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| GRAPHIC DESIGN

Nurturing Creative Leaders in Visual Communication

At Fei Tian College Northern Campus, students build a strong foundation in both traditional drawing and painting while mastering advanced digital tools. Through a curriculum that spans branding, motion design, UI/UX, packaging, and print, they develop refined typographic and visual storytelling skills. From hand-rendered concepts to immersive spatial and interactive experiences, students learn to craft designs that are not only visually compelling but also rich in meaning and purpose.

Program

Learning Outcomes

After completing the program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate visual communication skills using both traditional and digital tools, including typography, layout, illustration, photography, motion graphics, and UI/UX design.

  2. Apply design principles (such as balance, contrast, alignment, hierarchy, and color theory) to create effective and compelling compositions across various media.

  3. Develop a professional portfolio that showcases creative thinking, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities across branding, print, digital, and interactive design projects.

  4. Collaborate effectively in team-based settings, contributing original ideas and adapting design solutions through feedback and group critique.

  5. Communicate design concepts clearly and confidently, both visually and verbally, to peers, faculty, and potential clients or employers.

  6. Use industry-standard software and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, After Effects) with proficiency and professionalism.

  7. Understand and apply ethical, cultural, and inclusive design practices that consider audience diversity and social responsibility.

  8. Adapt to evolving design trends and technologies, showing readiness for employment or further study in competitive, fast-paced creative industries.

4 Years

121 Credits

Program

Curriculum

Curriculum is subject to change.

For students entering Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Fall 1

This course focuses on differentiating between art’s “generalized perspective”, “narrow perspective” in the 14th century, “linear perspective”, and other methods of scientific perspective in art. Understanding perspective is critical in order to accurately represent a three-dimensional subject using a two-dimensional medium from a variety of perspectives.

Prerequisite: n/a

This studio course introduces the essential elements of drawing such as “block-in”, or linear drawing, shape, proportion, gesture, form, as well as how light actually affects the subject and how to depict a three dimensional object on a two dimensional surface. Students will learn how to accurately translate visual information into two dimensions while addressing fundamental properties of composition, light direction, and value organization. (This course has to be repeated once with credits awarded.)

Prerequisite: n/a

Visual Literacy I is an introductory graphic design course serves as a foundation for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of visual communication and design principles. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical exercises, students will acquire essential skills in design methods, explore the significance of traditional drawing in graphic design, and cultivate creative thinking abilities.

 Prerequisite: n/a

Spring 1

This lecture course develops an awareness of the fundamentals behind dynamic symmetry including Baroque Diagonal, Sinister Diagonal, and Reciprocal Lines, within the Armature (framework) of a composition.  These are used with the golden number (ratio) to produce realistic and aesthetic representations of subjects inside two and three-dimensional compositions.  

Prerequisite: n/a

This course is designed to introduce the basics of oil painting to students with little or no experience in classical oil painting, with an emphasis on modeling form and the handling of paint. It is an introduction to the materials and techniques used in traditional oil painting. This course will begin with a thorough introduction to theory of tonal values, followed by drawing and painting the cast “en grisaille”. Students will learn to handle the paint in the style of alla prima or tighter form-oriented handling. This course will provide the students with the confidence and experience to handle the paint in a multitude of ways. 

Prerequisite: n/a

Visual Literacy II building upon the foundational concepts covered in Visual Literacy I, this course provides an in-depth exploration of graphic design principles and techniques. Students will delve into various aspects of graphic design, including publishing design, design methods for visual communication, and the integration of drawing within the graphic design process. Through a combination of hands-on projects and critical analysis, students will develop the skills necessary to create visually compelling and effective communication pieces.

Prerequisite: ART 111

Fall 2

Design Studio I is a course, students will delve into the core principles of graphic design, acquiring a solid foundation in layout composition, typography, and visual hierarchy. Through practical exercises, they will develop a discerning eye for effective design and gain an understanding of how to create compelling visual messages.

