HELP 2014-2015 University Catalog Graphic Design Undergraduate Certificate Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code: AR-CERB-GD

Art and Design Building, Room 2050
Phone: 703-993-8898
Web: soa.gmu.edu/

Faculty

Peter Winant, Director

Professors: Carbonneau, Frederick, Kravitz, Linton, Sandell

Associate Professors: Ashcraft, Cooley, Crawford, Endress, Feerick, Frenn, Rothstein, White, Winant (director), Wrbican (associate director)

Assistant Professors: Constantine, Cui, Del Popolo, Feuer, Karametou, Sheridan, Stanley, Starr

Adjunct Faculty: Beach, Benassi, Bisese, Booth, Bourke, Bradley, Brugnoli-Whipkey, Carr, Cheney, Cushner, Guerrieri, Hankin, Hicks, Isham, Kenney, Petrine, Porrata, Quinones, Rodriguez, Salyards, Skowron, Thacker, Watson

The Graphic Design Undergraduate Certificate is for working adults with a 4-year baccalaureate undergraduate degree from an accredited institution who seek to gain the skills and competency to advance into a career in graphic design.  It encompasses a specific body of knowledge and practice that prepares candidates for rewarding positions in the design field.

To translate design concepts into effective communication solutions, one must understand the principles and conventions of graphic design and be familiar with the digital technology used to create a finished product.  This certificate program focuses on pragmatic problem-solving concepts while emphasizing the design process.  Students learn layout, typography and semiotics in a project-based learning environment that asks them to create posters, brochures, publications and identity systems.  Throughout the program, the portfolio development process is emphasized as students prepare for careers as graphic designers, project managers and art directors.

Students entering the program must be able to demonstrate basic skills in visual language and should have working knowledge of professional graphic design software, or must take AVT 180 - New Media in the Creative Arts Credits: 3  in addition to the other required courses.

Students have four years to complete certificate requirements.  Such students who are given permission to re-enroll following an absence from Mason may not count the four-year time limit as beginning on the date of re-enrollment.  International students attending in F-1 or J-1 status have a more restrictive time limit; contact the Office of International Programs and Services for information.  Students who will not meet the published time limit because of circumstances beyond their control may petition their dean for an extension.  Failure to meet the time limit or to secure approval of an extension request may result in termination from the program.

A completed undergraduate certificate may be posted to the transcript only after completion of a bachelor’s degree.  Note that these are university minimum requirements.

The certificate may be completed under part or full time basis.