Graphic Design Degrees in Virginia (A-J)
Individuals who successfully complete accredited graphic design degrees in Virginia have a better chance of advancing in the industry than those who do not. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 6,000 graphic artists in the state of Virginia in 2014 with a median hourly salary of $24.19, a rate that is higher than the national average of $21.22.
Throughout the country, graphic design positions are expected to grow by seven percent over the next ten years. However, graphic designers who focus on computer systems design and related services can expect to see a 35 percent growth in positions during the same period. Therefore, a graphic designer with knowledge and skills related to computer systems design may have an even greater chance of succeeding in the industry.
Individuals who have successfully completed graphic design degrees in Virginia will see greater success in their chosen career than those who do not complete such degrees as these programs demonstrate. To see more accredited graphic design degrees, visit Graphic Design Degree in Virginia (K-Z).
Bluefield College
College of Professional Programs
The College of Professional Programs offers a wide variety of practical, hands-on programs that prepare students for the competitive job market. All courses at the college are writing intensive as the faculty believes that writing is essential to success. Students are provided with an education that helps them see the importance of ethics through a Christ-centered environment. Students are taught good business practices, ethical behavior and methods for delivering professional business services. Lesson plans include faith reflection as the college believes that individuals do the best work by honoring the Creator. The college also offers an Online Degree Program designed for working adults who may have obstacles to furthering their education.
Graphic Communication
Students are provided knowledge and skills for exploring graphic software and stretching creativity. They are taught methods for designing unique and compelling visual communication. Students develop an understanding of how digital data and the internet have made it easier to share information and collaborate in a global manner. Students are able to research examples across time, space and cultures in order to gain inspiration and to provide graphics with a cutting edge. Graduates have found positions in advertising agencies, printing companies, design companies and many other industries that require graphic design. Students may join Kappa Pi International’s Eta Zeta Chapter, an art fraternity for students with high academic standards. They may also gain hands-on experience working with the Bluefield College Art Club through murals and sales as well as social gatherings sponsored by the organization.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Bluefield College
3000 College Drive
2nd Floor Landsdell Hall
Bluefield VA 24605
Telephone: 800-872-0176
Email: admissions@bluefield.edu
Website: https://www.bluefield.edu
Emory & Henry College
Visual and Performing Arts Division
Students in the Visual and Performing Arts Division at Emory & Henry College create in an environment that is stimulating and state-of-the art. The college boasts many faculty who are recognized studio artists and historians. All programs in the division combine liberal arts studies with studio art practice, providing them with a lifetime of education. Programs emphasize individual interaction between students and faculty, a process that leads to a mentoring relationship. Students develop an understanding about the importance of arts in life, the community and culture. The division consists of music, theatre and fine arts programs that offer diverse and dynamic academic offerings that not only enhance skills but create a sense of lifelong learning in all who attend.
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design degree in the Visual and Performing Arts Division of Emory & Henry College provides students with the fundamentals of digital visual communication. In addition, students are provided knowledge in modern advertising techniques using a wide range of graphic design tools. Students develop knowledge and skills in computer design, layout, typography and reproduction. Graduates of the program have distinguished themselves in the graphic design industry. Studio art classes meet for approximately five hours per week and students must also complete two sequential semesters in foreign language. Students must also participate in a senior exhibition.
Accreditation
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Charles Goolsby
Professor of Art
Emory & Henry College
PO Box 947
Emory VA 24327
Telephone: 276-944-6228
Email: cgoolsby@ehc.edu
Website: https://www.ehc.edu/academics/
George Mason University
College of Visual and Performing Arts
The College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University offers degrees in dance, art, film, music and more areas that deal with the arts industry. Courses include professional and liberal arts instruction in order to prepare students for careers as creators, performers, teachers, scholars and more. Students work closely with faculty who are well-known in their field, fostering creativity and developing leaders with a strong creative attitude. Students are stretched to their ultimate potential, growing, learning and experimenting. There are three concert halls, theater space, dance performance studios and galleries for students to display their talents. Visiting artists help enrich the talent of students as well.
Art and Visual Technology, BA
The Art and Visual Technology Bachelor of Arts program at the College of Visual Arts at George Mason University provides students with a major liberal arts background rich in learning resources. Students are encouraged to see art as an individual expression and public interaction. Students may choose to minor in Graphic Design. The minor is 12 credit hours and includes the following courses:
- Typography
- Graphic Design Methods and Principles
- Editorial Design or Corporate Design and Branding
- Advanced Typography or Advertising Design
- Experiential Design History
Students must earn a “C” or better in the Art and Visual Technology coursework in order to remain in the Graphic Design minor. The program does not satisfy the requirements for those who wish to become accredited teachers in public schools.
