Contact
Renée Stevens, Chair
Department of Visual Communications
318 Newhouse 3, 315-443-3367
Faculty
Rafael Concepcion, Seth Gitner, MaryAnne Golon, Ken Harper, Gregory Heisler, Paula Nelson, Milton Santiago, Michael Snyder, Renée Stevens, Bruce Strong, Jason Webb
The graphic design major emphasizes problem-solving, storytelling, design thinking, and a human-centered approach in interactive, motion, immersive, and print environments. Students also learn industry-specific communications law and ethics, as well as develop relevant skills in writing, photography, presentation, and business.
Student Learning Outcomes
In addition to the comprehensive Newhouse School learning outcomes listed in the school’s Educational Mission students in the Graphic Design major are expected to achieve the following learning outcome:
- Produce professional quality design work by synthesizing the best practices and current theories of traditional graphic design, motion and emerging media.
Major Requirements
Students majoring in graphic design must complete 42 credits within the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The major requirements follow:
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| COM 107 | Communications and Society | 3 |
| COM 117 | Multimedia Storytelling | 3 |
| 3 |
| Race, Gender, and the Media | |
| Beauty and Diversity in Fashion Media | |
| Topics in Media, Diversity and Inclusion | |
| 3 |
| Communications Law for Journalists | |
| Communications Law for Television, Radio, Film | |
| Communications Law for Advertising and Public Relations | |
| JNL 211 | Cross-Media News Writing | 3 |
| VIS 201 | Introduction to Photography for Multimedia | 3 |
| VIS 207 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| VIS 317 | Typographic Design | 3 |
| VIS 327 | Type and Image Design | 3 |
| VIS 337 | Motion Graphics for Production | 3 |
| VIS 447 | Motion Design | 3 |
| VIS 457 | User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design | 3 |
| VIS 467 | Immersive Design | 3 |
| Total Credits | 39 |
Grammar Competency Requirement
Students must complete a grammar competency as part of their degree requirements. There will be two ways students can satisfy this competency:
- First, by passing a grammar competency exam during their first semester on campus. The exam will be given twice - once before the end of the first week of classes and a second time prior to registration the next semester. A passing grade on the exam will fulfill the competency requirement.
- Secondly, by passing COM 101 Practical Grammar for Public Communications, a 0-credit grammar course which will be mandatory for students who fail the grammar competency exam. This course can be repeated until a passing grade is earned and the competency is met.
Students must meet the grammar competency to receive a degree.
Capstone Requirement (3 credits)
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| VIS 487 | Graphic Design Capstone | 3 |
Newhouse Electives ( 3 credits)
Graphic Design majors are required to take one Newhouse elective.
Global Experience
The Global Experience requirement may be fulfilled by studying abroad or taking an approved class. A list of courses that fulfill this requirement can be found in the Newhouse Guide Book. If a student chooses to take a Newhouse class to fulfill this requirement, the additional Newhouse hours will be added to the 122 credits needed for graduation if the student has reached the Newhouse credit maximum.
Additional Requirements
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| EEE 370 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises (Whitman School of Management) | 3 |
| PHI 293 | Ethics and the Media Professions (College of Arts and Sciences) | 3 |
Total: 42 Newhouse credits required
Undergraduate University Requirements
The following requirements and experiences apply to all Syracuse University Undergraduate matriculated degree programs.
