Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

Graphic designers use words and images to express messages that inform, persuade, and incite to action individuals and audiences. Graphic designers translate communication goals through printed materials, such as logos, symbols, annual reports, newsletters, packaging, business forms, and stationery. They are involved in the creation of electronic presentations of information through web sites, graphical computer interfaces, interactive multimedia, and motion graphics in television and video. Graphic designers also work on environmental graphics for signage systems and exhibition projects.

The Bachelor of Graphic Design program includes the study of visual, theoretical, historical, and technical aspects of the discipline. The curriculum provides comprehensive experiences in the analysis of communication problems, the development of creative solutions to those problems, and the implementation and evaluation of those solutions.

Required support courses in typography explore the role of words and language in graphic communication, while courses in imaging provide students with experiences in a range of photographic, video graphic, and motion graphic media. Instruction in computer software programs is fully integrated in graphic design studios and support courses and is not taught as a separate activity. In their studios, graphic design majors prepare for careers in the field through the execution of demonstration projects of varying complexity and scale. In the last studio, graduating students prepare their portfolios for job searches and demonstrate their expertise in a senior project.

Courses include:

Graphic and Industrial Design Fundamentals, Graphic Design Theory and Practice, Graphic Design Studio I, II, & III, Imaging for Graphic Design I, II, & III, Typography I, II, & III, Special Topics in Graphic Design, History of Graphic Design, Advanced Graphic Design Studio, Micro-computers in Graphic Design, Special Topics in Graphic Design

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Graphic Design courses, and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Create new ideas and communicate them graphically
• Interpret rough sketches, data, or verbal instructions to produce creative art work
• Visualize and evaluate finished products before completion; weigh aesthetic alternatives and make choices
• Adapt techniques, tools and materials to different printing processes, plan step-by-step procedures to attain desired visual effects
• Use pictures, typography and arrangement to enhance written messages and promote the sale of goods, services and ideas

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Though course credit is not available for this experience through the College of Design, you may expect compensation from the employer.

Check with your adviser to plan the best timing for your internship or co-op. The studio courses required for your major occur in a very set sequence and are seldom offered during the summer. If you miss a studio course in your sequence during the semester it is offered, you may have to wait until the next year to complete that course.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Graphic Designer	Graphic Design Firm
Multimedia Designer	Higher Education
Publications Designer	Book Publisher
Web Designer	Museum
Art Director	Advertising Agency
Communications Specialist	Corporate Setting

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Academic positions in a college/university setting.

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ varies with position
From check with Ms. Tameka Whitaker in Brooks Hall for current salary data

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Faculty Adviser: Tony Brock, 515-8336, tony_brock@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Graphic Design and Industrial Design
• College of Design
• Cooperative Education Program
  

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 12th of October, 2010 at 9:35:02 AM

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