Discover your love for design and dive into your own personal style with Graceland’s art degree in graphic design.
Students who major in art at Graceland have the opportunity to develop the well-rounded skills necessary for creative expression. Whether their passion is illustration or web development, Graceland students are able to study in a first-class environment that emphasizes design fundamentals while allowing them to explore their creativity.
For those who major in the art field, with a graphic design emphasis, your course offerings will range from drawing and printmaking to typography and web design. Logos, package design, newsletter, and magazine layouts are just a few of the types of projects a graphic design major will experience. You'll get your hands on any and all forms of graphic design you may be interested in.
Graceland’s small student-to-faculty ratio gives graphic design majors personalization and critique that leads to high levels of placement in internships and jobs after graduation. Graceland’s liberal arts campus environment encourages students to think critically in many areas of thought, so they have room to pursue other interests like the arts and athletics while working toward their degree.
Graphic Design is one of two tracks available under the Art major. In order to complete this program, you must complete both the core requirements for an Art major, and the Graphic Design emphasis requirements.
In addition to the general education requirements, students majoring in Art will complete either a studio or graphic design track. Each track is 36 credits as prescribed below:
Students will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that focus on the generation, development, and communication of new ideas through exploration of the principles and elements of design in relation two-dimensional design and color theory. This course explores the relationship of material, method, and process in the construction of meaning in art. Students experiment with interdisciplinary research methods to generate projects reflecting current topics of interest. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
This introductory course considers drawing as a form of communication and a sustaining practice. Various drawing materials, observation, memory training, and composition are stressed to give the student a wide experience and solid base in the art, skill, and history of drawing. Contemporary and non-traditional drawing methods will be explored. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Sustainability
A technical course exploring the digital tools used in the graphic design industry. Students are exposed to the function, theory, and use of industry-standard computer hardware, software, and basic digital design principles utilized in the production of graphic design.
This course serves as an introduction to the materials, philosophies, techniques, and processes of painting. Students will work with acrylic paint and mediums and approach the creative experience of painting through the study of subject matter, form, and content. Color theory, sketching, and different painting techniques and styles will be emphasized. An emphasis on interdisciplinary and contemporary approaches will be stressed. Studio Fee required.
Theme-based art history course exploring topics such as innovation, power, politics, architecture, entertainment, sacred spaces, sustainability, and eco art throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Innovation, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
Theme-based art history course that explores topics such as activism, empathy, justice, disability, mental illness, feminism, sexuality, queer art, social and civic engagement, labor, and race throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Equality, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
This introductory printmaking making course introduces students to non-toxic printmaking techniques including relief printing, monotype, silkscreen, and other contemporary processes. The course explores how these traditional methods have been used as a means for informing, gathering, protesting, and celebration. Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
A required senior- level course where students identify and critically reflect on a theme that intersects with their own studio practice, or discipline. This course supplements preparations for the capstone exhibition through the analysis of area exhibitions, providing hands-on experience in the mechanics of exhibition production. Portfolio development and professional practices will be emphasized. Permission from instructor required.
Students will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that focus on the generation, development, and communication of new ideas through exploration of the principles and elements of design in relation two-dimensional design and color theory. This course explores the relationship of material, method, and process in the construction of meaning in art. Students experiment with interdisciplinary research methods to generate projects reflecting current topics of interest. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
This introductory course considers drawing as a form of communication and a sustaining practice. Various drawing materials, observation, memory training, and composition are stressed to give the student a wide experience and solid base in the art, skill, and history of drawing. Contemporary and non-traditional drawing methods will be explored. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Sustainability
A technical course exploring the digital tools used in the graphic design industry. Students are exposed to the function, theory, and use of industry-standard computer hardware, software, and basic digital design principles utilized in the production of graphic design.
This course serves as an introduction to the materials, philosophies, techniques, and processes of painting. Students will work with acrylic paint and mediums and approach the creative experience of painting through the study of subject matter, form, and content. Color theory, sketching, and different painting techniques and styles will be emphasized. An emphasis on interdisciplinary and contemporary approaches will be stressed. Studio Fee required.
