Career success includes four elements: passion, character, competence, and last but not least, trusting God. At Trinity, we strive to nurture all four.
The new graphic design major at Trinity International University focuses on theoretical concepts, practical skills, and contemporary tools involved in designing effective communication for print and digital media. Students will examine the foundations of design, such as color, form, and structure, and use those foundations to create strong visual messages. Students in the graphic design major will have multiple opportunities to hone their skills in professional settings and will develop an outstanding portfolio as they enter the marketplace.
Minimum of 52 Credit Hours Total
Graphic Design Core (35 hours)
| GPH 110 | Graphic Design I (3 HRS) |
| GPH 210 | Graphic Design II (3 HRS) |
| GPH 310 | Graphic Design III (3 HRS) |
| GPH 410 | Graphic Design IV (3 HRS) |
| GPH 230 | Photography (3 HRS) |
| GPH 260 | Typography (3 HRS) |
| GPH 360 | Design History (3 HRS) |
| COM 270 | Web Design (2 HRS) |
| COM 243x | Design Software I (2 HRS) |
| COM 280 | Design Software II (2 HRS) |
| COM 343 | Design Software III (2 HRS) |
| CIS 490 | Computer Ethics (3 HRS) |
| A minimum of 3 hours from the following courses: | |
| COM 150 | Topics in Digital Design (1-3 HRS) |
| COM 250 | Intermediate Topics in Digital Design (2-3 HRS) |
Professional Experience (8-9 hours)
| GPH 390 | Graphic Design Project (2-3 HRS) |
| GPH 440 | Portfolio in Graphic Design (3 HRS) |
| GPH 445 | Internship in Graphic Design (3 HRS) |
Related Courses (9 hours)
| ART 231 | Art Appreciation (3 HRS) OR
ART 233X Comparative Arts (3 HRS) |
| COM 204 | Mass Communication (3 HRS) |
| BUS 334 | Advertising (3 HRS) |
Recommended Courses
| ART 241 | Studio Art (2 HRS) |
| ART 331 | History of Art I (3 HRS) |
| ART 332 | History of Art II (3 HRS) |
| ART 341 | Advanced Studio Art (2 HRS) |
Course Descriptions
GPH 110 Graphic Design I
An overview of the field of graphic design and an introductory examination of foundations of design, such as color, form, placement, and structure. 3 hours.
GPH 210 Graphic Design II
A continuation of the study of foundations of design with particular focus on designing for print media. Students will examine how audiences are identified and then targeted with visual communication in outlets such as brochures, flyers, and magazines. Prerequisite: Graphic Design I. 3 hours.
GPH 310 Graphic Design III
This course builds on design concepts and skills from previous courses with a particular emphasis on interactive media. Topics include navigation, hierarchical conceptualization, animation, and video. Prerequisite: Graphic Design II. 3 hours.
GPH 410 Graphic Design IV
This course focuses on designing for clients with emphasis on how to conduct initial meetings, develop objectives, translate client goals into project drafts, encourage and receive feedback, monitor the production process, and deliver complete projects. Prerequisite: Graphic Design III. 3 hours.
GPH 230 Photography
GPH 260 Typography
An introduction to typography including type history, type faces, type selection, layout, the use of type in effective designs, and creative approaches to using type. 3 hours.
GPH 360 Design History
This survey course examines how graphic design has changed over time and been influenced by significant artistic, historical, and technical developments. 3 hours.
GPH 390 Graphic Design Project
Participation in an instructor-approved, supervised graphic design project either on or off campus. Student must produce a final project in print or interactive media. Prerequisite: Graphic Design II. 2 or 3 hours. May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.
GPH 440 Portfolio in Graphic Design
Students will develop their professional portfolios using previous projects and developing new ones. Portfolio presentation techniques and critiques of both portfolio content and presentation will be included. Prerequisite: Graphic Design III. 3 hours.
GPH 445 Internship in Graphic Design
Participation in an internship, preferably outside the college community, that involves approximately 10 hours per week of supervised work in the graphic design field. Prerequisite: Graphic Design III. 3 hours. May be repeated for up to six hours of credit.
About Trinity
Trinity International University is located in Deerfield, IL, just 25 miles north of Chicago. We offer 29 majors, 21 specialized minors, and several Dual BA/MA programs. Our campus has six residence halls and ten apartment buildings, plus the new Waybright Student Center. To find out more about life at Trinity, get in touch with an Admissions counselor.