Bachelor Of Science In Graphic Design
Design is Thinking Made Visible – Saul Bass
Graphic Design, being one of the foremost means of communication today, allows students to develop personal visual responses that will stand out from the crowd. Students will have the opportunity to create ground breaking designs to meet a variety of graphic needs, including advertising, packaging, print media, branding and web production. Many companies rely on graphic arts professionals to create brand communications concerning their business objectives. A degree in the Graphic Design program from AUE can help you to take your creative talents into the fast-paced business world.
Facilities
Large design studios, state-of-the-art electronic media, printing facilities and an extensive library are all on hand for students to use in an open and engaging learning environment.
Aims
Good design is good business! Graphic Design at AUE offers students the chance to study a diverse range of disciplines including packaging, branding, advertising and publishing in order to ensure the most up-to-date training in professional design.
At AUE, we encourage learners to develop technical, creative and critical thinking skills that are essential to succeed in today’s demanding design industry. Students will be encouraged to develop ideas through experimentation and investigation, with the aim of challenging them to explore the broadest possibilities when responding to design briefs. Our inspirational lectures, workshops, presentations and tutorial support are designed to give students the best possible introduction to a career in design across a wide range of media.
- Demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge in fashion design concepts and processes using industry terminology.
- Use and integrate knowledge and relevant technologies, methodologies, and professional skills into meaningful visual communication design solutions.
- Apply critical thinking and analytical skills per creative industry standards.
- Produce a satisfactory body of creative work, appropriate for a professional position in the visual communication industry.
- Appraise graphic design practices, ethical and social responsibilities in regional and global contexts.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
For undergraduate degree completion, undergraduate students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
- Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
- The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
- Transfer students must successfully earn a minimum of 50% of the course credits for the program at AUE.
ACCREDITATION
Preparatory Courses
Prior to their enrollment in the program, students applying for Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design must sit for the placement test related to the program, failure to successfully passing the placement test, they are required to enroll in the following courses:
# | Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Exemption Condition |
1 | CIT 90 | Computer Preparatory | 0 | Passing the Placement Test |
2 | DES 90 | Drawing Preparatory | 0 | Passing the Placement Test |
3 | ENG 99 | Academic Writing (*) | 0 | Passing the Placement Test |
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Course Category
Total Number of Courses
Total Number of Credit Hours
General Education Courses
10
30
Core Courses
12
33
Specialization Courses
16
48
Free Electives
5
15
Total
43 Courses
126 Credit Hours
PROGRAM MODULES & DESCRIPTIONS
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES
10 COURSES | 30 CREDIT HOURS
A: University Core Requirements
The student selects 6 credit hours (2 courses) from the list below:
B: Languages and Communication Studies
The student selects 9 credit hours (3 courses) from the list below:
Students must take all of the following courses:
This course provides students with advanced writing skills in English so that they can successfully pursue their studies in various academic specializations. It helps students to develop, improve, and upgrade their writing and structure skills, and it also acquaints students with technical writing, research papers, and essays since brief research methods are applied in student projects and assignments.
Students must take one of the following Arabic Language courses:
C: The Natural sciences or Mathematics
The student selects 6 credit hours (2 courses) from the list below:
D: The Social or Behavioral Sciences
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below:
E: The Humanities or Arts
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below:
F: Islamic Studies
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below
G: UAE Studies
The student selects 3 credit hours (1 course) from the list below
CORE COURSES
12 COURSES | 33 CREDIT HOURS
This course examines color theory as an aid to communication, control and expression in traditional and contemporary design. The fundamental course allows students to explore color topics including color theory, color interaction, and color psychology. Students will study a wide range of creative and technical aspects of color and its use in design, experimenting with traditional mediums and digital applications.
This course is one of the fundamental courses in which the students will be introduced to the visual elements of design comprising of: point and line; shape and form; surface and texture; color and value; light and shadow; negative and positive space. The students will practice design principles: unity and variety; similarity; emphasis and point of interest; scale; proportion; and balance. This course is designed to give the students a strong understanding of 2D and 3D visual communications.
Fundamentals of Graphic Illustration and Digital Imaging introduces students to the use of a computer as a powerful digital drawing and imaging tool. The focus of the course is on basic computer skills and use, mastering fundamental digital illustration and imaging skills, and developing efficient working styles. The course learning experience incorporates a variety of visual artwork strategies including but not limited to, color/ texture enhancements, typography, pen/ brush tools, , perspective tool, using different color schemes. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects using Adobe Photoshop/ Illustrator.