Theme-based art history course exploring topics such as innovation, power, politics, architecture, entertainment, sacred spaces, sustainability, and eco art throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Innovation, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
Theme-based art history course that explores topics such as activism, empathy, justice, disability, mental illness, feminism, sexuality, queer art, social and civic engagement, labor, and race throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Equality, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
This introductory printmaking making course introduces students to non-toxic printmaking techniques including relief printing, monotype, silkscreen, and other contemporary processes. The course explores how these traditional methods have been used as a means for informing, gathering, protesting, and celebration. Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
A required senior- level course where students identify and critically reflect on a theme that intersects with their own studio practice, or discipline. This course supplements preparations for the capstone exhibition through the analysis of area exhibitions, providing hands-on experience in the mechanics of exhibition production. Portfolio development and professional practices will be emphasized. Permission from instructor required.
In addition to the core courses, Graphic Design students will take additional coursework outlined below:
Covers basic principles of typography, such as type anatomy, type fonts and families, communication with typography and an introduction to layout and grid structures. Typography as medium and message and conceptual solutions are emphasized. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 Computer Graphic Design 1.
An exploration into visual story telling through digital photography, imaging, and editing. Course will focus on capturing high quality images to use in professional design work. Studio Fee required.
Exploration into image making and visual story telling with an emphasis in illustration, blending digital and traditional technology. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: ARTS1210, ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
Study of the integration of type and image through multi-level designs, such as multi page layouts, and identity systems. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
Introduction into the principles of interactivity through interface, web, and information design. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1210, ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
An examination of the various landmark theories, such as rhetorical, Marxist, and feminist to analyze popular culture, with an emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. Students will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to cultural artifacts including music, movies, advertisements, clothing, etc. GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities +This course is only offered every other year.
An emphasis in learning theories, information processing theories, perception theories, components of persuasive appeals, and the ethics involved in persuasion. Further, students will examine the theories and persuasive appeals involved in communication campaigns and critique the success, or lack thereof, of multiple persuasive strategies. +This course is only offered every other year.
Basics of how the World Wide Web works and web site construction using HTML and CSS. Related technology skills will be covered.
Covers basic principles of typography, such as type anatomy, type fonts and families, communication with typography and an introduction to layout and grid structures. Typography as medium and message and conceptual solutions are emphasized. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 Computer Graphic Design 1.
An exploration into visual story telling through digital photography, imaging, and editing. Course will focus on capturing high quality images to use in professional design work. Studio Fee required.
Exploration into image making and visual story telling with an emphasis in illustration, blending digital and traditional technology. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: ARTS1210, ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
Study of the integration of type and image through multi-level designs, such as multi page layouts, and identity systems. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
Introduction into the principles of interactivity through interface, web, and information design. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1210, ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
An examination of the various landmark theories, such as rhetorical, Marxist, and feminist to analyze popular culture, with an emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. Students will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to cultural artifacts including music, movies, advertisements, clothing, etc. GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities +This course is only offered every other year.
An emphasis in learning theories, information processing theories, perception theories, components of persuasive appeals, and the ethics involved in persuasion. Further, students will examine the theories and persuasive appeals involved in communication campaigns and critique the success, or lack thereof, of multiple persuasive strategies. +This course is only offered every other year.
Basics of how the World Wide Web works and web site construction using HTML and CSS. Related technology skills will be covered.
In addition to the essential education requirements, minors in Art: Graphic Design must complete 18 semester hours as prescribed below:
Students will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that focus on the generation, development, and communication of new ideas through exploration of the principles and elements of design in relation two-dimensional design and color theory. This course explores the relationship of material, method, and process in the construction of meaning in art. Students experiment with interdisciplinary research methods to generate projects reflecting current topics of interest. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
A technical course exploring the digital tools used in the graphic design industry. Students are exposed to the function, theory, and use of industry-standard computer hardware, software, and basic digital design principles utilized in the production of graphic design.
Covers basic principles of typography, such as type anatomy, type fonts and families, communication with typography and an introduction to layout and grid structures. Typography as medium and message and conceptual solutions are emphasized. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 Computer Graphic Design 1.
Study of the integration of type and image through multi-level designs, such as multi page layouts, and identity systems. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
An examination of the various landmark theories, such as rhetorical, Marxist, and feminist to analyze popular culture, with an emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. Students will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to cultural artifacts including music, movies, advertisements, clothing, etc. GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities +This course is only offered every other year.
