Bachelor of Graphic & Experience Design

Overview

At NC State University, Graphic & Experience Design majors can:

• Establish a strong design foundation through sequenced core studios, followed by advanced studios in special topics like data visualization, branding, accessible design, and artificial intelligence.
• Prepare for a career in user experience design and user interface design, branding, or service design.
• Learn to think through making, using rapid prototyping techniques to test ideas early and often.
• Practice visualization strategies such as mapping, diagramming, and storyboarding.
• Apply research methods to effectively put people at the center of design solutions.
• Thrive in a creative culture alongside fellow graphic & experience designers, industrial designers, landscape architects, and architects.
• Study abroad for a semester or summer at our NC State Prague Institute, or take advantage of other study abroad options.
• Gain valuable professional experience through paid internships at leading design firms, and/or participate in sponsored studios as part of the Graphic & Experience Design curriculum.

Through project-based assignments, Graphic & Experience Design students acquire strong formal and conceptual skills framed by a human-centered approach.

Upon entry to the program, students establish a comprehensive design foundation through sequenced core studios paired with specialized courses in typography, design systems, design history and design theory.

Students then progress to advanced studios that enable in-depth exploration of special topics such as data visualization, branding, accessible design, and artificial intelligence.

Students interact with organizations through these upper-level studios—often including sponsored studio projects—and through internships to gain experience working with clients and end-users.

Upon completing the program, students have built a solid portfolio of professional work that prepares them for positions in thriving fields such as user experience design, user interface design, branding, and service design.

Courses

The Core Sequence

For four consecutive semesters, students take a series of scaffolded courses that prepare them for upper-level advanced studios.

First Year Spring

• GD 210 Image & Tech Tinkering (6 credits, Core Studio)
• GD 203 History of Graphic Design (3 credits)

Sophomore Fall

• GD 201 Design, Context, and Experience (6 credits, Core Studio)
• GD 217 Typography and Technology (3 credits, Co-Requisite)
• GD 303 Graphic Design Theory & Practice (3 credits)

Sophomore Spring

• GD 202 Designing for Settings, People, and Use (6 credits, Core Studio)
• GD 317 Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading (3 credits, Co-Requisite)

Junior Fall

• GD 301 Branding, Interaction, and Service Design (6 credits, Core Studio)
• GD 417 Information and Publishing Design Systems (3 credits, Co-Requisite)

Junior Spring, Senior Fall & Spring

Advanced Graphic & Experience Design Studios

Beginning in the spring semester of the junior year, students take three GD 400 topical and interdisciplinary studios that address advanced graphic & experience design problems. Advanced studios challenge students to create comprehensive systems of artifacts and interfaces that delve into special topics such as data visualization, branding, accessible design, service design and artificial intelligence.

Graphic & Experience Design Practicum Studio

GD 401 is taken in the fall semester of the senior year, with emphasis on the transition from college to career. In preparation for professional practice, students engage with successful graphic & experience design professionals to deepen their understanding of employment options. In addition, each student prepares or refines a portfolio website and résumé.

Additional Courses

Students can choose design electives that engage with their individual interests and broaden their experience.

Curriculum

The following sample curricular display shows the Graphic & Experience Design and general courses necessary to complete the Bachelor of Graphic & Experience Design degree within four years. Students can take general courses in a different order than shown, as well as during summer sessions.

Bachelor of Graphic & Experience Design Eight Semester Display
Bachelor of Graphic & Experience Design Degree Plan