Additional Studio Art Degree Programs:
Program Overview:
The Center for Art & Design at The College of Saint Rose prepares creative and critical thinkers for careers in Graphic Design, Design Media Arts, and Studio Art. The faculty of professional artists, designers, educators, and scholars are dedicated to the development of each student’s informed creative voice. The carefully developed sequence of graphic design, art, and art history courses advances each student from a strong foundation to a focus on conceptual and expressive inventiveness. Art and design students benefit from the rare combination of a rigorous curriculum enhanced by a strong liberal arts commitment and sound intellectual discourse.
The Center for Art & Design’s programs of study focus on fostering strong artists and designers and encouraging students to become leaders in their fields and communities. The faculty believe that individualized attention, a strong curriculum, the expectation of disciplined work, and the encouragement of leadership offer the best environment for learning, achieving success, and making a lasting impact on the world.
Mission Statement
Visual, creative, cultural, and design literacy are fundamental to a liberal arts education and necessary for navigating competitive professional environments. The Center for Art & Design promotes these essential literacies through disciplined studio and research practices, intellectual challenge, and interdisciplinary exchange. The faculty are committed to each student’s ability to see aesthetically, act creatively, think critically, and make lasting contributions as innovative artists, designers, educators, scholars, and leaders.
Program Goals
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design program is for those students whose aim is a professional career in graphic design and the visual arts. The professional preparation of the BFA degree in graphic design at The College of Saint Rose allows students to find rewarding employment in this field without the need for advanced study. However, if students choose to pursue a graduate career, they will be well prepared to succeed.
The Center for Art and Design aims to:
- foster each student’s personal voice and informed visual education.
- prepare students for careers in the fields of art and graphic design by promoting opportunities for creativity, critical thinking and innovative problem solving.
- inspire students to pursue intellectual opportunities in the world of art and design and become life-long learners and leaders in their fields.
Students who successfully complete the BFA Graphic Design program will be able to:
- Create and develop visual responses to communication problems within the graphic and interaction design professions.
- Demonstrate a range of traditional and digital skills in the creation of design that is an effective combination of research, concept, media, and craft.
- Demonstrate the ability to incorporate historical, social, and cultural contexts in their creative and intellectual processes.
- Develop business and communication practices to function productively in a professional and collaborative environment.
- Create a portfolio of work that meets professional standards in the graphic and interaction design fields.
Program Sequence
All graphic design majors take a year-long Foundations of Art & Design Program and begin the graphic design sequence of coursework in the fall semester of sophomore year. The graphic design program is a three-year sequence of coursework. Students must receive a C or better in all required graphic design, art, and art history courses in order to meet the prerequisite for the next level and to advance in the program.
Application Process
In addition to The College of Saint Rose academic admissions requirements, all applicants to programs offered by The Center for Art & Design are required to submit a portfolio as part of the admission materials. All art applicants (Graphic Design, Design Media Arts, and Studio Art) should follow the same format when preparing their portfolio.
Portfolio Preparation Guidelines
Yes. You need a portfolio.
Your portfolio says a lot about who you are, what interests you and how you see the world.
Select works that focus on your progress and what’s important to you. Think of your portfolio as an opportunity to share your vision with like-minded creatives.
Include work that demonstrates your confidence! You will want to: showcase your ability to draw from observation; highlight the star pieces that show you at your best; and, include works that demonstrate your willingness to take risks, engage in the art-making process and step out of your comfort zone.
Your portfolio should include the following:
15 – 20 works total
Work should be recent (created within a two-year window) and relevant to your interests!
5 drawings from direct observation
Drawing from life is key in assessing how you see, interpret relationships and experience the world. For example, drawings should demonstrate your approach to composition, mark making and quality of light. Still life, self-portrait, interior space and landscape can be explored. Consider how you demonstrate your understanding of value in these pieces. These five drawings should not be drawn from photographic references or include anime.
Remember, it’s not what you choose to draw but how you choose to approach your subject that counts.
10 – 15 additional works
Follow the advice above and showcase your unique vision and abilities. Consider including a series of works exploring the same idea in a variety of media. Get comfortable with the experience of confidently assessing the results of your explorations and be prepared to talk about your ideas and process during your review. To get ready, ask yourself: What was your initial inspiration? How did you approach making the work? Are you satisfied with the results? What did you learn in the process?
