English 
Concept driven in creativity.
Whether artistic skill and talent are an innate part of you and you are ready to fine-tune and craft those skills, or whether you simply have a passion for art and a strong will to learn, our bachelor’s in graphic design program was created for you.
Graphic design is about taking a concept, an idea, a new creation and using it for a specific purpose. It is art with direction. You will be designing for a purpose, from both a passionate heart and strategic mind.
Special opportunities
- Engage in learning activities and assignments that have a strong connection to work you will be doing in your professional career, helping to build your portfolio
- Participate in collaborative projects with other disciplines, such as Business and Information Technology, to provide experience in integrating your artistic skills with other fields
- Work side by side with your professors and mentors, who offer their personalized attention to your development and their guidance as a professional in the field
- Show off the products of all your hard work and time spent through an exhibit in the Cox Gallery, located on-campus in Fulton, MO, during your capstone semester
- Gain experience with Thriving Artists Group (TAG) creating artistic content in the field of Communication
- Work to revamp and redesign client websites as part of the Student Website Advancement Team
Our Graphic Design Concentration at Work
There are countless career paths you can embark on as a professional graphic designer. Whether you are part of a small team of six in an in-house agency designing packaging for new and upcoming products, working on an ad campaign with a team of 40 at a creative agency or magazine, or whether you take an entrepreneurial path and start your own business, you can find the right fit for you.
Graduates of this program have gone on to work with these employers as well as many others:
- Cabela’s Outdoor, Inc.
- Purdue University
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources
- National Horseman Magazine
- Modern-Litho Print Co.
- The Callaway Bank
My education at WWU undoubtedly provided me with a solid foundation that has allowed me to work my way up and continue the tradition of growth and excellence in my company. My experience and education at William Woods was not just limited to the classroom. The conversations with professors after class and the countless extracurricular activities provided me with more education than one could have ever hoped for.Toby Stowe, graphic design graduate, now president of Design Supply, Inc., and DS Wholesale, Inc,. in Kansas City, Mo.
William Woods had a tremendous positive influence on me. I feel as if my professors truly cared about my development as a professional designer and fine artist. Without their talent and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I enjoyed my WWU college experience immensely.Holly Dirnberger, graphic design graduate, designer and illustrator for Red Letter Communications, Inc., in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
The graphic design concentration within the art major includes coursework in the fundamentals of graphic design, publication design, packaging design, animation, and more!
Major Requirements
Core Credits: 22.00 (including 6 Professional Development credits)
| This course introduces students to the fundamentals of studio art through the study of artistic elements, color theory, media, and techniques. Students will build foundation skills, as well as the beginning of a portfolio, through hands-on practice and assignments. The course will include lecture, projects, critique, and gallery/museum visits. They will be prepared to readily translate this knowledge in future studio art and graphic design courses. Required of all art majors. (Lab fee) credits: | Art Foundations | 3 |
| This course offers an introduction to Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Students will learn to use these applications through the creation of content relevant to fields of design, art, marketing, and communications. credits: | Introduction to Adobe Creative Cloud -X | 3 |
| A study of sculpture, painting, architecture, and the minor arts from prehistory to the Renaissance. The main focus is the placement of the art of each period within the society by which it was produced. credits: | Art History: Prehistory to Renaissance -U | 3 |
| A study of sculpture, painting, architecture, and the minor arts from the Renaissance to contemporary times. The main focus is the placement of the art of each period within the society by which it was produced. ART 230 is not required. credits: | Art History: Renaissance to Today-U | 3 |
| Designed to introduce students to the importance, concept, and production of a professional art portfolio. During the course students produce both a conventional and an electronic portfolio of their work in preparation for careers in art and graphic design. Prerequisite: ART103 or ART105 credits: | Professional Practice | 3 |
| This capstone course includes production of independent work which will be exhibited during the Senior Show; participation in planning and mounting the Senior Show; a self-assessment report; and presentation of a Senior portfolio. Should be taken last semester of senior year. credits: | Senior Practicum | 1 |
Professional Development Elective - 6 Credits
| A straightforward, fundamental approach to managing a small firm. Students will organize, interpret data and show the proper procedures in planning, operating, directing, and evaluating a new small business. credits: | Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| An application of concepts from the field of marketing of consumer demand in relation to marketing procedures, functions, methods, policies, including issues of marketers from a marketing perspective. credits: | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| This course will focus on both practical and theoretical knowledge about social media. Students will learn about the effects and influence social media has on people, societies, and groups. credits: | Social Media | 3 |
| This course is designed to instruct the student in the proper design and analysis of website development. Students will learn the basics of HTMl, CSS, website portals, content management systems, web hosting and domain name construction. A final project will require the student to maintain a website, host and domain name. Although there is no textbook associated with the class, students will be required to purchase a web hosting package of approximately $70. This will allow the student to develop a website for the class. credits: | Website Development | 3 |
Concentrations
Media Area: Art Photography - 21 Credits