Art and Visual Technology, BFA
Through the College of Visual Arts at George Mason University, students may take the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Visual Technology. The program is an intensive, 120-credit hour studio production program that emphasizes analytical, creative and experimental projects of studio and new media art. Graduates are prepared for professions as visual artists or for graduate study in fine arts. Students choose concentrations, one of which can be graphic design. Students are admitted to the program after portfolio review which is separate from admission to the university.
Graphic Design, MA
The Master of Art in Graphic Design offered at George Mason University through the College of Visual Arts offers students comprehensive education in the field of graphic design. The program is 36 credits which includes courses such as typography, web design, image making and brand design. Students who successfully complete the program are prepared for advanced positions in the graphic design industry. Students must have a BA or BFA degree in Graphic Design from an accredited college or university with a GPA of 3.0 in all art courses. Students whose BA or BFA in other disciplines who have been working in the graphic design industries may apply. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from faculty members, a sample of academic writing about graphic design and a CD or DVD with samples of design works saved as PDF, jpeg or a format that will play in any standard web browser.
Accreditation
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Contact
George Mason University
Office of Admissions
4400 University Drive, MSN 3A4
Fairfax VA 22030
Telephone: 703-993-2400
Email: admissions@gmu.edu
Website:
Art & Visual Technology BA: http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=1025&returnto=88
Art & Visual Technology BFA: http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=5&poid=1027&returnto=88
Graphic Design, MA:
http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=15&poid=6750&returnto=1035
Hampton University
School of Liberal Arts
The School of Liberal Arts at Hampton University provides over 50 percent of the general instruction required of students at the institution. The school is also home to the University Choirs, Bands, Debate and Forensics teams as well as the Hampton Players and Company. They also sponsor the Hampton University Read-In. Former “Good Morning America” weather forecaster, Spencer Christian, casting director, Robi Reed and Ruth Carter, who has been the costume designer for most Spike Lee movies, are alumni of the School of Liberal Arts. The school offers 17 degree programs and two certificate programs.
Graphic Design Emphasis
The Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design provides students with the unique opportunity to develop a career in visual art and communication within the dynamic of a historically black university. The curriculum integrates courses in drawing, painting, printmaking and art history with technologically-advanced methods that include digital 2-D and 3-D design, training in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash, as well as techniques used in advertising, web pages and other graphic documents. Graduates have found positions in advertising agencies, governmental agencies and corporations, including Walt Disney Imagineering.
Accreditation
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Hampton University
School of Liberal Arts
119 Armstrong Hall
Hampton VA 23668
Telephone: 757-727-5400
Email: libarts@hamptonu.edu
Website: http://libarts.hamptonu.edu/fine_arts/study.cfm
James Madison University
School of Art, Design and Art History
James Madison University was originally established as the Normal and Industrial School for Women. The first president was Dr. Julian A. Burruss, an art educator, wrote in the first catalog for the school that in order to properly train teachers, the curriculum must include “agriculture and other rural arts,” “cooking and sewing and other household arts” and “drawing and other manual arts.” As a result, art training began at JMU in 1909 with Mattie A. Speck from the Harrisonburg public school system employed as a part-time instructor in Manual Arts.
By 1912, courses taught in what was then known as the Manual Arts Department had expanded to drawing, handwork and woodworking, so that the department became known as the Industrial Arts Program. In 1911, Art Appreciation and Art History were added. In 1913, drawing and handwork classes were extended to primary grades as well. In 1922, the department was reorganized, becoming the Department of Fine and Industrial Arts. The name of the institution was changed to Madison College in 1938 with an expanded curriculum. However, Art Appreciation and Art Education remained required courses. In 1977, the school received university status and was renamed James Madison University. In 1995, what was then known as the College of Communication and the Arts was renamed the School of Art and Art History. The word “Design” several years later.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at the School of Art, Design and Art History at JMU provides students with an interdisciplinary professional education. Students are provided the skills and knowledge to articulate ideas and understand the elements of graphic design while also demonstrating a working knowledge of artistic methods, craft and formal structure to enhance the value of communications. Students develop proficiency in both traditional and digital design elements while also developing a diverse problem-solving methodology using theory, research, analysis and proven concepts to provide design solutions. Students must provide a portfolio after completing introductory coursework to be admitted to the program.
Accreditation
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Contact
James Madison University
Harrisonburg VA 22807
Telephone: 540-568-22807
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/artandarthistory/programs/graphic-design-bfa.shtml
For those who are interested in a career in graphic design, these graphic design degree programs in Virginia can provide the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the industry or to find new positions in the competitive graphic design world.
