Design, BFA

Department of Design, College of Fine and Performing Arts

115 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 18 students per year. Courses in the senior year focus on the integration of graphic, production and digital media design in the solution of visual communication problems. 

To earn the BFA students must submit a portfolio of selected work from 200- and 300-level classes. 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. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design degree requires each student to complete the following program:

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, 360 and 361. 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.

Grade Requirements

Majors must maintain a 2.50 grade point average 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.