Your sketchbook or journal is your space to explore and create! Include it as a supplement to your portfolio since it can provide real insight into what motivates you.
Presentation
Keep work neat and flat, with a slip-sheet between each piece. Matting, mounting, or framing is unnecessary and adds bulk to your portfolio. Larger works, three-dimensional and digital work can be presented in digital or photo documentation. When documenting work be sure that the images are clear and lighting is beneficial to the work.
Your Portfolio Review: When, Where and How?
On-Campus
Register on line for your review on one of our Center for Art & Design Portfolio Review Days. Have an individual review, tour our facilities, see current work and meet faculty and students.
Or schedule a weekday portfolio review by calling the Art Office at 518-485-3900.
On the Road
For a comprehensive list including National and Regional Portfolio Review dates go to https://www.strose.edu/academics/schools/school-of-arts-humanities/center-for-art-design/portfolio-review-calendar/
Online
We work with the online portfolio admissions site SlideRoom:
First year students
https://strose.slideroom.com
Transfer students
https://strose.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/47092
Please include in the notes section the title, size, media, date completed and comments for each work.
By Mail
Digital submissions are also acceptable. Please include an inventory with the title, size, media, date completed and comments for each work. DO NOT send original artwork.
Attn: The Center for Art & Design
The College of Saint Rose
432 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
A Note for Transfer Students
The Center for Art & Design welcomes transfer students; however, all transfer credits in art are subject to portfolio review. Those students who have not completed the equivalent of the first two years of a Saint Rose degree program before transferring may not be able to complete the degree in two years.
For purposes of evaluation and placement, transfer students seeking credit for a studio or graphic design course taken at another institution will need to include additional work to represent the content covered in each class for which the student is applying for transfer credit.
Transfer students should consult The College of Saint Rose Transfer Equivalency Database at: www.strose.edu/officesandresources/registrar/transferequivalency to review transfer equivalency agreements between their former institution and The College of Saint Rose.
Program Contacts:
Kristine Tolmie
Chair, The Center for Art & Design
Email: tolmiek@strose.edu
Marian Chilson
Undergraduate Admissions Liaison for Art
Email: chilsonm@strose.edu
Heidi Tyler
The Center for Art & Design Coordinator
Email: tylerh@strose.edu
Program Webpage: Graphic Design, BFA
Program Requirements:
BFA in Graphic Design (89 credits)
All students intending to be Graphic Design majors must begin the program in the spring of their freshman year in order to follow the prescribed sequence of course work. Students who select graphic design after that point are not guaranteed completion of the program in 4 years. Students must receive a C or better in all required graphic design, art, and art history courses in order to meet the prerequisite for the next level and to advance in the program.
Major Requirements (73 credits):
Required Art History Courses (16 credits):
Choose one of the following eight courses:
Choose one of the following eight courses:
Internship/Field Experiences/Study Abroad/Service:
Internship Experiences
One professional internship at either a local, regional, national or international placement is required of every graphic design major. The extensive internship opportunities often lead to full or part-time employment and provide students with a competitive edge. Internship placements have included top graphic design studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, television studios and corporate design offices.
Some of the internship opportunities have included:
- ESPN Productions, Bristol, CT
- Hasbro Inc., Pawtucket, RI
- LRXD, Denver, CO
- MTV Networks, NY, NY
- Pentagram, NY, NY
- Ptarmark Inc., Austin, TX
- Redbook Magazine, NY, NY
- St. Martin’s Press, NY, NY
- Victoria’s Secret, NY, NY
Required Internship Courses
Study Abroad
The Center for Art & Design faculty encourage global study through study abroad experiences. Students interested in pursuing study abroad opportunities may enroll in Studio or Art History Special Topics courses, participate in a faculty-led program, attend Studio Art Centers International (SACI) or explore international study programs offered through the College’s Center for International Programs. The Center for Art & Design faculty-led programs are offered annually. In the past students and faculty have traveled to: China, Cuba, Ecuador, England, France, Iceland, Italy, and Spain.
