Graphic design is the practice of composing words and images to communicate a message. Design can promote a product, idea or institution, or explain an issue; it can provoke, inform or delight the viewer. The Graphic Design concentration at Mason Gross does not focus on technical skills as an end in themselves, but rather on visual exploration and communicating ideas. Students gain an awareness of historical and contemporary issues in design, and of the designer's role in the social production of meaning. Courses at all levels demand a rigorous design process of research, experimentation and refinement. Situated in a visual arts department within a liberal arts university, Mason Gross students have unusual opportunities to enrich their design studies with learning in the other arts, liberal arts and sciences.

Acceptance into the B.A. and B.F.A. program does not guarantee admittance into the Graphic Design concentration; the concentration is limited to students selected by a competitive portfolio Design Review at the end of their sophomore year. To participate in the Design Review, students must be enrolled in, or have completed, Introduction to Graphic Design (081:231) and Introduction to Typography (081:232).

To register for Introduction to Graphic Design: Due to high demand for this course, students are admitted based on a questionnaire. Questionnaires are available from the Visual Arts office, CSB room 124 in March of each year.

To register for Graphic Design II: If you are enrolled in or have completed Introduction to Graphic Design and Introduction to Typography, you may participate in the Design Review in early April. An information sheet about the Design Review is available in the Visual Arts office, CSB room 124 in March of each year.