2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

Program Options

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• Master of Arts in Graphic Design
• Graphic Design Certificate Program

About the Programs

Graphic designers convert ideas, information, and emotions into visual symbols designed to influence the way our society perceives people, products, and issues. As you gain design skills and knowledge of typography, illustration, photography, printing, electronic media, and design history, you’ll learn to produce the visual communications that persuade and inform us all.

In the Graphic Design program, you’ll develop the intellectual and practical abilities you’ll need to be a successful graphic communicator and problem-solver. While the computer is an important tool, you must first focus on analysis, concept development, drawing, and the communication of ideas.

The goal of the Graphic Design program is to develop design professionals who are innovative, well rounded, and able to solve the design challenges of tomorrow. 

Each of the program options is designed to meet the needs of the student, taking into consideration his or her interests, academic background, employment goals and commitment level.

Professional training in graphic design requires a broad-based exposure to graphic design issues, along with the opportunity to develop a personal style and a unique point of view as a visual communicator. Therefore, the program has been structured to allow for this multidisciplinary approach by requiring a prescribed set of courses in typography, design, history, illustration and the use of the computer as a design tool. At the same time, the student chooses several studio electives in order to investigate an area of interest more fully.

In addition to the BFA degree, NESADSU also offers a graduate program in Graphic Design, leading to a Master of Arts in Graphic Design. This advanced professional degree program is designed primarily for those with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design, though applicants with undergraduate degrees in other areas are welcome to apply. The length of time required for completion of the master’s degree will vary, according to prior academic background. For complete details on the MA in Graphic Design, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 617.573.8302 or email grad.admission@suffolk.edu.

Applicants who do not wish the extensive training required of the BFA program in Graphic Design, but who require more focused design training to complement existing educational or work credentials, may wish to investigate the Graphic Design program, described later in this section.