Pacific Northwest College of Art Graphic Design pathway
PNCA Graphic Design BFA Curriculum and PCC Graphic Design Degree. This pathway is designed for Graphic Design Majors.
| PNCA Course | Sem. Credits | PCC Transferable Course | Qtr. Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Studio | |||
| FD101 Visual Elements: 2D | 3 | GD 114 Introductory Typography | 3 |
| FD102 Visual Elements: Digital Tools | 3 | GD 160 Digital Imaging I and GD 150 Digital Illustration I | 3, 3 |
| FD105 Basic Drawing | 3 | ART 131A Drawing I | 4 |
| FD111 3D Design | – | Course may be waived for Studio Elective, pending PNCA Department Head approval and student’s Interest. | |
| FD112 Time Arts | – | Course may be waived for Studio Elective, pending PNCA Department Head approval and student’s Interest. | |
| FD100 First Year Seminar | – | Waived | – |
| Section Semester Credit | 9 | Section Quarter Credit | 13 |
| Liberal Arts | |||
| LA122 Writing in Context | 3 | WR 121Z English Composition | 4 |
| LA225 Perspectives on Society & Culture | 3 | General Education I: Social Science Course | 4 |
| LA225 Perspectives on Society & Culture | 3 | COMM 111 Public Speaking | 4 |
| MTH101 Mathematics | 3 | BA 239 Advertising or (3) BA 223 Principles of Marketing (4) | 3-4 |
| MTH101 Mathematics or SCI 223 Natural Science | 3 | General Education II: Math / Science / Computer Science Course PCC General Education Course I |
4 |
| Section Semester Credit | 15 | Section Quarter Credit | 19-20 |
| Art History | |||
| AH125 Exploring Visual Culture | 3 | Any 100+ level Art History Course PCC General Education Course II |
4 |
| Major Specific Art History Course AH 213: History of Design Arts |
3 | ART 214 History of Graphic Design | 4 |
| Section Semester Credit | 6 | Section Quarter Credit | 8 |
| Other | |||
| GD245 Typography I | 3 | GD 116 Intermediate Typography | 3 |
| GD 246 Typography II | 3 | GD 141 Digital Page Design 2 and GD 221 Graphic Design 4 |
3, 3 |
| GD 241 Design Studio I: Signs & Symbols | 3 | GD 122 Graphic Design 2 and GD124 Graphic Design 3 |
3, 3 |
| GD 242 Design Studio I: Psychology of Seeing | 3 | GD 222 Graphic Design 5 | 3 |
| GD 251 Fundamentals of Interactive Media * Students may choose to take GD251 as a studio elective depending on student’s interests |
3 | GD 182 Screen Design Principles and GD 260 Digital Imaging 2 |
3, 3 |
| GD247 Production | 3 | GD 244 Print Strategies and GD 140 Digital Page Design I |
3, 3 |
| TH 300 Professional Practice | 3 | GD 228 Professional GD Practices and GD 229 Portfolio Preparation *Students may still need to take TH300, pending Dept Head approval. If so, class credit will count toward Studio Elective. |
3, 3 |
| Studio Elective Will Fulfill Design Specific Studio Elective |
9 | Choose From List GD 120 Graphic Design I (3) GC 151 Digital Illustration 2 (3) GD 239 Illustration for Graphic Designers (3) GD 242 Combined Graphic Programs (3) GD 280A Internship (3) and ART 140A Digital Photography (4) Art 272, 273, or 274 (Printmaking) (4) ART 219 A, B, C (Hand Lettering) *Courses in bold are recommended by PCC |
13-15 |
| Total Section Semester Credit | 33 | Total Section Quarter Credit | 47 |
| Total Semester Credit | 60 | Total Quarter Credit | 92 |
Graphic Design Studio Electives: 9 General Credits / 3 Design Specific Credits
Total Credits for a BFA degree at PNCA: 121 semester credits
Note: A grade of C- or better must be earned in order for a class to transfer.
Updated 2025