Rutgers University

The specialization in graphic design offers students an educational experience that focuses on preparation for professional practice in communication design that includes branding and visual identity, publication, interactive, web, motion, and data visualization. This cross-media approach ensures that students are prepared to create both physical and digital experiences, and think critically about the most appropriate media for a particular message and audience. The program also includes a social impact-driven curriculum that embraces publicly-engaged and collaborative design practices through its partnership with Express Newark by means of the Design Consortium, Visual Means, and XPress initiatives.

The graphic design program consists of 27 courses earning 81 credits, with an additional 6 credits of Department of Arts, Culture, and Media (ACM) departmental requirements. Within this demanding curriculum, students not only gain exposure to various technical skills and design methodologies, but they are also exposed to complex theories and processes for research and problem-solving within the field. Along with studio work in design, students take advanced classes that explore art and design history, critical writings, theoretical approaches and diverse cultural/historical contexts, as well as professional practice. Students’ work is informed by this integration of history, theory, social/cultural conditions and practice, which bolsters students’ abilities of observation, analysis and synthesis. The goal of the specialization in graphic design is to develop practicing designers that possess the knowledge necessary to become innovative and responsible problem solvers and citizen designers. Students also may take advantage of internship opportunities in the Tri-State metropolitan area. During their senior year, students develop a body of advanced-level work through the Senior Capstone project that is exhibited in a professional gallery. The Capstone project and exhibition provide students with public exposure and helps build their portfolio for job placement and/or admission to graduate school.