Our technology and facilities set Kendall apart from other design programs. Our labs are modeled on real-world design studios. And our students work with the same technology as their prospective employers, fostering a seamless transition from student life to a professional career.

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Graphic designer, retail or package designer, art director, production manager, design firm principal

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• Supportive Studio

  • Design Drawing I (3)

    KCDS 142

    Freehand drawing using basic perspective principles and quick sketch techniques.

  • Design Drawing II (3)

    KCDS 143

    Advanced freehand drawing and sketching with the addition of color media.

  • Web Design I (3)

    KCDM 317

    Focuses on hand-coding HTML and applying HTML principles to create well designed Web pages. Formerly KCVC 317

• Major Studio

  Industry/Collaborative Experience (3)

  • Graphics Studio I (3)

    KCGD 112

    An introduction to the computer as a design tool using the industry standards in page layout and digital illustration software. File transport (PDF) and font management software will also be introduced.

  • Design and Color (3)

    KCGD 113

    An introduction to the visual and verbal vocabularies of design and color as they relate to graphic design. Formerly KCVC 113

  • Introduction to Graphic Design Communications (3)

    KCGD 120

    Focuses on the principles, elements, and working procedures of the design and visual presentation of communication pieces. Formerly KCVC 120

  • Graphics Studio II (3)

    KCGD 122

    Introduces the basics of photography using the digital camera and how to use photo manipulation software as a “digital darkroom” for color correction and digital manipulation. Formerly KCVC 122

  • Typography I (3)

    KCGD 214

    An introduction to the fundamental aspects of typography. History, structure, form and appropriate application of type will be emphasized.

  • Typography II (3)

    KCGD 220

    Addresses complex communication problems that incorporate the use of type and type systems as visual and expressive devices. Formerly KCVC 220

  • Graphics Studio III (3)

    KCGD 222

    An advanced computer course focusing on combining the use of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create graphic imagery primarily for aesthetic-oriented pieces such as posters or book, CD and DVD covers. Formerly KCVC 222

  • Concept Development (3)

    KCGD 310

    Focuses on making connections between idea and visualization using type, imagery, and color to solve communication problems. The initial stages of the design process – brainstorming, research, creative briefs, and various forms of conceptualizing and thumbnailing will be emphasized throughout the course. Formerly KCVC 310

  • Production Processes (3)

    KCGD 340

    This course introduces the vocabulary and fundamentals of paper, binding, ink, special printing and finishing options, mockups, press choices, and graphic reproduction methods that influence a printed design piece. Formerly KCVC 340

  • Branding: Identity and Promotion (3)

    KCGD 311

    An in-depth study of the relationship of layout, type, image, color, and copy used to brand and market a product, service, or message in a variety of formats. Formerly KCVC 311

  • Advertising Design (3)

    KCGD 312

    The philosophical and psychological principles of advertising design as they relate to the client, the target audience, and the media. Formerly KCVC 312

  • Package Design (3)

    KCGD 313

    The study of graphic design principles and elements as they are applied to three-dimensional packaging problems. Formerly KCVC 313

  • Publication Design (3)

    KCGD 315

    The conceptual development and design processes used in various types of multi-page, copy intensive publications. Formerly KCVC 315

  • Typography III (3)

    KCGD 324

    An advanced course in typography. Complex information design issues will be emphasized, along with the further study of the form, nature, and history of typography. Formerly KCVC 324

  • Digital Prepress (3)

    KCGD 440

    Covers the digital production and color management processes used to convert a digital layout into its final printed form. Formerly KCVC 440

  • Senior Seminar (3)

    KCGD 450

    Serves as a primer for the final portfolio production and portfolio thesis courses. Focuses on 1) evaluation, self-reflection, self-discovery; 2) relationships, business practices, ethics; 3) critical thinking, process, self-authorship; and 4) research methodology and design practice. Students will also study design within the context of larger social cultural, historical, and ecological concerns. Formerly KCVC 450

  • Portfolio Production (3)

    KCGD 461

    Students will prepare a professional portfolio for graduation. Formerly KCVC 461

  • Portfolio Thesis Project (3)

    KCGD 462

    The development of an individualized, multi-piece, varied media thesis project for the student’s portfolio. Formerly KCVC 462

  • Digital Portfolio (3)

    KCDM 460

    Students will learn to create interactive portfolios of their work for delivery via CD-Rom and the Web.

• Art History

  Art History Elective (3)

  • Western Art I: Prehistoric through the Renaissance (3)

    KCAH 111

    An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Western Art II: Baroque to the Present (3)

    KCAH 112

    A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; prehistoric through the renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • History of Graphic Design (3)

    KCAH 214

    A survey of important developments in the history of graphic design from the invention of alphabets to the digital age. Formerly KCAH 320.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences

  Science Elective (3)
  Math Elective (3)
  Humanities Elective (6)
  300/400 Humanities Elective (3)
  Social Science Elective (3)
  300/400 Social Science Elective (3)

  • Written Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 120

    Written Rhetoric provides students with practice in the art of writing well. Students who successfully complete the course will demonstrate competence in critical thought and expression and in the composition of expository prose. They will use writing both as a tool for discovery and communication, and they will shape their communication in response to audience and purpose. (Students who have earned credit for ENGL 150, English I, may not use credit earned in KCHU 120 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Oral Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 121

    Oral Rhetoric provides students with the skills and confidence needed to speak effectively in formal presentations. Course concentrations include the examination and practice of oral rhetoric, building on skills in common with Written Rhetoric. (Students who have earned credit for COMM 121, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, may not use credit earned in KCHU 121 to meet graduation requirements.)

  • Advanced Rhetoric (3)

    KCHU 320

    Advanced Rhetoric provides students with practice in analyzing, developing, and organizing various forms of persuasive discourse, including written, oral, and visual. Building on the skills developed in the two prerequisites, students apply their understanding of rhetorical concepts to the study of various social issues and cultural texts.

• Studio Electives

  Studio Electives (9)
  Recommended studio electives: Environmental Graphic Design, Advanced Advertising Design, Video, 3D Modeling, Introduction to Photography, Collaborative Class, New York or NeoCon summer seminars, Internship, all courses in Digital Media or other disciplines

Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.