22 courses with the subject GDES, 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.
GDES 280Introduction to Graphic Design ()3
This course includes intensive study of the basic principles, theories and methods of graphic design, and the creation of visual communication. Topics of study include the characteristics and compositional principles applied to symbol, image, and letterform, as well as the history and practice of graphic design. Emphasis will be placed on creative process, developing visual concepts, formal values, use of materials, and craft. (Offered fall only) Pre- or corequisite: ARTS 279 with a grade of C or higher Old Dominion University Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 892
This course includes intensive study of the history, terminology, theory, and application of typography, and the creation of visual communication with particular emphasis on typographic content. Topics of study include typographic form and meaning, hierarchy, legibility and readability, structure and composition, and the management of written content within the design process. Specialized technical instruction includes software applications for document construction, layout, and letterform manipulation, building upon the experiences of ARTS 279. (Offered spring only) higher
Graphic design major and GDES 280 with a grade of C or
GDES 368Design Internship 13
Upper-Division General Education Course 3 Upper-Division General Education Course 3 0-3 Information Literacy and Research (http://catalog.odu.edu/ 3 undergraduate/requirements-undergraduate-degrees/#information) 3 Elective 1 15-18 Total Credit Hours 120-129 Grade of C or better required The Graphic Design curriculum is sequential; required graphic design 3 courses must be taken in the order listed above. Continuance in the graphic design major requires a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses and requirements in the graphic design sequence. 4 Linked Bachelor's in Art, Visual Studies 3 and Fine Arts and MA in Humanities 16 The linked bachelor's programs in art history, visual studies and fine arts and the MA in humanities make it possible for exceptional students to count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Students must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete 3 credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree). Please refer to the Humanities (p. 244) section of this Catalog for additional information on the linked programs. 4 BA or BS to MBA (Master of Business 16 Administration) Linked Program The linked BA/MBA or BS/MBA program is an early entry to the MBA program of study. The early-entry program is designed for well qualified non-business undergraduate ODU students to start their MBA program 3 prior to completing their undergraduate degree. Well qualified non- business undergraduate students may take MBA-level courses as early as three semesters prior to graduation and count up to 12 graduate credits 3 toward their undergraduate degree. Students participating in the early- 3 entry program must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 discrete credit hours for the undergraduate degree and 30 discrete credit hours for the graduate degree). Early-entry program students should carefully consider 3 their undergraduate degree program requirements when planning their course 18 of study. Students in the early-entry program work in close consultation Old Dominion University Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026 108
The course includes intensive study of the development of creative and effective ideation for application to graphic design problems from selected aspects of the field. Topics of study include project research, content development, messaging, and individual and collaborative creative processes. Emphasis will be placed on critical skills, articulation, productivity, and response to clients, audiences and contexts. (Offered fall only)
This is an elective course restricted to students admitted to the graphic design program. It continues the development of typographic practice, exploring issues pertaining to meaning, concept, and expression. The course will also include investigation of typographic history. Topics of study include advanced issues in typographic composition, denotative and connotative aspects of type use, typeface selection, and typesetting.
This advanced course is an introduction to the basic methods and techniques used to design for web-based delivery. Topics of study include; site management and organization, navigation, grid structures, hierarchy and inventory of content, appropriate use of type and graphics, and format. Emphasis will be placed on process and research, appropriateness, accessibility, dynamic user interface experiences. grade of C or higher or permission of the instructor
This advanced course is devoted to creating dynamic design solutions for interactive devices, systems, and services. Students will learn to apply observational techniques to understand interactions in context, develop conceptual models and representations to assess the perspectives of prospective users, and develop interactions that are understandable and useful. Students will be introduced to the fundamental digital design process, and will experiment with a variety of interactive and dynamic design applications. grade of C or higher or permission of the instructor
GDES 371 with a grade of C or higher and GDES 372 with a
GDES 382UI (User Interface) Design ()3
UI (User Interface) designers focus on developing the aesthetics, or the point of contact, of interactive experiences. This course is intended to provide students with the skills needed to utilize traditional design principles to create interactive experiences for a range of platforms. Students will explore key topics such as Principles of User Interface Design, Responsive Design, Design Systems, Wireframing, and Prototyping, gaining a comprehensive skill set to shape the visual and interactive landscapes of digital interfaces. a grade of C or higher
GDES 280, GDES 365, GDES 371, and GDES 378, all with
GDES 383UX (User Experience) Design ()3
UX (User Experience) designers ensure that digital experiences are relevant to users. This course is intended to provide students with the skills to create experiences focused on user needs and built on research and data. Students will explore key topics such as User Research Methods, User Journeys, and Usability Testing. a grade of C or higher
GDES 280, GDES 365, GDES 371, and GDES 378, all with
GDES 385Advanced Graphic Design ()3
Building on concepts introduced in GDES 280, the course will consider and engage the collaborative, complex, and interrelated nature of design practice, in public and private manifestations, and through form and concept. The personal dimensions of design practice will also be explored through a self- determined project. a grade of C or higher
GDES 280, GDES 365, GDES 371, and GDES 378, all with
GDES 386Socially Conscious Design ()3
This course delves into the realm of visual communication as a powerful tool for advocating social, environmental, and justice issues. Students will explore the transformative potential of graphic design in fostering positive change within society. As the world faces pressing challenges, this course empowers artists to leverage their creative skills and voices to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of our global community. Key topics covered include ethical design principles and the responsibility of designers in shaping inclusive narratives. Through practical exercises, projects, and case studies, students will develop the skills to navigate the delicate balance between aesthetics and advocacy, ensuring that their designs not only captivate but also inspire positive action. a grade of C or higher
Design services acts as an independent design agency. Students will gain experience working directly with clients on a design project; discover the aspects of developing commissioned design projects; and consider the legal, practical and ethical considerations of working as an independent (freelance) designer. a grade of C or higher
GDES 280, GDES 365, GDES 371, and GDES 378, all with
GDES 474Motion Graphics ()3
This advanced course is an introduction to the basics of motion graphic design processes, and focuses on the creative and technical processes of creating motion graphics (predominantly 2D) for a variety of mediums including film, broadcast, DVD, and web. Students will gain practical experience in the development of an animated broadcast graphics package. Motion graphics in the context of interactive interfaces is also explored. grade of C or higher or permission of the instructor
GDES 371 with a grade of C or higher and GDES 372 with a
GDES 480Advanced New Media ()3
Modern graphic design often includes the creation of multi-faceted experimental experiences. This course is intended to provide students with an advanced studio experience, where they will utilize a wide range of software to create experiences that push what each individual student thinks is possible. This course may cover topics such as 3D Modeling, Motion Graphics, Augmented Reality, Installation Art, and more. a grade of C or higher
Total Credit Hours 119-128 * C or better required ** Prerequisite to GDES 280 *** With graphic design faculty approval + New Media Design content ++ Design Applications content Additional Requirements and Information
