Caldwell University
Caldwell University is a private, accredited Catholic university in Caldwell, NJ offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees and a vibrant campus life complete with rewarding activities, clubs, and service opportunities.
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Bachelor of Fine Arts Specializing in Graphic Design
Want to learn more? Speak with an admissions counselor.
Graphic Design can convey a narrative that may compel the purchase of a product, or shape the meaning of countless types of media. At its best, graphic design can embody ideas and principles that influence decisions that impact society positively.
Our curriculum approaches graphic design from a multidisciplinary perspective of the arts and humanities which develop thinking and conceptual abilities that expand communication skills. Students engage in real-world design projects that emphasize the principles and theories of strategic problem solving with a strong commitment towards artistic quality.
At Caldwell University, you will enjoy small class sizes, working closely with your professors to develop your skills and learn about art professions. Our faculty work with students to secure internships leading to job placement after graduation. While at Caldwell, students benefit from regular trips to New York City and New Jersey museums and galleries, study abroad opportunities, and other departmental activities, including luncheons, Kappa Pi events, end-of-semester critiques, and our annual job and internship fair.
The B.F.A. degree prepares students to enter a career within an area of specialization or to pursue further study on a graduate level. Graduates may find employment in diverse areas such as advertising firms, small businesses, corporate environments and industries, graphic design studios, museums, brand consulting companies, social media agencies, publishing companies and many others.
Students pursuing the Graphic Design track often minor in Business. Speak with your faculty advisor to learn more about adding a Minor.
For more information about our Graphic Design program, contact Dr. Jennifer Noonan at [email protected]
Statement of Outcomes Assessment
JUNIOR COMPREHENSIVE 1 credit
In the junior year students are required to execute independently a series of works that demonstrate proficiency in various media. All art faculty evaluate students in a group critique. An evaluation of each individual student is made jointly by the department. Areas of weakness are addressed and students may be required to repeat a project. Students may be required to do additional coursework if skill or understanding in a particular area(s) is insufficient. Junior Project students may not go on to enroll in the Senior Thesis Exhibit until all studies for the Junior Project and any remedial coursework are satisfactorily completed. Students should have taken the following courses prior to their junior year: AR 111 Drawing I, AR 200 2D Design and Color Theory, AR 118 3D Design and AR 280 Painting I.
It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the fall semester
SENIOR SEMINAR 2 credits
In the fall semester of senior year all seniors are required to enroll in the Senior Seminar. Students are required to research a contemporary artist of their choice who makes work that relates to the student’s area of interest. Students must also write a detailed proposal for their senior thesis exhibition which takes place in the spring semester of their senior year. A grade of C is required to pass. Course may be retaken the following fall if not passed. This course may not be taken if a student has failed the Junior Comprehensive.
B.F.A. SENIOR EXHIBIT 4 credits
In the spring semester a group exhibition is scheduled. BFA students are required to mount a solo exhibition that includes a highly realized and coherent body of work. The full-time faculty meets with the students to critique the installation and the work of each student. Students must demonstrate an ability to utilize the necessary technical skills and processes with materials to make unique works of art. They must successfully organize the visual elements necessary to communicate concepts and experiences and be able to identify and define examples of formal elements and principles of design in their own work. Finally, all seniors must develop and defend a thesis project in an individual critique. This should include examples, concepts, and terminology from historical, modern and contemporary art.
The B.F.A. exhibit may not be taken if a student has not received a grade of C or above in the Senior Seminar.
Courses
