Graphic Design BFA

Department of Art and Design

Graphic Design Header

Program Director: Prof. John Luttropp; 973-655-4163

Graphic Design BFA: The Big Picture

The Bachelor of Fine Arts, or BFA, in Graphic Design is a pre-professional degree program that educates and trains the next generation of graphic designers. Our integrated curriculum focuses on cross-disciplinary research and studio instruction to prepare students to develop innovative solutions to a wide range of design problems.

Our students are interested in their visual environment and all forms of graphic communication. This highly creative, detail-oriented field involves research, development, and refinement of ideas; clear communication with clients and manufacturers; and a keen understanding of business and marketing principles. Widespread professional opportunities are available for College of the Arts' graduates.

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The Graphic Designer

Graphic art surrounds us -- from logos to brands, book covers to packaging, posters to building facades, and websites to movie titles. Graphic designers create visual solutions that promote their clients’ products, services, philosophies, or ideas. Often working together with other artists – such as photographers, illustrators, computer programmers, printers, and fabricators --graphic designers combine words, images, color, and technology to communicate the messages of individuals, businesses, and institutions. 

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What You Will Study

As a graphic design major, you will learn about art making through courses in design, composition, color theory, and art history. Subsequent study focuses on theories and practices of visual communication, including the selection and use of type and image; professional presentations; concept development; computer applications for professional production; and content preparation for print, multimedia and the web. We supplement our curriculum with a range of general education courses that foster critical thinking. Small classes that range from 18-22 students ensure personalized attention.

For complete Graphic Design BFA course requirements and descriptions, go to:

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Our Faculty

You will study with an outstanding full- and part-time faculty and world-renowned visiting designers known for their expertise in graphic, web and interactive design; branding; print publication; communication technology; and fine arts. More than 28 full-time faculty and 90 adjuncts and visiting professionals are on hand to mentor you each semester.

You will also be exposed to internationally recognized designers through class visits to studios and lectures in New York City. Our Art Forum series has brought such outstanding designers as Andrew Byrom, Joshua Davis, John Gall, Alexander Isley, Emily Oberman, Stefan Sagmeister, Paula Scher, and Jan Wilker to campus.

Click the links below to learn more:

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Studio Facilities

The Department of Art and Design occupies several on-campus buildings, including a multi-faceted studio/lab for Graphic Design. The main studio, located in College Hall, is a fully integrated design facility with areas for discussions and critiques, computer and hands-on production and printing, as well as student exhibition space. During the fall and spring semesters, the studio is open for up to 40 hours weekly for assisted lab time outside of class.

For more information, go to: 

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Student Work

Throughout your course of study, you will create work using media and techniques that feature the use of typography, photography, and digital and drawn imagery. By senior year, portfolios generally include projects demonstrating proficiency in poster and advertising design; logo and brand development; brochures; books; website development; interactive media design; packaging; and magazine layouts.

Visit our Student Work Gallery:

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Careers in Graphic Design and Professional Resources

Graphic design graduates find work in a wide variety of professional settings, including design studios, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishing companies. Some designers work as free-lancers or start their own businesses. Web design and teaching are additional career options. Sample careers include:

  • Advertising Design
  • Book Cover Design
  • Corporate Communications
  • Environmental Design (the design of signs and sign systems)
  • Exhibition Design for trade shows and museums
  • Film, Video, and Video Game titles
  • Interactive Design for Websites, Video Games, and Computer Displays
  • Logo, Identity, and Brand Design
  • Magazine and Page Layout Design
  • Map, Chart, and Graph Design
  • Package Design
  • Product Graphics
  • Retail Design
  • Television Graphics
  • Type Design

Please visit the links below for additional information:

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Accreditation

Montclair State University’s Art and Design programs are among the region’s most competitive, and meet the rigorous standards of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

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College of the Arts Design Programs

Additional design programs in the College of the Arts include:

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Apply Now

To apply to the Art and Design Graphic Design BFA program, or to any of the Department of Art and Design programs, please visit Department Admissions. 

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