Degree Plan
Fall Semester
| GD PBac Studio 1 | 6 Credits |
| Design Theory and Practice | 3 Credits |
| Typography Intensive | 3 Credits |
| Studio Elective | 3 Credits |
| 15 Credits | |
Spring Semester
| GD PBac Studio 2 | 6 Credits |
| GD PBac Workshop | 3 Credits |
| Transmedia Type Lab | 3 Credits |
| Studio Elective | 3 Credits |
| 15 Credits | |
Program Total |
30 Credits |
Course Descriptions
Core Classes
Graphic Design Post Baccalaureate Studio
The GD Post Bacc Studio provides an immersive introduction to design, taught with a strong emphasis on visual research, process and critical analysis. In the Fall, students are assigned projects with constraints designed to solidify typography and visual communication skills yet encourage experimentation with media and content. In the Spring, GD Post Bacc Studio focuses on creating and exhibiting a self-directed design project in line with the student’s goals, as well as building a portfolio of compelling work. Taught by Sandra Maxa and visiting designer.
Design Theory and Practice
Post Bacc students attend this class with other graduate graphic design students, building their knowledge of design history, discourse and professional methodologies through a mix of readings, writings, lectures and discussions. Topics include branding, experience design, information design, social design, multisensory perception, design thinking and authorship. Taught by Ellen Lupton.
Graphic Design Post Baccalaureate Workshop
In the spring semester, the GD Post Bacc Workshop focuses on creating complex, well-crafted design projects and curating a portfolio. Lectures and visiting designers discuss professional practice including contracts, studio models and self-promotion. Taught by Amanda Buck.
Typography
Typography is the backbone of design! In the Fall students take Type Intensive, a fast-paced primer on all things type, followed by Transmedia Type Lab in the Spring. These courses help GD Post Bacc students build strong skills in typography through applied projects in a variety of media.
Non-Credit Workshops
Non-credit workshops teach techniques and processes needed to complete projects as well as expose students to materials and new ways of working. Sessions on preparing files for print, book making, photo documentation, letterpress, screen printing and hand lettering have been offered in the past.
All core classes meet weekly with faculty and visiting designers for lectures, demos, discussion and individual or group critiques. Participation in the larger graduate and undergraduate design culture at MICA is encouraged through art and design lectures, workshops, teaching internships and participation in interdisciplinary teams at the Center for Social Design.
Sample Undergraduate & Graduate Electives
Interactive Media (intro course) / User Experience and Interface / Expanded Design (physical computing) / Motion Graphics / Branding / Package Design / Publication Design / Fashion Graphics & Wearable Technology / Typeface Design / Experimental Typography / Signs, Exhibits and Spaces / Information Visualization / Letterpress / Screenprinting / Illustration / Photography / Film - Moving Image / Game Play / History of Graphic Design / Professional Development