An emphasis in learning theories, information processing theories, perception theories, components of persuasive appeals, and the ethics involved in persuasion. Further, students will examine the theories and persuasive appeals involved in communication campaigns and critique the success, or lack thereof, of multiple persuasive strategies. +This course is only offered every other year.
Students will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that focus on the generation, development, and communication of new ideas through exploration of the principles and elements of design in relation two-dimensional design and color theory. This course explores the relationship of material, method, and process in the construction of meaning in art. Students experiment with interdisciplinary research methods to generate projects reflecting current topics of interest. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
A technical course exploring the digital tools used in the graphic design industry. Students are exposed to the function, theory, and use of industry-standard computer hardware, software, and basic digital design principles utilized in the production of graphic design.
Covers basic principles of typography, such as type anatomy, type fonts and families, communication with typography and an introduction to layout and grid structures. Typography as medium and message and conceptual solutions are emphasized. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 Computer Graphic Design 1.
Study of the integration of type and image through multi-level designs, such as multi page layouts, and identity systems. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: ARTS1680 and ARTS1710.
An examination of the various landmark theories, such as rhetorical, Marxist, and feminist to analyze popular culture, with an emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. Students will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to cultural artifacts including music, movies, advertisements, clothing, etc. GE3C Liberal Learning-Humanities +This course is only offered every other year.
An emphasis in learning theories, information processing theories, perception theories, components of persuasive appeals, and the ethics involved in persuasion. Further, students will examine the theories and persuasive appeals involved in communication campaigns and critique the success, or lack thereof, of multiple persuasive strategies. +This course is only offered every other year.
Students will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that focus on the generation, development, and communication of new ideas through exploration of the principles and elements of design in relation two-dimensional design and color theory. This course explores the relationship of material, method, and process in the construction of meaning in art. Students experiment with interdisciplinary research methods to generate projects reflecting current topics of interest. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
Introduction to surface, space, and time as an artistic medium. Lectures, readings, demonstrations, and hands-on projects help students identify and understand surface, space, and time-based principles in art and design. Emphasis will be places on three-dimensional and four-dimensional narrative and visual storytelling practices. Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
This introductory course considers drawing as a form of communication and a sustaining practice. Various drawing materials, observation, memory training, and composition are stressed to give the student a wide experience and solid base in the art, skill, and history of drawing. Contemporary and non-traditional drawing methods will be explored. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Sustainability
This course serves as an introduction to the materials, philosophies, techniques, and processes of painting. Students will work with acrylic paint and mediums and approach the creative experience of painting through the study of subject matter, form, and content. Color theory, sketching, and different painting techniques and styles will be emphasized. An emphasis on interdisciplinary and contemporary approaches will be stressed. Studio Fee required.
Theme-based art history course exploring topics such as innovation, power, politics, architecture, entertainment, sacred spaces, sustainability, and eco art throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Innovation, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
Special topics in art. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Content and semester hours will vary. Prerequisites may apply. Additional fee required.
Theme-based art history course that explores topics such as activism, empathy, justice, disability, mental illness, feminism, sexuality, queer art, social and civic engagement, labor, and race throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Equality, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
This introductory printmaking making course introduces students to non-toxic printmaking techniques including relief printing, monotype, silkscreen, and other contemporary processes. The course explores how these traditional methods have been used as a means for informing, gathering, protesting, and celebration. Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
Contemporary and traditional approaches to clay with emphasis on wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Exploration of sustainable production practices will also address surface decoration and responsible firing processes. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Sustainability
In this course students explore basic methods of creating physical objects. Develops the integration of sculptural concept and practice, and the critical analysis of completed sculpture through a series of projects that investigate sculptural processes and issues. Lectures on directions in sculpture, technical demonstrations, and group critiques are scheduled. Studio fee required.
Development of knowledge and skills to plan, organize, and facilitate meaningful art curricula for elementary art students, with attention to lesson preparation, child artistic development, material discovery and integration with other subjects. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program, junior standing. +This course is only offered every other year.
Development of knowledge and skills to plan, organize, and facilitate meaningful art curricula for secondary art students with attention to lesson preparation and material discovery. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program. +This course is only offered every other year.
Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of elementary student teaching in accordance with the policies in the Teacher Education Handbook. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admittance into Teacher Education, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) * If a candidate with more than one teaching major completes 14 semester hours of student teaching for one major (or endorsements that require student teaching), an additional six semester hours of student teaching will meet the student teaching requirement for the asterisked second teaching major.
Students will explore a variety of techniques and concepts that focus on the generation, development, and communication of new ideas through exploration of the principles and elements of design in relation two-dimensional design and color theory. This course explores the relationship of material, method, and process in the construction of meaning in art. Students experiment with interdisciplinary research methods to generate projects reflecting current topics of interest. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
Introduction to surface, space, and time as an artistic medium. Lectures, readings, demonstrations, and hands-on projects help students identify and understand surface, space, and time-based principles in art and design. Emphasis will be places on three-dimensional and four-dimensional narrative and visual storytelling practices. Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
This introductory course considers drawing as a form of communication and a sustaining practice. Various drawing materials, observation, memory training, and composition are stressed to give the student a wide experience and solid base in the art, skill, and history of drawing. Contemporary and non-traditional drawing methods will be explored. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Sustainability
This course serves as an introduction to the materials, philosophies, techniques, and processes of painting. Students will work with acrylic paint and mediums and approach the creative experience of painting through the study of subject matter, form, and content. Color theory, sketching, and different painting techniques and styles will be emphasized. An emphasis on interdisciplinary and contemporary approaches will be stressed. Studio Fee required.
Theme-based art history course exploring topics such as innovation, power, politics, architecture, entertainment, sacred spaces, sustainability, and eco art throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Innovation, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
Special topics in art. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Content and semester hours will vary. Prerequisites may apply. Additional fee required.
Theme-based art history course that explores topics such as activism, empathy, justice, disability, mental illness, feminism, sexuality, queer art, social and civic engagement, labor, and race throughout art history to the present. ELO5 Arts - Equality, ELO5 Arts - Equality and Peace, GE3A Liberal Learning-Arts.
This introductory printmaking making course introduces students to non-toxic printmaking techniques including relief printing, monotype, silkscreen, and other contemporary processes. The course explores how these traditional methods have been used as a means for informing, gathering, protesting, and celebration. Studio Fee required. ELO5 Arts - Innovation
Contemporary and traditional approaches to clay with emphasis on wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Exploration of sustainable production practices will also address surface decoration and responsible firing processes. Studio fee required. ELO5 Arts - Sustainability
In this course students explore basic methods of creating physical objects. Develops the integration of sculptural concept and practice, and the critical analysis of completed sculpture through a series of projects that investigate sculptural processes and issues. Lectures on directions in sculpture, technical demonstrations, and group critiques are scheduled. Studio fee required.
Development of knowledge and skills to plan, organize, and facilitate meaningful art curricula for elementary art students, with attention to lesson preparation, child artistic development, material discovery and integration with other subjects. Additional fee required. Prerequisite: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program, junior standing. +This course is only offered every other year.
Development of knowledge and skills to plan, organize, and facilitate meaningful art curricula for secondary art students with attention to lesson preparation and material discovery. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program. +This course is only offered every other year.
Elementary Education Majors complete 14 weeks of elementary student teaching in accordance with the policies in the Teacher Education Handbook. Additional fee required. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admittance into Teacher Education, and approval for student teaching. (Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.) * If a candidate with more than one teaching major completes 14 semester hours of student teaching for one major (or endorsements that require student teaching), an additional six semester hours of student teaching will meet the student teaching requirement for the asterisked second teaching major.
We are surrounded by design every day, even as we walk down the street. It’s evident in our homes and apartment complexes, in our stores, in our gyms, and even in our restaurants. There is room for great designers in many different fields throughout many different industries. A Graphic Design degree from Graceland can help to prepare you for all of those careers, including:
…and many other exciting fields.
When you study graphic design at Graceland, students will develop close mentoring relationships with professors because of the low student-to-faculty ratio. This allows graphic design majors to receive regular portfolio and project critiques from industry professionals.
Our wide array of interdisciplinary projects gives students the ability to think critically about the future of design and get excited about their own person stamp on the industry.
99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.
As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.
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