Culminating Academic Experiences:
Required Course
| ART 496 | Senior Capstone:Exhibit & Port | 0 or 1 |
Suggested 4 Year Course Plan:
This suggested plan is designed to give students an idea of how to balance their coursework over 8 semesters and to graduate within 4 years. Most students will need to take a minimum of 30 credits each year in order to meet the graduation requirement of 127 overall credits for this degree. It should be used along with the Degree Works worksheet and in consultation with the faculty advisor. It is meant as a guide to help in scheduling. Please note that ART courses noted with an * must be taken concurrently and in sequence. The faculty advisor will help make any necessary adjustments during advisement.
Year 1: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 6 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 4 credits of Liberal Education.
Fall (17 credits)
ART 100 coLAB: Foundations of Art & Design Seminar (1 cr)
ART 101 Intro. to Art & Design (0 cr)
ART 110 Two-D Concepts (3 cr)
ART 113 Drawing 1 (3 cr)
ENG 105 Expos. Writing, Oral Communications, and Research (4 cr)
Spring (17 credits)
ART 111 Color Theory + Practice(3 cr)
ART 213 Drawing 2 (3 cr)
ART 112 Three-D Concepts (3 cr) **
AHI 208 Intro to Art History & Visual Literacy (4 cr)
Year 2: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 4 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 8 credits of Liberal Education.
Fall (17 credits)
ART 239 Graphic Design 1 (3 cr) *
ART 235 Sequential Design (3 cr) *
ART 225 Screen Printing 1 (3 cr) <OR> ART 232 Photography 1 (3 cr)
AHI Group A (see below) (4 cr)
Spring (17 credits)
ART 240 Graphic Design 2 (3 cr) *
ART 252 Typography 1 (3 cr) *
ART 232 Photography 1 (3 cr) <OR> ART 225 Screen Printing 1 (3 cr)
Fall (18 credits)
ART 352 Typography 2 (3 cr) *
ART 353 App. in Graphic Design (3 cr) *
ART 356 Interaction Design (3 cr) *
ART 233 Photography 2 (3 cr)
ART 392 Internship Preparation (2 cr) *
AHI 247 History of Modern Art (4 cr)
Spring (14 credits)
ART 354 Typography 3 (3 cr) *
ART Elective (3 cr)
ART 466 User Exp. Design <OR> L06 (3 cr)
ART 301 Junior Review (0 cr)
ART 393 Internship Application (1 cr) *
AHI Group B (see below) (4 cr)
Summer (0 credits)
ART 394 Graphic Design Fieldwork
Year 4: Fall requirements should be supplemented with 6 credits of Liberal Education courses. Spring requirements should be supplemented with 3 credits of Liberal Education courses.
Fall (15 credits)
ART 444 Experimental Imaging (3 cr) *
ART 459 Adv. App. in Graphic Design (3 cr) *
ART 466 User Exp. Design <OR> L06 (3 cr)
ART 493 Internship Presentation (0 cr) *
Spring (12 credits)
ART 460 Senior Graphic Design (3 cr) *
ART 462 Graphic Design Port. Sem. (3 cr) *
ART 496 Senior Capstone (0 or 1 cr)
ART 433 Studio Photography (3 cr)
NOTES:
* Graphic Design courses are required to be taken in the sequence as shown. This is only a recommended sequence for the liberal arts courses, studio courses and art history courses.
** ART 112 may be taken in Fall or Spring semester.
AHI Group A – choose one: Courses include: AHI 200, 211, 238, 280, 285, 295, 390, 399
AHI Group B – choose one: Courses include AHI 300, 344, 350, 366, 380, 388, 390, 498
‹ OR › means that these courses are offered both Fall and Spring and are interchangeable.
Eligible students may enroll in a fifth Art History course to earn an Art History minor.
Professional Accreditation:
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
The Center for Art & Design at The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Programs offered by The College of Saint Rose for the preparation of all school professionals, leading to initial and advanced certifications, are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.ncate.org/
New York State Education Department (NYSED)
The College of Saint Rose, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province, is chartered by the Board of Regents of New York State. All of its degrees and programs are registered and its professional programs fully approved by the Board of Regents through the New York State Education Department.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
The College of Saint Rose is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267-284-5000) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. http://www.msche.org/
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study:
Careers in Graphic Design
Almost 100% of the graphic design graduates achieve full employment in their field within one year of graduation. Senior students attend national job fairs and portfolio reviews, including an open portfolio night where prospective employers meet students and view portfolios at The College of Saint Rose. In addition, there is a vibrant alumni community that offers both internship placement and job placement opportunities.
