Field of Specialization in Graphic Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a field of specialization in graphic design addresses problem-seeking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum stresses the importance of conceptual development, design history, theory and the integration of form and information for the purpose of effective communication. Emphasis is placed on social responsibility and civic engagement and the role of the designer in society. Students are exposed to a full range of topics such as typography, branding, publication, interactive, multimedia and web design.
Lubbock is a unique place to make art and is positioned within a growing artistic community offering a multitude of opportunities. Guest speakers, internships, freelance experiences and strong alumni connections enhance program offerings and prepare students for careers in the professional field or to pursue a graduate degree.
Students have received scholarships and awards in prestigious competitions at both the national and international level and their work has been featured in publications and journals such as CMYK, How, and Print. Alumni have held important positions in design firms and advertising agencies throughout the country with graduates working at Texas Monthly, Condé Nast Traveler, Wired Magazine, Nike, and many more.
Students working toward a B.F.A. with a field of specialization in graphic design must complete a minimum of 123 credit hours, including the Art Foundations coursework, 42-45 semester credit hours of graphic design courses, 21-24 hours of studio art and art history electives, and the university’s core curriculum requirements for a B.F.A. in the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts.
The graphic design curriculum is based on a series of carefully sequenced courses. All courses must be taken in sequence and successfully completed with a passing grade in order to progress within the curriculum. All students accepted into the graphic design program are required to have a laptop computer meeting specific criteria as they enter their major coursework. For more detailed information see for current information see School of Art Graphic Design webpage. Admission to the graphic design program requires specific course requirements and a portfolio review. Admission to Texas Tech University does not guarantee admission to the graphic design program.
Applicants are selected each year in the spring semester (mid-April) through a rigorous portfolio and interview process. Students must prepare for the portfolio review by enrolling in ART 2388 in the spring of their first year. The prerequisites for ART 2388 are ART 1302 and ART 1303 and must be taken prior to enrolling in ART 2388 . Students enrolled in ART 2388 must concurrently enroll in ART 2303 and ART 2304 , if the courses have not been not taken previously.
Graphic design is a limited-access program and the selection process is highly competitive. Students who are not accepted have the option of reapplying one final time during the subsequent review process in the next spring semester. Students can complete the program in graphic design in four years if they are accepted upon the first portfolio review.
A portfolio review will occur during the fall semester of a student’s third year in the graphic design curriculum. A faculty panel will review work produced in ART 3381 , ART 3382 , ART 3384 , and ART 4357 . A student whose work is found to be unsatisfactory will enter a probationary period but may continue taking courses within the curriculum. The faculty panel will conduct a second review the following spring semester. If the student’s new work demonstrates improvement, the probationary period will be concluded. In the event that satisfactory improvements have not been made, the student will be dismissed from the program and may not pursue readmission.
Communication Literacy Requirement. Students attending Texas Tech University for the first time in the Fall 2017 term or later will complete a Communication Literacy requirement in their program(s) of study.
Texas Tech University’s transition from the Writing Intensive requirement to the Communication Literacy requirement signals the university’s awareness that in addition to the fundamental role that writing plays in enabling students to explore, develop, focus, and organize a message, other types of communication must also be taught as appropriate for a student’s discipline. Throughout each program of study, then, students must be given ample opportunity to develop their skills in forms of communication central to that program. Communication Literacy courses for the B.F.A. in Art include: ARTH 3303 , ARTH 3320 , ARTH 3333 , ARTH 3345 , ARTH 3350 , ARTH 3364 , ARTH 3366 , ARTH 4304 , ARTH 4307 , ARTH 4308 , ARTH 4309 , ARTH 4313 , ARTH 4320 , ARTH 4335 , ARTH 4340 , ARTH 4389 ; ART 4101 , ART 4359 ; ARTV 4365 .
