Design, BFA

Department of Design, College of Fine and Performing Arts

117 Credits

Introduction

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design is the professional degree option for students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Design. The BFA degree option is a highly competitive degree limited to a maximum of 12 students per year. Courses in the senior year focus on the integration of graphic design and digital media design in the solution of advanced visual communication problems.

To earn the BFA students must submit a portfolio of completed work and/or work in progress from DSGN 330, 340, 351, and 360. Application to the BFA in Design is made during winter quarter of the junior year and portfolios are reviewed by the Design faculty. All students must begin their BFA studies in the spring quarter of the junior year to prepare them for the summer-only Internship requirement. 

Contact Information

Design Department Chair Cristina de Almeida Fine Arts 106C 360-650-3438 almeida@wwu.edu

Major Information: Fine Arts 127 360-650-7778 Design@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Graphic Designer | Art Director | Web Designer | Project Manager | Digital Image Maker | Creative Director | Interactive Designer | UX/UI

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The BFA degree application is made with a portfolio composed of completed work and/or work in progress from DSGN 330, 340, 351, and 360. The portfolio will be reviewed by Design faculty and evaluated on the basis of a demonstrated understanding of the elements of visual communication, technical proficiency, originality, problem-solving and professionalism. The BFA applications will be reviewed during winter quarter. Deadlines will be posted in the department office and announced in design classes. Portfolios must be received by the announced deadline.

Bring completed materials to:
Western Washington University, Department of Design
Fine Arts Complex, Room 127
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9068

Grade Requirements

Majors must maintain a 2.50 GPA both overall and in design courses taken at Western. Students falling below the 2.50 average will be placed on probation; failure to bring the cumulative GPA up to 2.50 by the end of two subsequent quarters will result in removal from the major.

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.