Prerequisite: n/a

This course explores the history of graphic design from the earliest communication technologies to the present, with a focus on the Modern era. It will examine changes in style and technology within the field and considers the relationship between graphic design and its cultural, political, and social contexts.

Prerequisite: ART211

During the course, students will delve into the fundamental concepts of graphic design, understanding the elements and principles that contribute to impactful visual communication. They will explore the role of packaging design as a powerful marketing tool, analyzing success ful case studies and gaining insights into consumer behavior and market trends. Students will learn to create visually compelling packaging designs that effectively communicate brand identity, product features, and engage the target audience.

Prerequisite: n/a

The course is divided into four parts: “Image,” “Form,” “Effect,” and “Print.” Students will systematically study the essential elements of design in terms of circles, lines, overlap, and contours to provide students with an understanding of the semiotic theory of art.

Prerequisite: n/a

This course serves as a comprehensive exploration, offering students a strong foundation in the technical aspects of photography, composition principles, lighting techniques, and image editing.

Prerequisite: n/a

Spring 2

This course places a strong emphasis on mastering advanced typography techniques specifically for screen-based design. By enrolling in this course, students will delve into the world of digital typography, enabling them to enhance their understanding and application of typography principles in a digital environment.

Prerequisite: DSG101

Typography Design I is a foundational course meticulously designed to equip aspiring graphic designers with a deep understanding of typography and its impactful application. This course is specifically crafted to lay a solid groundwork for students, providing them with the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the world of typography design.

Prerequisite: DSG102

This survey course explores strategic planning and decision-making in arts organizations today. Topics surveyed will include articulating mission and vision statements, managing boards, raising funds, developing effective programming, and event planning. Practical applications will focus on designing a personal success plan and creating sustainable mission-driven art experiences both in a freelance art career and as path towards leadership in larger arts organizations.

Prerequisite: n/a

The History of Cinema and Video is a captivating course that invites students to delve into the enthralling evolution and profound impact of cinema and video on the realm of visual communication and graphic design. This course serves as a comprehensive exploration, providing students with a deep understanding of the rich history, technological advancements, and influential movements that have shaped the world of cinema and video.

Prerequisite: ART131

In this course, students will learn to develop a series of thumbnail oil sketches to better understand the fundamentals of value relationships, color design, composition, perspective, and overall pictorial harmony. Students will also analyze Old Master works by breaking them down into a series of studies, each focused on a single element.

Prerequisite: DSG111

Fall 3

Typography Design III, an advanced course designed to elevate your typography skills and expand your knowledge in the realm of graphic design. Building upon the foundations laid in previous typography courses, this course delves deeper into the intricate world of typography, positioning it as a fundamental element in the broader context of graphic design.

Prerequisite: DSG104

This course will introduce graphic print production and the combined printing practice to give the students a better understanding of how accurate print design works.

Prerequisite: DSG103

This introductory yet intensive course explores the fundamental of time-based graphic motion, with particular emphasis on typography, image, and narrative sequence. Students are challenged to develop concise yet powerful presentations, literal or abstract ideas, and move step-by-step through the development process, from storyboard to final rendering. This course will be complemented with readings on animation and visual effects.

Prerequisite: DSG102

Throughout the course, students will explore the theoretical foundations of brand identity design, examining branding and its significance in modern business. The student will also delve into the process of creating a brand strategy, find the buyer persona, analyzing competitors to identify unique positioning and differentiation opportunities.

Prerequisite: n/a

Spring 3

This course introduces the basic concepts, principles, and technologies of web creation. Students will learn basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and use various design software to organize, create, publish, and manage a website.

Prerequisite: DSG204

Become a Motion Graphics artist in this advanced course. Build on the skills learned in Motion Graphics I, such as integrating digital artwork into a moving composition, and learn new skills using After Effects. Also, learn to integrate editing with Cinema 4D. Create portfolio-worthy projects that enhance your skills and help you stand out in the marketplace.

