Graphic Design
Jessie Madeson, Graphic Design Senior, shines at startup challenge in Missoula
Graphic Design at MSU
At Montana State University we offer a professional BFA degree in Graphic Design. This traditional four-year undergraduate program is nationally accredited by NASAD. The emphasis is upon the development of professional design skills for employment within the creative industries. Over the past 30 years the BFA Graphic Design program at MSU has offered job placement for its graduates at the nation’s top advertising agencies, design firms and in-house departments.
BFA Degree in Four Years
During the freshman year Graphic Design students begin with several foundations courses along with art history and core classes. Then in the sophomore year students are introduced to graphic design and computer basics. To maintain excellence each sophomore is required to pass a portfolio review at the end of the second year. Once accepted into the upper level of the Graphic Design program, juniors must purchase a Mac laptop computer and Adobe Creative Suite software. During the third year students select from several Graphic Design electives to explore the scope of the profession. Bothe juniors and seniors may participate in professional internship opportunities at local, regional and national businesses. Finally the fourth year students develop a self-authored senior research project and create a capstone portfolio along with learning professional job-finding skills.
Careers in Graphic Design
With a BFA degree in Graphic Design from MSU graduates work in advertising, publishing, marketing, public relations, user interaction and a wide range of creative based industries. Here is a list of some of the jobs related to this exciting profession: advertising, animation, apparel design, branding, creative direction, gaming graphics, industrial design, illustration, letterpress, logo design, media coordination, multi media design, marketing, package design, photography, preproduction coordination, production design, screen printing, user interaction, user experience, video production and web design.
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