The broad employment opportunities available to graphic design graduates from The College of Saint Rose include:
Abercrombie & Fitch, OH
Anthropologie, Philadelphia, PA
BBC America, NY, NY
Haddad Brands, NY, NY
Hallmark, Inc., Kansas City, MO
Kikkerland Design Inc., NY, NY
McCann Erickson Worldwide, NY, NY
Motiv Design, Boston, MA
MTV Networks, NY, NY
Natural Resource Defense Council, NY, NY
The New York Times, NY, NY
Nike, Portland, OR
Ralph Lauren Polo, NY, NY
Sports Illustrated, NY, NY
Washington Times, Washington, DC
Preparation for Graduate Studies
The professional preparation of the BFA degree in graphic design at The College of Saint Rose allows students to find rewarding employment in this field without the need for advanced study. However, if students choose to pursue a graduate degree, they will be well prepared to succeed. Graduates have been accepted by some of the most prominent design programs in the country including:
Kent State University, Kent, OH
Minneapolis College of Art, Minneapolis, MN
Portfolio Center, Atlanta, GA
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
The School of Visual Arts, NY, NY
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Tyler School of Art of Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Additional Art Admissions Information:
Portfolio Preparation Guidelines
Yes. You need a portfolio.
Your portfolio says a lot about who you are, what interests you and how you see the world.
Select works that focus on your progress and what’s important to you. Think of your portfolio as an opportunity to share your vision with like-minded creatives.
Include work that demonstrates your confidence! You will want to: showcase your ability to draw from observation; highlight the star pieces that show you at your best; and, include works that demonstrate your willingness to take risks, engage in the art-making process and step out of your comfort zone.
Your portfolio should include the following:
15 – 20 works total
Work should be recent (created within a two-year window) and relevant to your interests!
5 drawings from direct observation
Drawing from life is key in assessing how you see, interpret relationships and experience the world. For example, drawings should demonstrate your approach to composition, mark making and quality of light. Still life, self-portrait, interior space and landscape can be explored. Consider how you demonstrate your understanding of value in these pieces. These five drawings should not be drawn from photographic references or include anime.
Remember, it’s not what you choose to draw but how you choose to approach your subject that counts.
10 – 15 additional works
Follow the advice above and showcase your unique vision and abilities. Consider including a series of works exploring the same idea in a variety of media. Get comfortable with the experience of confidently assessing the results of your explorations and be prepared to talk about your ideas and process during your review. To get ready, ask yourself: What was your initial inspiration? How did you approach making the work? Are you satisfied with the results? What did you learn in the process?
Your sketchbook or journal is your space to explore and create! Include it as a supplement to your portfolio since it can provide real insight into what motivates you.
Presentation
Keep work neat and flat, with a slip-sheet between each piece. Matting, mounting, or framing is unnecessary and adds bulk to your portfolio. Larger works, three-dimensional and digital work can be presented in digital or photo documentation. When documenting work be sure that the images are clear and lighting is beneficial to the work.
Your Portfolio Review: When, Where and How?
On-Campus
Register on line for your review on one of our Center for Art & Design Portfolio Review Days. Have an individual review, tour our facilities, see current work and meet faculty and students.
Or schedule a weekday portfolio review by calling the Art Office at 518-485-3900.
On the Road
For a comprehensive list including National and Regional Portfolio Review dates go to https://www.strose.edu/academics/schools/school-of-arts-humanities/center-for-art-design/portfolio-review-calendar/
Online
We work with the online portfolio admissions site SlideRoom:
First year students
https://strose.slideroom.com
Transfer students
https://strose.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/47092
Please include in the notes section the title, size, media, date completed and comments for each work.
By Mail
Digital submissions are also acceptable. Please include an inventory with the title, size, media, date completed and comments for each work. DO NOT send original artwork.
Attn: The Center for Art & Design
The College of Saint Rose
432 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
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