2024-2025 University Catalog
Graphic Design, B.A.
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 Return to: Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts and Education
The Graphic Design Program at Roger Williams University (RWU) prepares students to cultivate respectful, equitable, and engaged design practices in relationship with the natural world and our built environments. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from RWU blends design theory, experimentation, and practice with the university’s interdisciplinary studies through studio-based learning. The studio environment encourages collaboration and hands-on experiential learning that empowers students to explore and express their ideas while simulating the demands of a professional design studio. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of graphic designers, equipping them with the cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness required in our ever-evolving global society.
With a Graphic Design Bachelor of Arts degree from RWU, students are poised to excel in contemporary, inclusive, and collaborative design practices. Our flexible educational approach guides students from fundamental design principles to advanced design theories, enabling them to specialize in areas aligned with their passions, career goals, and professional aspirations. Our dedicated instructors infuse real-world expertise into the classroom, enriching the curriculum with a diverse range of electives.
Throughout their academic journey, students enrolled in the Graphic Design program develop proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software. They utilize these tools to create inclusive designs and experiences, while also taking advantage of co-curricular opportunities offered by the Department of Media + Design + Communication. Students gain practical experience by applying their skills in interdisciplinary courses, completing a required internship, and designing a senior thesis project under the guidance of an advisor.
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Program Requirements
Majors pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design must satisfy University General Education requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. In addition, majors must successfully complete 14 major courses (42 credits), including an internship and a senior thesis project (under advisement). Majors are encouraged to pursue a minor that intersects with their design studies to support interdisciplinary and collaborative interests. Graphic Design Required Courses
Experiential Learning Requirements
Choose one of the following required internships: Graphic Design Required Electives
Complete five (5) additional elective courses. At least three must be in Graphic Design (DSGN). All M+D+C cross-listed courses are open to graphic design majors and serve as substitutes for special topic courses in design, as mapped to the appropriate level of study. Choose from the following offerings, some of which have prerequisites: - DSGN 200 - History of Design Communication
DSGN.279 Special Topics. This graphic design elective is focused on specialized areas of practice that correspond with the faculty’s field of expertise. The topics covered may vary and include emerging technologies, VR/AR, intercultural communication, data visualization, web development, accessible design, motion design, experiential design, sustainable design, and other cross-listed courses in the Department of M+D+C. The course is limited in availability and may be changed each semester. Credits / Units: 3 - DSGN 310 - Brand Identity
- DSGN 320 - Publication Design
DSGN.379 Special Topics. This graphic design elective is focused on specialized areas of practice that correspond with the faculty’s field of expertise. The topics covered may vary and include emerging technologies, VR/AR, intercultural communication, data visualization, web development, accessible design, motion design, experiential design, sustainable design, and other cross-listed courses in the Department of M+D+C. The course is limited in availability and may be changed each semester. Credits / Units: 3 - DSGN 410 - Graphic Design Independent Study
- DSGN 429 - Citizen Designer
- DSGN 430 - Special Topics in Graphic Design
DSGN.479 Advanced Special Topics. This graphic design elective is focused on specialized areas of practice that correspond with the faculty’s field of expertise. The topics covered may vary and include emerging technologies, VR/AR, intercultural communication, data visualization, web development, accessible design, motion design, experiential design, sustainable design, and other cross-listed courses in the Department of M+D+C. The course is limited in availability and may be changed each semester. Credits / Units: 3 - COMM 240 - Digital Communication: Technology, Modes & Methods
- COMM 265 - Visual Rhetoric - Visual Culture
- COMM 295 - Mass Comm Theory & Criticism
- COMM 310 - Media Law and Ethics
- COMM 330 - International Communication
- COMM 365 - Digital Media in a Global Context
- COMM 375 - Global Audiences, Global Consumers
- COMM 381 - Bollywood
- COMM 385 - Gender, Globalization and the Media
- COMM 395 - Race, Ethnicity and Media
- COMM 465 - McLuhan’s Global Village
- COMM 490 - Cultures in Contact
- FILM 270 - Documentary Film
- FILM 299 - Special Topics in Film Studies
- FILM 400 - Curation and Festival Production
- FILM 430 - Advanced Topics in Film Studies
- PR 350 - Public Relations Techniques
- PR 401 - Entertainment Public Relations
- PR 402 - Media Relations
- VARTS 241 - Printmaking: Relief
- VARTS 242 - Printmaking: Intaglio
- VARTS 243 - Printmaking: Screenprinting
- VARTS 262 - Digital Tools and Methods
- VARTS 351 - Intermediate Photography
- VARTS 363 - Digital Media in 3D: Objects and Spaces
- VARTS 364 - Film, Animation and Video
- VARTS 451 - Topics in Photography / Digital Media
- VARTS 452 - Advanced Photography
- VARTS 464 - Advanced Film, Animation and Video
- WEB 200 - Introduction to Computer Animation and Games
- WEB 206 - AI Assisted Web Design
- WEB 299 - Web Development Center I
- WEB 306 - Web 2.0: Creating Expressive Web Sites
- WEB 399 - Web Development Center II
- WEB 429 - Community Partnerships Center Web Development Studies
- WEB 499 - Web Dev Center III
Note:
Students must fulfill all of the above requirements prior to enrollment in PSYCH 998 |
Return to: Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts and Education
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