Graphic Design is a professional discipline that synthesizes the creative process through distinct problem-solving methodologies, theories, and philosophies in order to develop an overall solution for a specific purpose and goal. A designer is curious about the world, interested in a variety of topics and typically is a life-long learner as they engage in research and analysis for every new challenge from different perspectives as critical thinkers and creative innovators. Therefore, the environment and academic expectations of a diverse plan of individualized study at RWU is an advantage for our graphic design communication graduates.
Our coaching methods integrate innovative teaching strategies to engage students in immersive, collaborative, and active learning in a contemporary blend of a liberal arts education integrating research, writing, and critical thinking skills with applied creative and technical skills. We expose students to the rigor and demands of a dynamic and rapidly evolving professional discipline on day one, in the foundation courses, and succinctly through the scaffolded curriculum requirements enabling students to discover methods that move from a designer as service provider to a designer as a cultural and economic collaborator.
We expose students to the practice and craft of Graphic Design on the ground level, assist in developing a portfolio in the foundation year that is continually evaluated through critique from professors and professionals alike, and encourage activity in the discipline through professional organizations and even immersive learning with community projects. Students who exhibit the propensity, proclivity, and passion for graphic design as majors will be mentored and must continue to meet base standards through evaluation in mandatory annual progressive portfolio reviews throughout their path in the program culminating in a final comprehensive portfolio and/or thesis. These mandatory reviews conducted by faculty and design professionals will typically occur at the end of each academic year for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a more intensive individualized critical analysis for students entering their final senior semester coursework. Any student who is not showing clear evidence of hitting certain benchmarks in the program, of growth in their work, or of continued development in technological skills will be notified in writing and mentored for a semester to improve their work for the next review.
At RWU, we recognize that many people may not realize the totality of the Graphic Design discipline until they have an opportunity to take a course. Therefore, we break down traditional boundaries allowing access to engage in the creative process in core concentration, minor and a Bachelor of Arts major. In order to receive the best advising and matriculate thru the program effectively, we encourage declaration of the major as early as possible either upon admission to the University or once enrolled in a foundation level course.
