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Minneapolis College of Art and Design · Courses

GRD

10 courses with the subject GRD, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

GRD 2000Graphic Design1

This course provides students with an overview of graphic design practice. Students concentrate on building visual and typographic communication skills as well as the vocabulary necessary for critical analysis. These introductory level skills are explored through static, static-narrative, interactive, and time-based media. Topics covered include basic visual and typographic principles, composition, type and image integration, sequence, and craft. Students are also introduced to the design process, which includes research, ideation, iteration, refinement, and implementation. Image/image-series, logotypes, mar

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Foundation: 2D, Foundation: Media 1
GRD 2010Type3

This course emphasizes foundational typographic principles from letterform construction to hierarchies of extended text. Particular attention is directed toward typographic vocabulary, type as image, typographic organization, and the utilization of supporting grid structures. Through assignments, larger projects, and critiques, students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of typography as a visual tool used to enhance verbal meaning

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 1
GRD 3020Type Plus3

This class advances the skills and principles learned in Graphic Design 1. Students investigate conceptual possibilities utilizing research, knowledge of historical and contemporary perspectives, experimental strategies using hand tools and digital software, and personalized design methodologies. Students are challenged to develop original solutions and promote their own visual sensibilities. Projects are designed to advance the understanding of how typography can be used to articulate meaning as it relates to a variety of topics including typographic and language systems, identity, conceptual narratives, an

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 1, Digital Production
GRD 3030Graphic Design2

This intermediate course examines procedural frameworks and processes for graphic communications. A range of topics covered includes the utility of series and systems approaches, content generation models and strategies, and an expanded notion of developing and applying hierarchical content across static, static-narrative, interactive, and time-based media. Some project components require student responsibility in authoring content through linguistic, typographic, and visual approaches. At least one project requires formal documentation illustrating the design process. Outcomes range from both applied and ex

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
2
Credits (max)
2
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 1
GRD 3050Publication Design3

Publication design remains one of the most challenging and complex opportunities within the larger field of graphic design. In this course students conceptualize, create, and manage content for both print and digital publications. Structural systems, formats, and organizational methods are investigated as well as the creation of visual narrative through image, pacing, and sequence. Critiques and discussions of examples from the field encourage students to think globally and flexibly about systems and to explore modifications to the traditional structure of books, catalogs, and magazines.

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 2
GRD 3060Narrative Design3

This course explores the dynamic integration of graphic form, typography, and message enhanced through the orchestration of movement, time, sequence, and sound. These subjects are studied as integral components of the design process that result in compelling graphic narrations. Classroom demonstrations, critiques, and screenings enable students to develop narratives that service a wide range of applications for contemporary communication vehicles.

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 1
GRD 3070Graphic Design3

Central to graphic design thinking, systems-based design projects have always challenged designers to investigate new and better ways of representing complex information. These design systems are a crucial ingredient in the interdisciplinary practices of branding, interactive design, information design, and mapping. Classroom activities and assignments examine resource development, research analysis, information management, and ideation as parts of a larger whole. Not restricted to any one media, this course encourages students to develop a variety of solutions, guided by critique, individual discussions, an varying Internship or Studio Elective Choose to pursue an internship or an additional studio elective

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 2, Digital Production
GRD 3080Digital Production3

This course provides students with a practical and comprehensive overview of the digital production process-from organizing, preparing, and managing digital files to achieving professional quality output. Instructors reference and demonstrate many topics, including raster- and vector-art preparation, font and color management, materials, formats, workflow, and vendor communications. Students examine standards, apply techniques, and employ terminology commonly used in contemporary practice.

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Graphic Design 1
GRD 5010Advanced Graphic Design Seminar3

This class focuses on complex design challenges, professional-level assignments, and design projects with multiple components. Students are encouraged to be entrepreneurial as they conduct research and develop innovative solutions for appropriate economic constituencies, users, and audiences. Each student refines their voice, style, and agenda while creating a semester-long project. Professional presentations of design ideas and solutions for critique and discussion are central to this course. Project formats and media are open-ended.

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Successful Junior Review
GRD 5100Senior Project: Graphic Design6

Senior Project is a capstone class that allows graphic design seniors the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have obtained and cultivated at MCAD. In collaboration with the professor, students mount a thorough investigation of their career goals and assess how their current portfolio anticipates next steps. Projects may involve revising or extending existing work or creating new work with an eye to the future. The semester culminates with the Commencement Exhibition, during which students display their best work, and Emerging Talent Day, which allows students to showcase their portfolios to p Graphic Design Studio Requirement Option One (select one)

Subject
GRD
Credits (min)
6
Credits (max)
6
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026
Source
www.mcad.edu
Prerequisite
Successful Junior Review, Senior standing

Source: Minneapolis College of Art and Design's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61