Faculty
Amy Copeland, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor
Bliss Hall 4089
330.941.3627
adcopeland01@ysu.edu
Sebastian Giraldo, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor
Bliss Hall 4085
330.941.3301
sgiraldo@ysu.edu
Michelle Nelson, M.F.A.
Professor
Bliss Hall 4073
330.941.1858
mnelson@ysu.edu
About the Major
Step into the vibrant world of Graphic + Interactive Design at Youngstown State University. Our program houses a dynamic studio art major with a concentration in graphic design that ignites creativity and equips students with the tools to shape the design landscape. The program explores typography, illustration, layout design, identity systems, package design, motion graphics, and web design. This program is not just about pixels and vectors; it’s about critical thinking and creative problem-solving with a strong core of fine art studio courses.
The program covers the essentials during your Foundations year. Brushstrokes become design skills, and composition turns into a portfolio of design work. After completing the Freshman Foundations Portfolio Review, you will explore the core of design. You will learn about formal principles, print and interface design vocabulary, and the diverse field of graphic design studies, which will pave the way for future job opportunities. Our alumni work nationally and internationally for companies such as Disney, Sherwin-Williams, Southwest Airlines, the Cafaro Company, Millwood, Berk Enterprises, and more!
Schedule a meeting today to talk to faculty in the program. Our world-class faculty members are more than professors—they are seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience. They will guide you through the intricacies of design theory, from typography to color palettes. Along the way, you will tackle real-world projects, participate in design competitions, and even explore internships. The Junior Portfolio Review and Senior Project will be your stepping stones toward a successful career in graphic + interactive design.
Contact Information
To learn more about our degree programs, scholarships, professional development and careers, exhibitions, faculty, and students, visit Department of Art or contact us at 330.941.3627.
To schedule a personalized campus visit, contact the Cliffe College of Creative Arts Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at 330.941.2346 or sawaltman@ysu.edu.
| COURSE | TITLE | S.H. |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST YEAR REQUIREMENT -STUDENT SUCCESS | ||
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar | 1-2 |
| or YSU 1500S | Youngstown State University Success Seminar | |
| or HONR 1500 | Intro to Honors | |
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENGL 1550 | Writing 1 | 3-4 |
| or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 with Support | |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| Any Gen Ed Math (Recommended MATH 2623) | 3 | |
| Arts and Humanities (2 courses) Included in major | 0 | |
| Natural Sciences (2 courses, 1 with lab) (7 s.h.) | 7 | |
| Social Science (2 courses) | 6 | |
| General Education Electives | 9 | |
CMST 1545 (3 s.h.) | ||
Any Gen Ed Course (3 s.h.) | ||
Any Gen Ed Course (3 s.h.) | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Foundation Courses: | ||
| ART 1501 | Fundamentals of 2D Design | 3 |
| ART 1502 | Fundamentals of 3D Design | 3 |
| ART 1503 | Freshman Seminar and Portfolio Review | 1 |
| ART 1521 | Foundation Drawing | 3 |
| ART 1522 | Intermediate Drawing | 3 |
| Breadth Courses: | ||
| ART 2611 | Introduction to Sculpture | 3 |
| ART 2625 | Introduction to Printmaking: Intaglio and Relief | 3 |
| or ART 2626 | Introduction to Printmaking: Lithography and Screenprinting | |
| ART 2631 | Introduction to Ceramics | 3 |
| ART 2650 | Introduction to Painting | 3 |
| ART 2674 | Introduction to Photography | 3 |
| ART 2691 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| Concentration Courses | ||
| ART 2661 | Print Design 1 | 3 |
| ART 3759 | Interactive Design 1 | 3 |
| ART 3760 | Typography 1 | 3 |
| ART 3761 | Print Design 2 | 3 |
| ART 3703 | Junior Portfolio Review | 1 |
| ART 4869 | Interactive Design Studio | 3 |
| ART 4863 | Logo + Branding Design | 3 |
| ART 4802 | Senior Project | 3 |
| ART 4803 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Graphic + Interactive Design Menu *CHOOSE 5 courses: | 15 | |
