This area is in the School of Design and Communication within the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

Definition: The Graphic design major at UW-Stevens Point prepares students of diverse backgrounds to become creative professionals skilled in a variety of design processes and approaches to visual communication. Our curriculum provides the foundation for research-based inquiry and offers opportunities for teamwork, project management, personal discovery and community engagement.

Accreditation: The Graphic Design Area is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). It is one of five such accredited programs in the UW System.

Enrollment Management Plan

The Graphic Design Area is a limited enrollment program. Students admitted to the university are accepted into graphic design in order of application. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Professional Opportunities in Graphic Design

Programs of study in the Graphic Design Area prepare you for careers in corporate & not for profit in house positions, ad and design agencies, freelance opportunities, consulting work, or developing your own business.

Recommended High School Preparation

In addition to the university requirements for admission and entry into the graphic design program, high school courses in art and design are highly recommended. If you are planning to enter the professional graphic design (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program, four years of English, one year of algebra, two years of foreign language, and two years of science in high school are recommended.

General Requirements for Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Area offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. See the previous section of this catalog entitled General Education.

Courses for Non- Graphic Design Majors

Subject to availability, courses in the graphic design Area are open to all students who meet the prerequisites and secure School permission. You do not need prior consent for courses that are open to non-art majors.

Exhibition Material

The Graphic Design Area reserves the right to retain examples of student work for exhibition purposes.

Visiting Artist and Scholar Program, and Edna Carlsten Gallery

The Graphic Design Area also maintains an ongoing program of visiting artists and scholars to supplement the curriculum, and a cooperative schedule of operations and exhibitions with the Edna Carlsten Gallery, housed in the Noel Fine Arts Center. The gallery regularly displays traveling shows and exhibits for student and public viewing.

Course Fees for Graphic Design

Fees are charged for certain courses to cover the cost of consumable materials.

Transfer credits

Please refer to the university policy on transferred credits in the Transfer Credits section of this catalog.

Entry status

All entering graphic design majors (freshmen, changes of major, and transfers) are accepted into the graphic design program. Acceptance into the graphic design BFA is achieved by passing the BFA Portfolio Review, as described below.

Test-Out and Credit-by-Exam Policy for Art & Design

The Graphic Design Area has test-out and credit-by-exam procedures for all General Education Program Requirement art courses. If you wish to test out and receive credit-by-exam, you must first confer with the faculty member who teaches the course about requirements for the exam and grading procedures. If you pass the exam, the GEP requirement will be waived, you will receive credit for the course, and the course may count toward an art major and/or minor if appropriate.

The cumulative exam will consist of a specific exercise or series of exercises different from those used in the existing course. In a course with a significant research component, you may be required to do an appropriate project. You may take a test-out/credit-by-exam test only once.

Academic Appeal

You may appeal any action taken by the School of Design & Communication that is based on School requirements and policies that are set forth in this catalog. You must appeal in writing to the assistant dean within 30 days of notification of the action taken. The assistant dean will determine whether a review is appropriate.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The School of Design & Communication works cooperatively with the Disability Resource Center to ensure that qualified students with disabilities are provided equal access and accommodations appropriate to their disability in their academic programs and pursuits.

Students with a graphic design major who have a documented disability may qualify for services through the UW-Stevens Point Disability Resource Center. Depending on the student’s individual needs as related to their disability, they may utilize accommodations that could include, but not limited to, classroom, testing, reading and writing accommodations as appropriate. Inquiry or referral for accommodation services should be directed to the Coordinator of the Disability Resource Center.