Professors
Lowe, S., (Interim Director), MGD – North Carolina State
Staples, C., MFA – Michigan State
Lecturers
Arment, T., MFA – University of Wisconsin, Madison
Cote, C., MFA – Rhode Island School of Design
Professor Emeritus
Shmerler, D., MFA – Virginia Commonwealth
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program is committed to equipping students with not only the professional skills needed for a design career, but with a deep-seated understanding of how their talents can influence, inspire, and create change. Through the exploration of diverse problem-solving methodologies, innovative investigations and creative research in all forms of communication, upon graduation, students are well-equipped to enter the design field across numerous facets of the discipline.
The curriculum is sequenced to provide students with the skills needed for singular, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary projects. Underscoring concept development, strategic thinking, and collaboration makes the University of Tennessee Graphic Design program stand out as an environment for encouraging designers to embrace a range of needs from the simple to the complex.
Apply Knowledge and Theory in a Project Based Learning Environment
Graphic Design studio courses are intensice, project-based courses that require time and intellectual commitment. We emphasize a process where students move through critical thinking to creative conceptualization. Iterative explorations, articulate communication of ideas, creative exploration and critical evaluation are at the heart of the Graphic Design studio courses.
Build Global and Professional Perspectives
Students in the Graphic Design program are required to conduct an internship as part of their degree. The School of Design has an extensive list of internship opportunities covering a variety of areas across the design profession. Students are also encouraged to participate in one of the study abroad programs offered each year within the College of Architecture and Design or the University.
Engage Contemporary Technology
Technological tools are an important component of a design toolset.The College of Architecture and Design maintains a fabrication lab, digital three-dimensional printers, print center, photography studio, and wood shop.
Collaborate and Work in Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Students regularly participate in various community partnership projects either through a team based classroom project, or by working as part of a faculty-led research team. Students participate in discussions, critiques, and reviews of their designs and ideas with professionals, faculty and students from a variety of disciplines.
Practice Creativity and Critical Thinking
The study of design is not easy. It is a long and slow process, but the journey is exciting, and the rewards are many. The Graphic Design program provides an undergraduate education focused on creative and intellectual thinking, awareness of individual, social, cultural, and communicative issues.
Accreditation and Professional Standards
The institution has been accredited by National Association of Schools of Art + Design, NASAD since 1990. The BFA in Graphic Design is one of the programs reviewed during this process.
Computer Requirement
Students enrolled in Graphic Design will be required to have computer capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud software suite. Foundation students are advised to bring an existing computer and look to purchase a more robust model upon admittance to the Graphic Design program in the fall of their sophomore year.
First-Year Foundations
In their initial year, students pursuing a Graphic Design degree will take the School of Design foundation program – an investigation into design as a making and communication field. Work conducted this year prepares students for applying to pursue the upper division Graphic Design curriculum. The following foundation courses must be completed before students can progress into the degree program as a graphic design major and before further graphic design classes may be taken.
GRDS 101 - Graphic Design Foundation Studio I
GRDS 102 - Graphic Design Foundation Studio II
GRDS 103 - Graphic Design Foundation Studio III
GRDS 150 - The Idea of Design *
Students are advised that successful completion of Portfolio Review (GRDS 200 ) is a prerequisite to all 200 level and above sequenced graphic design courses. This benchmark review is required for admittance into the upper division Graphic Design degree courses. Students will present specified projects from the foundational courses and conduct an interview with the Graphic Design faculty.
Sequenced Curriculum
Post portfolio review, students engage in a sequence of courses that build upon one another in content and complexity. No grade below C in Graphic Design courses may be applied to the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design degree. A minimum of 42 credit hours, 300-level or above, must be earned prior to graduation. A minimum of 120 total hours are required.
Continuing, returning, and transfer students must meet progression requirements before declaring a major in graphic design.