| Typography 2 | ||
| Package Design | ||
| Publication Design | ||
| Typeface Design | ||
| Interactive Design Studio (This course may be taken two times and is an optional elective.) | ||
| Graphic Design Internship | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Illustration | ||
| Special Topics in Studio Art | ||
| Graphic Design Practicum | ||
| Art History and Theory | ||
| Choose two 1500 level Art History courses from the following: | 6 | |
| ART 1541, ART 1542, ART 1543, ART 1544, ART 1545 | ||
| Choose three additional 3700 level or higher Art History courses from the following: | 9 | |
| ART 3742, 3743, 3745, 3746, 3783, 3784, 3785, 3789, 4880, 5881 | ||
| Electives to meet 120 hours | 2 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120-122 | |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | S.H. | |
| YSU 1500 | Success Seminar or Youngstown State University Success Seminar or Intro to Honors | 1-2 |
| ENGL 1550 or ENGL 1549 | Writing 1 or Writing 1 with Support | 3-4 |
| ART 1501 | Fundamentals of 2D Design | 3 |
| ART 1521 | Foundation Drawing | 3 |
| Any Gen Ed Math | 3 | |
| Semester Hours | 13-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 1502 | Fundamentals of 3D Design | 3 |
| ART 1522 | Intermediate Drawing | 3 |
| ART 1503 | Freshman Seminar and Portfolio Review | 1 |
| ART 2661 | Print Design 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 1551 | Writing 2 | 3 |
| CMST 1545 | Communication Foundations | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 3760 | Typography 1 | 3 |
| ART 2691 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 1500 level Art History Course 1. (Choose from: ART 1541, 1542, 1543, 1544, 1545) | 3 | |
| Art Breadth Course | 3 | |
| General Education Elective - Natural Science + lab | 4 | |
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 3759 | Interactive Design 1 (*) | 3 |
| Art Breadth Course | 3 | |
| ART 1500 level Art History Course 1. (Choose from: ART 1541, 1542, 1543, 1544, 1545) | 3 | |
| General Education Elective - Social Science | 3 | |
| General Education Elective - Natural Science | 3 | |
| *Courses are offered in varying fall, spring and summer semesters. Please see graphic design program coordinator for upcoming schedule. | ||
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 3761 | Print Design 2 (*) | 3 |
| ART 3703 | Junior Portfolio Review (F/S/X) | 1 |
| ART 4869 | Interactive Design Studio (*) | 3 |
| ART 3700 or higher Art History Course | 3 | |
| Art Breadth Course | 3 | |
| General Education Elective - Social Science | 3 | |
| *Courses are offered in varying fall, spring and summer semesters. Please see graphic design program coordinator for upcoming schedule. | ||
| Semester Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 1 of five electives from G+ID menu | 3 | |
| ART 1 of five electives from G+ID menu | 3 | |
| ART 3700 or higher Art History Course | 3 | |
| Art Breadth Course | 3 | |
| General Education Elective - Any Gen Ed Course | 3 | |
| Request a Graduation Evaluation from the CCAC Advising Office, 2310 Bliss Hall, (330) 941-3625 after you have completed 80-85 sh. | ||
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ART 4863 | Logo + Branding Design (*) | 3 |
| ART 1 of five electives from G+ID menu | 3 | |
| ART 1 of five electives from G+ID menu | 3 | |
| ART 3700 or higher Art History Course | 3 | |
| General Education Elective - Any Gen Ed Course | 3 | |
| *Courses are offered in varying fall, spring and summer semesters. Please see graphic design program coordinator for upcoming schedule. | ||
| Semester Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 4802 | Senior Project | 3 |
| ART 4803 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| ART 1 of five electives from G+ID menu | 3 | |
| Art Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Electives to meet 120 hours | 2 | |
| Semester Hours | 14 | |
| Total Semester Hours | 120-122 | |
Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to demonstrate their proficiency of art vocabulary.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate technical expertise appropriate to their progression in the program as it is relevant to their chosen artistic medium.
3. Students will be able to demonstrate a high level of content expression appropriate to their progression in the program as it is relevant to their chosen artistic medium.