<< College of the Arts Programs
student presenting graphic design project

What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

120 semester hours of undergraduate coursework must be completed.

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

  • Priority deadline: March 1
  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: December 1.

Prospective B.F.A. students enter the Art & Design School as a general major and apply for a concentration sophomore year with a portfolio.

Graphic Design, B.F.A.

[email protected]
404-413-5221

Students learn graphic design principles through problem-solving. The program encourages students to meld the practical aspects of applied design creatively with more abstract issues of personal exploration, social consciousness and individual goals. The implementation of historical knowledge, contemporary cultural issues, conceptual and philosophical research, and media experimentation is fundamental to the graphic design experience at Georgia State.

The business of graphic design and the practical aspects of the profession are also key elements of the program. Students participate in internships with local, regional, national and international firms, which provide them with a firm footing for their careers once they leave Georgia State. In addition to the permanent faculty, the program uses a diverse and rotating staff of guest instructors, each a prominent member of the professional design field. The professional teaching staff provides an important bridge between the academic program and the professional community.

Course and topics taught: Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, Print and Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Design for Education, Graphic Design in Popular Culture, Internship in Graphic Design, Motion Design and Timed Media, Corporate Identity Design, Graphic Design through Advertising, Professional Practices in Graphic Design, Specialized Applications of Graphic Design.

VIEW CATALOG INFORMATION

Program Highlights

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art and design. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production in an interdisciplinary environment. The school offers a B.A. in Art History, a B.F.A. in Art Education, a B.A. in Studio Art and a B.F.A. in Studio Art with concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting & Printmaking, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Sculpture and Textiles.

  • B.F.A. degree that is NASAD accredited.
  • Area-specific, merit scholarship opportunities.
  • Year-round exhibitions in the Welch School Galleries & student-run galleries.
  • The Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series, bringing in speakers around the country and world.
  • 24-hour studio and building access.
Program Details

Applying to a B.F.A

Students who wish to pursue a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree must first enter as a B.A. in studio and take Foundations courses. They then can apply and be accepted into either a B.F.A. in studio or art education. This is when they chose their concentration.  Acceptance to a concentration is determined by application and portfolio review following completion of the art core curriculum. The studio program requires a concentration in one of the following areas: drawing and painting, or printmaking, graphic design, interior design, photography, textiles or three-dimensional studies (ceramics or sculpture). Students should consult with the undergraduate area coordinator in their area of interest for details. Portfolios and applications are reviewed on Portfolio Review Day, which is set by each area. The Graphic Design area is only accepting applications in the Spring. More information on the portfolio submission process, specific to the B.F.A. Graphic Design discipline, can be found here.

Admission to Studio B.F.A.

Upon completion of the 18 semester hours required in Area F and prior to completion of 15 additional semester hours, each student who wishes to seek a B.F.A. in studio must submit an application and pass a portfolio review for acceptance into a major concentration. Applications to concentrate in a discipline are available online. Students should meet with the area coordinator in the concentration they are considering one semester before they apply for the concentration. If a student is not accepted into the concentration, the student should see their assigned adviser to explore other options.

Art Studio B.A. and B.F.A. majors

12 credits foundation studios

6 credits Art History surveys

B.F.A. Graphic Design

9 credits Intro/Intermediate GRD courses to apply

42 credits GRD courses

3 credits Art History requirement

6 credits Electives

Visit the catalog for curriculum details.

More information on Georgia State's undergraduate tuition can be found on the Student Financial Services website.

Once in the program, Ernest G. Welch students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, nominated by the faculty. New area awards and scholarships are announced every spring semester.

Goals and outcomes
  • Ensuring comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to media, content, imagery and teaching styles.
  • Exploring the continuing traditions of art-making in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary concepts and issues.
  • Encouraging multidisciplinary approaches with other studio areas.
  • Preparing students for a professional arts career or secondary degree through development in workshops, exhibitions, internships, marketing and art handling, design, collaboration with peers, critique and artistic discourse, etc.

Description

Additional information

campus

Atlanta Campus

Careers

The undergraduate programs at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design prepare students for competitive careers in contemporary art, art education, design and art entrepreneurship. Highlights include one-on-one mentorship with an internationally acclaimed faculty, access to art institutions and creative publications, networking with high-profile artists, scholars and businesses, participation in conferences and internships.

The program leads students to career paths such as graphic, interior and Web designers, multimedia artists, curators, gallery directors, museum and non-profit arts managers, art administrators, kindergarten through 12th grade art teachers, art educators, art historians and writers, creative directors at advertising and marketing firms, props and set design fabricators, and art appraisers, among others.

Contacts

Undergraduate Coordinator
Tim Flowers
[email protected]

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design
10 Peachtree Center Avenue SE
117 Art & Humanities Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30303

College of the Arts Logo35 Broad St., 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303

The information shared provides an overview of Georgia State’s offerings. For details on admissions requirements, tuition, courses and more, refer to the university catalogs.