The B.F.A. program in Graphic + Media Design at Russell Sage College [78 credits] has been developed for students planning to pursue a professional career in graphic design, illustration, web design, motion graphics, and video. Accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) assures graduates are qualified based on industry-recognized standards for professional designers. In addition, the nationally recognized AIGA Sage student group, and affiliations with the AIGA Upstate New York chapter, provide opportunities for professional networking, mentorship and leadership. [78 credits]
The B.F.A. curriculum comprises a number of distinct components designed to address a student’s total experience:
- Advanced studios and studio electives allow exploration in a variety of media.
- Senior Capstone I & II and studio courses focus on a personal direction in the major to prepare for the B.F.A. exhibition.
- Art history and liberal arts courses examine the role and relevance of art and design historically, socially, and culturally.
- Students graduate with the necessary skills and portfolio to enter graduate study or begin a career in the graphic design industry.
Core Requirements
- Complete all of the following:
Degree Completion Notes
- Total credits required for a bachelor's degree (minimum): 120 credit
- Cumulative GPA required for graduation (minimum): 2.000
- Major GPA required for graduation (minimum): 2.200
- 1/2 of major requirements must be completed at Sage (minimum)
- Completion of all required General Education coursework
Suggested Program of Study
Year 1 - Fall (15 credits)
AEM 101 Drawing I
GMD 217 Imaging I
RSC 101 Thriving at Sage
WRT 101 Writing in Community
AEM/GMD/ISD elective
Year 1 - Spring (15 credits)
ISD 102 Spatial Design
GMD 220 Imaging II
GMD 225 Time Arts
WRT 201 Researching in Community
General Education Course
Year 2 - Fall (15 credits)
ARH 205 Art History I
GMD 201 Type and Design I
GMD 203 Graphic Design I
GMD 320 Imaging III
RSC 201 Intercultural Perspectives
Year 2 - Spring (15 credits)
AEM/GMD/ISD elective
ARH 206 Art History II
GMD 207 Graphic Design II
GMD 218 Type and Design II
General Education course
Year 3 - Fall (15 credits)
ARH 320 History of Graphic Design
GMD 305 Interactive Design I
GMD 311 Graphic Design III
GMD 322 Animation I
RSC 301 Innovating to Impact
Year 3 - Spring (15 credits)
GMD 306 Interactive Design 2
GMD 321 Digital Studio Techniques
GMD 348/448 studio course
General Education course
General Education course
Year 4 - Fall (15 credits)
ARH Course
GMD 348/448 studio course
GMD 405 Senior Capstone I
GMD 427 Internship
General Education course
Year 4 - Spring (15 credits)
GMD 406 Senior Capstone II
GMD 420 Professional Practices
General Education course
General/open elective course
General/open elective course