VAD 320.

VAD 360. Web and UX Design. 3 Hours

A studio course exploring the design of interactive web experiences. Students develop user-centered digital products through research, information architecture, interface design, and prototyping. Projects emphasize responsive systems, accessibility, usability testing, and the integration of visual communication principles within contemporary UX design workflows. Prerequisite(s): VAD 320.

VAD 395. Advertising Design. 3 Hours

Emphasis on print advertising, its creation and presentation. Concept development and attention to advertising layouts that carry motivating images and messages to consumers about products, services, or ideas.

VAD 411. Graphic Design. 3 Hours

Introduction to graphic design as a process of research, concept development, and visual communication. Through iterative design methodologies, students explore relationships among typography, imagery, color, and space. Studio projects investigate identity, information design, and packaging while developing strategies for concept generation and visual problem-solving in contemporary design practice. Prerequisite(s): VAF 112; VAP 240; VAD 245; and VAD 320.

VAD 412. Graphic Design II. 3 Hours

Continued study of effective visual relationships between typographic elements and images. Emphasis on sequential page design. Prerequisite(s): VAD 220, VAD 240, VAD 245, VAD 320, VAD 411.

VAD 414. Trademark Design. 3 Hours

Advanced study of marks, logos, and symbols as communication and identification elements. Emphasis on conceiving design marks of identity for small businesses, corporations, institutions, products, and/or services. Prerequisite(s): VAD 411.

VAD 415. Advanced Graphic Design. 3 Hours

Advanced exploration of graphic design systems and visual communication. Students develop integrated branding and communication systems through collaborative, experiential, conceptual or real-world design projects. Emphasis is placed on research, creative briefs, client relationships, and professional presentations while addressing the needs of audiences and community partners. Prerequisite(s): VAD 411.

VAD 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consulatation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.

VAD 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved VAD 477; approval of University Honors Program.

VAD 480. Graphic Design Internship. 1-3 Hours

Opportunities for practical experience in professional working environments. Repeatable up to nine semester hours. Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chairperson.

VAD 485. Design Practicum. 3 Hours

This course offers upper-level graphic design majors practical experience in all phases of design project work—client interaction and discovery, scheduling, research, concept generation, iteration, internal reviews, presentation, vendor management, and production. Prerequisites: Graphic Design majors only; Junior or Senior standing; permission of instructor.

VAD 490. Special Problems. 1-3 Hours

A course for advanced individual work in design. Approval based on academic standing and permission of instructor. Repeatable up to fifteen semester hours.

VAD 498. Senior/Professional Seminar - Graphic Design. 3 Hours

Capstone course required of all B.F.A. graphic design majors, to be taken in the fall term of the senior year. Examination of aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and pragmatic issues in preparation for post-graduate experience. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or permission of department chairperson.

VAD 499. Portfolio and Paper - Graphic Design. 3 Hours

Capstone course required for all BFA Graphic Design majors that is to be taken in the final semester of the senior year. Students complete an undergraduate portfolio and paper, to be presented and reviewed by faculty, peers, and professionals in a public forum. Faculty approval of portfolio and paper is required for graduation. Prerequisites: VAD 498 (can be taken concurrently) or permission of department chairperson.