Graphic Design and Digital Media
| Degree: | Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) |
| Major: | Graphic Design and Digital Media |
| Specialization: | Illustration |
| Minor: | Graphic Design |
| Department: | Art and Design Building 82, Room 253 850-474-2045 http://uwf.edu/art |
| College: | Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities |
| CIP Code: | 50.0409 |
| Semester Hours Required For Degree: 120 | |
Program Requirements for the B.F.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Media
The Graphic Design and Digital Media Program prepares students to become participating members in an exciting and dynamic field. Coursework enables students the opportunity to design projects that may include: visual identities, advertising design, packaging, posters, websites, motion graphics, and more. Graphic Design is a demanding course of study, and is appropriate for those who are conceptual thinkers, who are interested in solving problems, and for the visually curious. Those who are drawn to contemporary style in all forms, while keeping an eye on the past, are ideal candidates for this line of study.
All students must complete 21 semester hours of designated prerequisites, 9 semester hours of lower-level core requirements, 30 semester hours of major core courses, 9 semester hours of Graphic Design electives, and 21 semester hours of advisor-approved, upper-level Art & Design major-related electives (ART, ARH, PGY, DIG, and GRA); or additional major-related electives (ADV, FIL, JOU, LIT, and MAR). In the spring of their senior year, students must take GRA 4874C Senior Design Studio as their capstone. As culminating experiences, students must also apply to participate in the department's competitive B.F.A. Graduation Exhibition in their Senior Year as well as apply for an OUR Grant to fund their participation in the exhibition.
A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses that are identified as common prerequisites, major, or major-related. Transfer students may satisfy deficiencies in required classes through coursework at UWF or outside courses articulated by the department. However, none of the art courses in the General Education curriculum may be used to satisfy junior/senior requirements.
Program Requirements for the B.F.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Media with a Specialization in Illustration
The Illustration Specialization is for students who want to pursue a career in combining computer graphics skills with traditional fine arts such as drawing, painting, and even sculpture. The Specialization is balanced in both graphic design courses and fine art drawing, painting, and figure sculpture courses. Students in the Illustration Specialization are encouraged to use more illustrative solutions in their graphic arts courses. In the advanced illustration courses, students explore various aspects of illustration such as narrative, editorial, advertising, storyboards and graphic novels, and concept art/design. This emphasis allows a student to pursue many different careers upon graduation in both graphic design and illustration.
All students must complete 21 semester hours of designated prerequisites, 15 semester hours of lower-level core requirements, 24 semester hours of major core courses, 21 semester hours of Illustration electives, and 24 semester hours of advisor-approved, upper-level Art & Design major-related electives (ART, ARH, PGY, DIG, and GRA); or additional major-related electives (ADV, FIL, JOU, LIT, and MAR). In the spring of their senior year, students must take GRA 4874C Senior Design Studio as their capstone. As culminating experiences, students must also apply to participate in the department's competitive B.F.A. Graduation Exhibition in their Senior Year as well as apply for an OUR Grant.
A grade of “C” or better must be earned in all courses that are identified as common prerequisites, major, or major-related. Transfer students may satisfy deficiencies in required classes through coursework at UWF or outside courses articulated by the department. However, none of the art courses in the General Education curriculum may be used to satisfy junior/senior requirements.
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Multicultural, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Multicultural Requirement
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.
The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.
As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020 | Complete a course or Assessment. |
| Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023 | Course and Assessment. |
| Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter | Course and Assessment. |
Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Mathematical Thinking in Context | ||
| MGF 1130 | Mathematical Thinking | 3 |
| MGF 1131 | Mathematics in Context | 3 |
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| ART 2201C | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 1300C | Drawing I - Fundamentals | 3 |
| GRA 2208C | Typography | 3 |
| GRA 2111C | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 1301C | Drawing II - Fundamentals | 3 |
| ARH 2051 | Western Survey II: Renaissance to Contemporary * | 3 |
| DIG 2000C | Introduction to Applications in Digital Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Additional Lower Division Core Requirements
| ARH 2050 | Western Survey I: Prehistory to the Medieval Period | 3 |
| GRA 2508C | Color Theory | 3 |
| PGY 2801C | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Lower Division Electives
| Sufficient 1000/2000 level electives to complete at least 60 semester hours in the lower division. Current UWF students may use elective courses at any level (1000-4999) to meet this elective requirement. Choose a minimum of two from below: | ||
Major Courses
| ARH 3724 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| GRA 3102C | Graphic Design Studio I | 3 |
| GRA 3112C | Visual Identity, Branding, and Logo Design | 3 |
| GRA 3139C | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| GRA 3151C | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| GRA 3196 | Contemporary Design Culture | 3 |
| GRA 3225C | Publication Design | 3 |
| GRA 3521C | UX/UI Design | 3 |
| GRA 4950C | Graphic Design Portfolio/Presentation | 3 |
| GRA 4874C | Senior Design Studio (Capstone) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Major Electives
| Choose a minimum of 3 courses: | 9 | |
| DIG 3309C | Digital 2D Animation | 3 |
| ART 3618C | Introduction to Web-based Art | 3 |
| ART 3681C | Interactive Electronic Art | 3 |
| GRA 3881C | Comics: Sequential Art and Design | 3 |
| GRA 3887C | Traditional Methods in Cartoon Design | 3 |
| GRA 4154C | Advanced Digital Illustration | 3 |
| ART 4633C | Advanced Interactive Electronic Art | 3 |
| GRA 4873C | Exhibition Design Studio | 3 |
| GRA 4875C | Professional Practices in Graphic Design | 3 |
| GRA 4930C | Special Topics in Digital Media Design | 3 |
| GRA 4940L | Internship in Graphic Design | 1-3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Art & Design and Other Major Related Electives
| Sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to complete at least 60 semester hours in the upper division. | 21 | |
| Additional Graphic Design Advisor approved 3000/4000 Level Art (ART), Design (GRA), Art History (ARH), Digital (DIG), or Photography (PGY) Electives, including ones listed above but not taken above, can be taken here. | ||
| When approved by Graphic Design Advisor, major related courses in Advertising (ADV), Marketing (MAR), or other major related areas can be taken here. & | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
- &
No more than 24% of the program requirements for this degree may be in traditional business subjects.
