2020-2021 Academic Catalog 
    
    Apr 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Interactive Design, B.F.A.


The Interactive Design B.F.A. prepares students for the expanding and exciting field of visual communication through emerging media.  Interactive Design is a specialized application of graphic design that places added emphasis in the areas of web design, motion graphics, IU (user interface) and UX (user experience) design , design for mobile applicatons, and digital storytelling.

With its solid foundation in formal design theory and history, a curriculum sensitive to both academic and industry expectations, and access to emerging media, Interactive Design is distinct and well suited for students interested in art, animation, design, creativity, film, music, or games.

The B.F.A. is an intensely focused professional degree structured to facilitate the development of a mature, diverse and competitive portfolio. It is an undergraduate course of study that consists of 128-132 credit hours, 90 of which are in art and design foundations, graphic and interactive design, and art/design history. The interactive design curriculum is sequential in nature. (See curriculum guide for recommended sequencing.)

This program prepares students for full participation in the professional interactive design community. Like all of the Art & Design programs, it is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

Programic Goals

The goals of this program are to:

  • Prepare students for professions that create or implement graphic/interactive media, and provide a balanced, well-rounded approach to the theoretical, practical, and technical aspects of interactive and graphic design
  • Prepare designers who are fluent in the design process/methodology, including the ability to define, reserach, and generate multiple solutions to design problems
  • Encourage creative problem solving, critical thinking, and self-evaluation
  • Encourage communication skills through presentation, critique, and creative ideation
  • Provide a strong foundation in the history of art/design
  • Encourage and promote ethical proactices
  • Promote collaboration and teamwork

General Education Requirements


(42 credits)

Humanities


(3 courses)

  • Literature or Foreign Language elective
  • Philosophy elective
  • Humanities elective (excludes coursework from Design and Visual Art subjects)

Social Science


(3 courses)

  • Psychology elective
  • History or Government elective
  • Social Science elective

Natural Science & Quantitative Reasoning


(2 courses)

  • Science elective
  • Science or Math elective

Liberal Arts Electives from College of Arts and Sciences


(2 courses)

  • 2 Liberal Arts electives from the College of Arts and Sciences

Design and Visual Art Core


(24 credits)

Policies


Policies concerning all Design & Visual Art programs can be found here: Design & Visual Art   

Graduation Requirements


  • 128 credit hours minimum (last 30 hours in residency)
  • A minimum half the major credit hours in residency
  • A minimum half the minor credit hours in residency
  • ​60 credit hours must be completed at a 4-year institution