Art - Graphic Communications Emphasis
The graphic communications major combines graphic design and communication curriculum, creating one powerful degree. This unique, interdisciplinary program will prepare you to become both a talented designer and a creative, contemporary communicator — skills that are highly sought after in countless fields and industries.
Take Your Design Skills to the Next Level
Taking courses in graphic design, communication and journalism, and computer science, you'll learn how to produce work that effectively balances information with exceptional expressive design. Coursework throughout the major will teach you the latest technologies in graphic design, how to reach different audiences, and how to best communicate your concepts and ideas to the world.
The growing major is rooted in experiential learning, with a strong focus on career preparation. Train on the same graphic and creative software found in the industry today. Gain professional experience during an internship. Help a local business during a service-learning project. Participate in collaborative student-faculty research. Or join workshops and seminars from community experts and artists in the field.
Graduates of the graphic communications degree enter the working world with a polished portfolio, real-world experience, and a diverse set of skills. You may choose to pursue a career in graphic design, work in marketing, help companies build their visual identities, improve websites, manage brands — or anything else that interests you. With a degree in graphic communications from UW-Eau Claire, the possibilities are endless.
Program Details
A variety of electives within the graphic communications degree allows you to become an expert in multiple areas of communication and design. Explore courses in multimedia communication, webpage design, web programming, and animation. Unique projects and assignments throughout the program will enhance your presentation, analytical, investigative, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
All graphic communications majors are required to participate in a travel experience while studying at UW-Eau Claire. This could include a study abroad program, one of the department’s national field trips or at least two of the department’s regional field trips. Explore contemporary art and design in Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York City. Or find inspiration in some of the world's art and architecture meccas, like Florence, Rome, or Paris.
UW-Eau Claire is home to the Foster Gallery, the largest art gallery in the Eau Claire area. Art & Design students can take advantage of this learning space through exhibition receptions, open viewings, installation opportunities, guest speaker presentations, and the chance to participate in the annual juried student art show.
Blugold Stories
Alissa Salzwedel quickly found what she was looking for in graphic communications – a way to utilize her creativity and improve as an illustrator. While in the program, she applied to become an artist for GIPHY, which powers GIFs for social platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Her illustrations gained millions of views overnight.
What I enjoy most about this program is that it requires me to branch out from my artistry and take courses in the communication and journalism and/or computer science departments. With these courses, I feel I am better prepared in understanding communication not only visually, but interpersonally, and how to communicate through organized web design — essential skills for graphic designers looking to stand out.
I fell in love with the design program at UWEC. I love creating art in general, but I especially love working with others to create design solutions. Through this program, I've learned the importance of not only making an awesome looking design, but also acknowledging the importance of the audience's reaction and their takeaway from that design.
Build your skills and put them into motion through collaborative projects in the community. You'll build your portfolio while working alongside professionals in the field. Blugolds collaborated with Mayo Clinic Health System employees to tell their story.
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Where can the graphic communications program lead me after graduation?
As a graduate of the graphic communications bachelor's degree program, you'll enter the working world with a diverse, versatile set of skills. You may choose to pursue a career in graphic design, printing, marketing, communications, or computer science — as well as jobs that require expertise in a number of these areas.
Example Careers
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- Art director
- Marketing communications specialist
- Creative director
- Marketing manager
- Layout artist
- Brand manager
- Design manager
- Graphic communications coordinator
- Marketing and communications graphic designer
Curriculum within the art - graphic communications emphasis program includes core foundation courses in art as well as courses in art history, graphic design, typography, visual identity design, visual communication design, digital design and graphic communications. Coursework will prepare you to develop creative solutions to artistic and communication challenges and increase your awareness of diverse audiences. Electives throughout the degree allow you to specialize in topics that interest you, such as brand and reputation management, web database design or digital animation.
Here are a few courses in Art - Graphic Communications Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
ART 107
Foundations: Drawing and Composition
Introduction to freehand observational drawing and visual composition using a variety of materials and techniques.
ART 374
Graphic Design: Concepts and Experimentation
Application of advanced design principles to develop promotional materials. Emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusivity in graphic communication.
ART 375
User Experience and Web Design
Introduces students to topics like human-computer factors, user research practices, and design thinking methodologies required for user experience designers. Students apply these knowledge frameworks as they research, design, test, and develop a mobile digital product for a conceptual, tech-savvy business client.
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