Illustration Specialization
General Education
In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Multicultural, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.
General Education Curriculum:
Civic Literacy Requirement
The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.
The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.
As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.
| Students Included in Cohort | Civic Literacy Competency Requirement |
| Cohort 1: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS before fall 2018 | None |
| Cohort 2: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2018 through Academic Year 2020 | Complete a course or Assessment. |
| Cohort 3: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in Academic Year 2021 through Academic Year 2023 | Course and Assessment. |
| Cohort 4: Students initially entering the SUS or FCS in fall 2024 and thereafter | Course and Assessment. |
Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.
There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan.
Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).
Mathematics Pathway
Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites.
| Mathematical Thinking in Context | ||
| MGF 1130 | Mathematical Thinking | 3 |
| MGF 1131 | Mathematics in Context | 3 |
Common Prerequisites
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
| ART 2201C | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 1300C | Drawing I - Fundamentals | 3 |
| GRA 2208C | Typography | 3 |
| GRA 2111C | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 1301C | Drawing II - Fundamentals | 3 |
| ARH 2051 | Western Survey II: Renaissance to Contemporary * | 3 |
| DIG 2000C | Introduction to Applications in Digital Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
- *
Indicates common prerequisites which can be used to satisfy General Education requirements.
Additional Lower Division Core Requirements
| ARH 2050 | Western Survey I: Prehistory to the Medieval Period | 3 |
| ART 2400C | General Printmaking | 3 |
| ART 2500C | Painting I - Fundamentals | 3 |
| GRA 2508C | Color Theory | 3 |
| PGY 2801C | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Major Courses
| ARH 3724 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 3312C | Drawing III: The Figure | 3 |
| ART 3504C | Painting II-Intermediate | 3 |
| ART 3505C | Painting III-Advanced | 3 |
| GRA 3102C | Graphic Design Studio I | 3 |
| GRA 3151C | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| ART 3733 | Portrait Sculpture | 3 |
| ART 3713 | Figure Sculpture | 3 |
| GRA 4154C | Advanced Digital Illustration | 3 |
| GRA 4950C | Graphic Design Portfolio/Presentation | 3 |
| GRA 4874C | Senior Design Studio (Capstone) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Major Electives
| ART 4332C | Drawing IV - Advanced | 3 |
| ART 3505C | Painting III-Advanced | 3 |
| ART 4386C | Drawing: Personal Directions | 3 |
| ART 4520C | Painting: Personal Directions | 3 |
| DIG 3309C | Digital 2D Animation | 3 |
| GRA 3139C | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| GRA 3196 | Contemporary Design Culture | 3 |
| GRA 3225C | Publication Design | 3 |
| GRA 3881C | Comics: Sequential Art and Design | 3 |
| GRA 3887C | Traditional Methods in Cartoon Design | 3 |
| GRA 4154C | Advanced Digital Illustration | 3 |
| GRA 4882C | Advanced Comics: The Advanced Practice of Sequential Art and Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Additional Art & Design and Other Major Related Electives
| Sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to complete at least 60 semester hours in the upper division. | ||
| Additional Graphic Design Advisor approved 3000/4000 Level Art (ART), Design (GRA), Art History (ARH), Digital (DIG), or Photography (PGY) Electives, including ones listed above but not taken above, can be taken here. | ||
| When approved by Graphic Design Advisor, major related courses in Film (FIL), Journalism (JOU), Literature (LIT), or other major related courses can be taken here. | ||
Graphic Design Minor
The Graphic Design Minor offers students the opportunity to have exposure to concepts, vocabulary, and methods of the discipline of graphic design.
The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at the University of West Florida with the exception of those in Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Programs in the Department of Art & Design.
| DIG 3001C | Introduction to Digital Design Applications for Non-Majors | 3 |
| GRA 2111C | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| GRA 2208C | Typography | 3 |
| ARH 3724 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
| Contemporary Design Culture | ||
| Motion Graphics | ||
| Publication Design | ||
| Digital Illustration | ||
| Digital 2D Animation | ||
| UX/UI Design | ||
| Graphic Design Studio I | ||
| Comics: Sequential Art and Design | ||
| Visual Identity, Branding, and Logo Design | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |