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B.A. in Graphic DesignCultivating My Passion
for Visual Communication

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Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

Graphic design majors at Cornerstone University create something new every day. As they are trained by creative and industrious professors, they learn to cultivate their own sense of style and design. The work they do with photography, illustration and digital tools culminate in a diverse portfolio of mediums and images. A degree in graphic design from Cornerstone unlocks new pathways of success in digital and visual communication.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Internships

While you are a student, you will intern with one of our partners in West Michigan. Through your internship, you’ll gain crucial experience in what graphic design looks like in a professional setting.

Opportunities

  • Access of West Michigan
  • Insomniac Events
  • Women At Risk, International

Careers

Graphic designers are in high demand in every level of business. Your Christ-focused perspective on visual communication is valuable across the board in organizations large and small.

Opportunities

  • Graphic designer
  • Web developer
  • Art director
  • Marketing specialist
  • Multimedia artist

90%

Of Communication, Media & Music Division graduates from the class of 2019 were working or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Courses and
Learning Outcomes

The graphic design program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.

Media Core Courses

Required Courses

  • COM-400 Capstone Seminar
  • MDA-111 Introduction to Story
  • MDA-213 Graphic Design I: Introduction to Graphic Design
  • MDA-236 Introduction to Digital Photography
  • MDA-261 Audio Production I
  • MDA-271 Film and Video Production I
  • MDA-318 Writing for Media
  • MDA-380 Internship

Choose one of the following:

  • COM-212 Interpersonal Communication
  • COM-321 Group Communication

Graphic Design Courses

Required Courses

  • MDA-112 Drawing I: Drawing for New Media
  • MDA-212 Drawing II: Drawing for Creating Graphics
  • MDA-225 Graphic Design II: Graphic Design for Print and Media
  • MDA-326 Graphic Design III: Graphic Design for Web and Devices
  • MDA-327 User Interface Design
  • MDA-426 Graphic Design IV: Comprehensive Concentrations of Design

Choose one of the following:

  • COM-322 Innovative Message Presentation
  • COM-339 Social Media

Graphic Design Minor Courses

  • MDA-112 Drawing I: Drawing for New Media
  • MDA-212 Drawing II: Drawing for Creating Graphics
  • MDA-213 Graphic Design I: Introduction to Graphic Design
  • MDA-225 Graphic Design II: Graphic Design for Print and Media
  • MDA-236 Introduction to Digital Photography
  • MDA-326 Graphic Design III: Graphic Design for Web and Devices

Program Learning Outcomes

The graphic design program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.

Specialized Knowledge

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of graphic design.

  • Identify and articulate insights on modern forms and methods of design, effectively citing contemporary industry trends, techniques and strategies.
  • Deconstruct contemporary designs and media creations, making reference to considered understandings of audience as well as industry-standard and historically grounded techniques and elements such as color, typography, composition, balance, form and message.

Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning

Students will exhibit competency in applying their knowledge of graphic design to real-world application through both individual and group effort.

  • Implement contemporary design strategies when creating compelling digital media.
  • Effectively and efficiently utilize contemporary, industry-standard design software and hardware in the production of their work.
  • Produce and incorporate meaningful, appropriate and valuable feedback on their own and others’ work.
  • Demonstrate appropriate project and self-management skills; qualitative decision-making; and virtuous collaboration and contribution in a group as required in professional graphic design.

Intellectual Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Civic and Global Learning

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.

Biblical Worldview Integration

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.

I know more about what I believe and why I believe it.

Daniel Schuler (’17)

Faculty

CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.

Related Programs

The Communication, Media & Music Division offers a wide range of majors that can be tailored to your interests. Check out other programs related to audio production.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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