Required Credits: 21.00
| Fundamentals of Graphic Design sets the framework for the graphic design concentration. This course introduces students to the graphic design profession, including fundamentals of publication design, digital illustration, packaging design, and animation. Students will also enhance conceptual and technical skills as required in the field. (lab fee) Prerequisite: ART 103 (or ART105) and ART140 credits: | Fundamentals of Graphic Design | 3 |
| This course introduces students to creative photography as a method of visual communication. While experimenting with manual camera controls through both film and digital processes, students explore methods of imaginative and meaningful image-making. Additionally, students develop skills in composition, sequencing, and preparing files for print.manipulation. (Lab fee) credits: | Introduction to Photography -X | 3 |
| This course explores the process of balancing artificial and natural light to create images. Students will develop an understanding of the art and application of light to photography and will explore light placement, modification, and post-production editing techniques. Studio projects place an emphasis on the effective use of light to support project concepts. Prerequisite: ART 140 and ART256 credits: | Photographic Lighting and Editing | 3 |
| This course is an advanced studio that examines a variety of techniques including cyanotypes, image transfers, scans, and innovation alternatives to traditional photography. Students will push the boundaries of what makes a photograph through experimentation with image-making, scanning, and printing techniques. The course will include field trips, technical demonstrations, studio work, and critiques. Prerequisite: ART256 credits: | Experimental Photography | 3 |
| This course places an emphasis on the nature of contemporary photography as a method of visual communication. Students will work through the photographic process including developing concepts, conducting research, image-making, post production, printing, and sequencing. The course will also provide knowledge relevant to photo book publications, photojournalism, and mixed media applications in photography Prerequisite: ART140 and ART256 credits: | Narrative Photography | 3 |
| This course allows students the opportunity to create a skillful in-depth photography portfolio. Student-led research, creative studio, and critique will emphasize the process involved in generating a cohesive portfolio of work based upon a theme or concept. At the end of the course, students will submit a curated portfolio of work to at least one juried photography exhibition opportunity. Prerequisite: ART140, ART256, and ART326 credits: | Photographic Portfolio | 3 |
credits: | Any ART course not currently applied towards major requirements | 0 |
Media Area: Studio Art - 21 Credits
Required Credits: 21.00
| A hands-on exploration of 3 dimensional media, materials, theory, and concepts. (Lab fee) credits: | Sculpture I | 3 |
| A basic study of drawing techniques and concepts. (Lab fee) credits: | Drawing I -X | 3 |
| Introduction to basic painting media, techniques, and theory through the use of still life, landscape, and the figure. (Lab fee) Prerequisite: ART110 credits: | Painting I | 3 |
| Introduction to media and technique. Hand building, throwing and glazing will be covered. (Lab fee) credits: | Ceramics I -X | 3 |
| This course introduces students to creative photography as a method of visual communication. While experimenting with manual camera controls through both film and digital processes, students explore methods of imaginative and meaningful image-making. Additionally, students develop skills in composition, sequencing, and preparing files for print.manipulation. (Lab fee) credits: | Introduction to Photography -X | 3 |
| An introduction to figure drawing with continued exploration. (Lab fee) Prerequisite: ART110 credits: | Drawing II | 3 |
credits: | Any ART course not currently applied towards major requirements | 0 |
Media Area: Graphic Design - 21 Credits
Required Credits: 21.00
| A basic study of drawing techniques and concepts. (Lab fee) credits: | Drawing I -X | 3 |
| Fundamentals of Graphic Design sets the framework for the graphic design concentration. This course introduces students to the graphic design profession, including fundamentals of publication design, digital illustration, packaging design, and animation. Students will also enhance conceptual and technical skills as required in the field. (lab fee) Prerequisite: ART 103 (or ART105) and ART140 credits: | Fundamentals of Graphic Design | 3 |
| Explores the use of graphic design in a variety of publishing situations. Students are required to apply their design skill and knowledge in the production of sophisticated printed pieces. Students are expected to develop an advanced level of ability in computer assisted design. Students also begin production on their formal professional portfolio. (Lab fee) Prerequisite: ART 202 credits: | Publication Design | 3 |
| This course offers graphic design students extensive experience with various methods of digital illustration. Students will also gain insight into terminology, tools, technique, career prospects, and industry practices. In addition to practical applications, students will utilize drawing and digital skills to create works that are meaningful and intentional. The course will also provide students with extensive knowledge in various types of illustration, including editorial, conceptual, and comic. The course will culminate with students submitting a curated portfolio of work intended for future submission to an illustration agency of their choosing. Prerequisite: ART110 and ART140 credits: | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| This course explores the use of graphic design from a three-dimensional perspective. Upon course completion, students will be able to identify key elements of packaging composition, production, and output. Also discussed are best practices to marketing research, target audiences, and how user experience (UX) can impact the packaging design process. Prerequisite: ART103 (or ART105), ART140, and ART202 credits: | Packaging Design | 3 |
| This course offers students extensive experience in technique and with programs used to create animated works. Various animation processes are covered, including motion graphics, stop motion, and computer generated animation. Students obtain an understanding of the history of animation and industry practices related to career prospects in the field. Prerequisites: ART110, ART140 and ART346 credits: | Animation | 3 |
credits: | Any ART course not currently applied towards major requirements | 0 |