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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Graphic Arts B.F.A, with Graphic Design Concentration
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TOTAL DEGREE HOURS: 120
Plans of Study
The Graphic Arts degree offers students a sequence of rigorous courses that balance critical thinking and pragmatic experience, complemented by the enriched experience of the liberal arts environment of the University of South Florida.
Graphic artists develop the images that give voice to the world around us. Using their raw materials - the ability to think, draw, write, speak and design - students learn the skills to solve specific visual problems. The study of typography, design concepts, and digital technology develops an understanding of the tradition, practice, and process of graphic design.
This program guides students in building the imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, and powers of critical thought required to succeed as visual communicators. The curriculum emphasizes expertise in image development, typography, print and screen-based graphics, and interactive design. The program prepares students for the rigor of professional design practice through an internship program, courses in production, and portfolio development. Additionally, students design, organize and promote an exhibition of their final senior project.
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Specialized Admissions - Graphic Arts B.F.A.
The Graphic Arts B.F.A. program requires a portfolio submission, along with completion of the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites. Completion of each common prerequisite with a minimum grade of C- is required, along with a 3.25 GPA. An overall 2.5 GPA is another requirement for admission into the program.
University Admissions - College of Design, Art, and Performance
Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following links:
Progression Requirements - Graphic Arts B.F.A.
After the annual portfolio review, if the student is not accepted into the Graphic Arts program, they have the following options:
- Reapply the following year after refining their drafting skills and exploring more conceptual aspects to their work; or
- Explore the following majors: B.F.A in Studio Art; B.A. in Studio Art; or B.A. in Art History. Contact your advisor at Art-Advise@usf.edu
Graduation Requirements - Graphic Arts B.F.A.
Major GPA (All USF courses which are applied to major requirements): 3.25
General Education GPA (All USF courses which are applied to General Education requirements): 2.0
USF GPA: 2.0
Overall GPA: 2.0
Graphic Arts Required Courses: (75 credit hours)
The Graphic Arts degree offers students a sequence of rigorous courses that balance critical thinking and pragmatic experience, complemented by the enriched experience of the liberal arts environment of the University of South Florida.
Graphic artists develop the images that give voice to the world around us. Using their raw materials - the ability to think, draw, write, speak and design - students learn the skills to solve specific visual problems. The study of typography, design concepts, and digital technology develops an understanding of the tradition, practice, and process of graphic design.
This program guides students in building the imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, and powers of critical thought required to succeed as visual communicators. The curriculum emphasizes expertise in image development, typography, print and screen-based graphics, and interactive design. The program prepares students for the rigor of professional design practice through an internship program, courses in production, and portfolio development. Additionally, students design, organize and promote an exhibition of their final senior project.
State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites - Graphic Arts B.F.A. (21 credit hours)
Following Florida BOG Regulation 8.010, state mandated common course prerequisites are lower-division courses that are required for progression into the upper division of a particular baccalaureate degree program.
Transfer students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted. Successful completion of common prerequisites alone does not guarantee a student admission into the degree program.
Completion of each common prerequisite with a minimum grade of C- is required, along with a 3.25 GPA.
- ART X300 – 3 credit hours
- ART X201 – 3 credit hours
- DIG X000 OR ART X602 OR GRA X143C OR ART X600 – 3 credit hours
- ARH X053 OR ARH X051 OR ARH X000-X999 – 3 credit hours
- ART X301 OR ART X203 OR PGY X101 OR ART X330C OR PGY X401 – 3 credit hours
- GRA X111 OR GRA X190 – 3 credit hours
- GRA X000-X999 OR GRA X208 OR DIG X025 – 3 credit hours
FOR ALL MAJORS: Students are strongly encouraged to select required lower division electives that will enhance their general education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area.
State Mathematics Pathway – Graphic Arts B.F.A. (6 Credit Hours)
The Graphic Arts B.F.A. uses the Mathematical Thinking in Context Mathematics Pathway with the following requirements:
Graphic Arts Core Requirements: (63 credit hours)
Graphic Arts Foundation Courses: 13 courses; 39 credit hours
Students are required to take the Foundation Courses prior to registering for upper-level major coursework.
Note: Some or all of these requirements may be met through the State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites.
Graphic Arts Major Core: 9 courses; 27 credit hours
Graphic Arts Major (Restricted) Elective Courses
Students complete the general Graphic Arts program of study and one of the following two concentrations:
Graphic Design Concentration Requirements: 6 courses; 18 credit hours
Concentration Core Courses: 3 courses; 9 credit hours
All students in the Graphic Design Concentration must complete the following:
Concentration Electives: 3 courses; 9 credit hours
Choose 9 credit hours from the following list of courses:
Additional Information - Graphic Arts B.F.A.
Other Requirements
- Ten-piece portfolio submission is required during the spring semester of student’s second year.
- Portfolio evaluation is subject to Department review.
GPA Requirements
Major GPA (All USF courses which are applied to major requirements): 3.25
General Education GPA (All USF courses which are applied to General Education requirements): 2.0
USF GPA: 2.0
Overall GPA: 2.0
Grading Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for all major-specific and common prerequisite coursework.
Residency Requirements
School and College of Design, Art, and Performance Major Academic Residency Requirement - 50% of major must be completed at USF
USF Academic Residency Requirement - 30 of the last 60 hours earned must be from USF
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914 course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of High Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research (HIPUR) is able to assist with further inquiries.
Advising Information
USF students schedule advising appointments online through USF Archivum Platform. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss course planning, degree progression, and career preparation.
For questions, Art-Advise@usf.edu
Plans of Study - Graphic Arts B.F.A, with Graphic Design Concentration
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