Prerequisite: DSG311

Typography Design III, an advanced course designed to elevate your typography skills and expand your knowledge in the realm of graphic design. Building upon the foundations laid in previous typography courses, this course delves deeper into the intricate world of typography, positioning it as a fundamental element in the broader context of graphic design.

Prerequisite: DSG204

This course will provide the student with a working knowledge of branding and logo design. The student will be able to effectively design a brand that communicates its purpose statement and identity. Color theory and visual communication skills will be developed through this course.

Prerequisite: DSG103 & DSG204

This course will provide students with an overview of the sociological approach. Major theoretical concepts and methodologies will be examined and illustrated with a wide variety of classic as well as recent empirical studies.

Prerequisite: n/a

Fall 4
  • Major electives6
Spring 4
Additional requirements
  • College Core
  • College Success2
  • College English3
  • World Civilizations6
  • Breadth Distribution
  • Humanities6
  • Writing and Rhetoric3
  • Quantitative Reasoning3
  • Scientific Reasoning6
  • Values and Ethics3
  • World Language and Literature8
Total
  • Total General Education Credits40
  • Total Major Credits77
  • Total Free Elective3
Total Required Credits
121

Minor

Learning Outcomes

The Graphic Design Minor at FTC Northern is designed to:

  1. Provide students from other majors with a broad introduction to the field of graphic design.
  2. Build basic visual awareness and an understanding of how design is used in everyday communication.
  3. Offer hands-on creative experiences using beginner-friendly design tools and techniques.
  4. Enhance students’ primary fields of study by developing complementary visual and creative skills.
  5. Expand future career possibilities through foundational exposure to design thinking and creative problem-solving.

7 Courses

20 Credits

Minor

Curriculum

Curriculum is subject to change.

For students entering Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Fundamental Skills and Training

This studio course introduces the essential elements of drawing such as “block-in”, or linear drawing, shape, proportion, gesture, form, as well as how light actually affects the subject and how to depict a three dimensional object on a two dimensional surface. Students will learn how to accurately translate visual information into two dimensions while addressing fundamental properties of composition, light direction, and value organization. (This course has to be repeated once with credits awarded.)

Prerequisite: n/a

Fundamental Skills and Training

Design Studio I is a course, students will delve into the core principles of graphic design, acquiring a solid foundation in layout composition, typography, and visual hierarchy. Through practical exercises, they will develop a discerning eye for effective design and gain an understanding of how to create compelling visual messages.

Prerequisite: n/a

During the course, students will delve into the fundamental concepts of graphic design, understanding the elements and principles that contribute to impactful visual communication. They will explore the role of packaging design as a powerful marketing tool, analyzing success ful case studies and gaining insights into consumer behavior and market trends. Students will learn to create visually compelling packaging designs that effectively communicate brand identity, product features, and engage the target audience.

Prerequisite: n/a

This course serves as a comprehensive exploration, offering students a strong foundation in the technical aspects of photography, composition principles, lighting techniques, and image editing.

Prerequisite: n/a

In this course, students will learn to develop a series of thumbnail oil sketches to better understand the fundamentals of value relationships, color design, composition, perspective, and overall pictorial harmony. Students will also analyze Old Master works by breaking them down into a series of studies, each focused on a single element.

Prerequisite: DSG111

Design Theory Requirement

Visual Literacy I is an introductory graphic design course serves as a foundation for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of visual communication and design principles. Through a combination of theoretical concepts and practical exercises, students will acquire essential skills in design methods, explore the significance of traditional drawing in graphic design, and cultivate creative thinking abilities.

 Prerequisite: n/a

Visual Literacy II building upon the foundational concepts covered in Visual Literacy I, this course provides an in-depth exploration of graphic design principles and techniques. Students will delve into various aspects of graphic design, including publishing design, design methods for visual communication, and the integration of drawing within the graphic design process. Through a combination of hands-on projects and critical analysis, students will develop the skills necessary to create visually compelling and effective communication pieces.

Prerequisite: ART 111

Total Required Units
20