This course provides a core introduction to drawing, covering a wide range of basic and intermediate practical and technical skills. Students will explore approaches and concepts to the subject through manual practice using a comprehensive range of media and with reference to great masters in the field. Traditional and objective drawing skills in the use of line, tone, form and perspective provide the foundation for learning in this course. Students are required to develop their ability to observe, perceive and interpret through drawing the world around them, reflecting their understanding of 2D and 3D space.
This course introduces students to different drawing concepts and skills through observation and exploration of several drawing techniques. In this course, students will develop the ability to express themselves, learn problem solving, and exploring portraiture, figure drawing, landscape drawing, advanced compositions, and explore its impact on their specialization. Critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and a self-directed improvement capability are essentially required for this course.
This course introduces students to human centered design thinking methods and practices through a variety of hands-on activities. DT is a methodology used by designers for the identification of problems and the definition of innovative solutions. Students will engage in processes for idea generation including sketching and diagramming, concept mapping and low-fidelity prototyping infusing visualization techniques and empathic tools into their design process.
This course is a chronological survey of art and design offering students an in-depth understanding of the role of art throughout history with a strong focus on aesthetic values, socio-cultural influences and technical terminology. Architecture, sculpture, painting, decorative arts, prehistoric art, design of the ancient world, the world beyond Europe, early Christian and Islamic art and the art of the Middle-Ages and Gothic period form the foundation of the course material spanning a period from 40,000 BC to 1300 AD.
This course covers the extensive cultural shifts from the early Renaissance through to the 20th century. Students will study painting, sculpture, furniture architecture as individual works in relation to their geographical, social, political, and religious environments. Also, analysis and comparative study of periodic decorative elements, strong designs and architectural features will be conducted.
In this course, students will learn various techniques to construct objects in digital 3D space, as well as physical 3D solutions. Students will follow a concept development process of research and sketching, to generate designs for 3D production. A final original design, related to each student’s major, will be constructed using industry-standard 3D software.
The course is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in design. Graphic, Interior, Fashion Design and Digital Animation are brought together into one studio environment to allow students with different skills and strengths work as a team solving a relatively complex design problem. Students develop a research plan followed by the establishment of intent and context for the topic and identification of stakeholders, leading to concept exploration and creation of a holistic design solution in cooperation with other specializations, institutes or with professionals from the industry.
Pre-Internship is a zero credit hour internship preparatory course designed for students seeking an internship. The course will prepare students to successfully plan their internship by researching and identifying potential internship opportunities, creating professional resume and letter of introduction, developing interviewing and networking skills as well as a portfolio per industry requirements. Students will go through different learning modules including experiences, team work skills, communication skills, leadership skills, problem solving, self-management and professionalism to be able to make the most of their internship.
The college considers students’ internship as an essential channel that brings together the college, the students, and the job marketplace. Furthermore, internship is a method that integrates the instructional theoretical backgrounds to real existing practice. The training allows them to work under the observation and guidance of the field supervisor without replacing any regular employee. The internship is closely monitored by a college faculty member as an academic supervisor.
SPECIALIZATION COURSES
16 COURSES | 48 CREDIT HOURS
This course provides a gateway to enhanced artistic expression and design proficiency, tailored specifically for design students who are required to tackle various means of handling visual interpretations of the human figure across diverse creative disciplines such as Animation and Graphic Design as well as being relevant to those interested in particular facets of Fine Art, Illustration and Fashion design practice. Students will explore the human figure through drawing within the framework of intensive studio practice, honing technical, perceptual and conceptual abilities, while mastering the art of capturing the human form through quick gesture drawings and extended figure studies. Structure, proportion, dynamism and movement, are reflected through studies of line, the interplay of light with form, and tonality to suggest volume and weight effectively through intense drawing exercises.
This course explores the evolution of graphic communication from prehistory through postmodern design and the digital revolution. Building on the learning experiences of Art History I and II, as well as historical information gleaned from other courses, students will develop a clear and chronological grasp of the evolution of Graphic Design principles and practices throughout history, with particular focus on the role of mass production, printing, mass media and digital developments. Students will consider the impact of technological advances and enhancements as well as reflect on the comparisons and contrasts that can be found across all areas of visual communication throughout time. This will be communicated through a series of quizzes, exams, written essays and papers in which students are required to make cogent and wellinformed observations on the evolution of this field.
This course is an indepth examination of the function of typography as a visual element within the larger context of graphic communication. Students will explore the role that typography plays in shaping the form and content of visual communication. It expands their thinking and practice related to diverse forms of visual expression and enhance their abilities to visualize and communicate complex information that is mainly typographic. Through reading, research, critique, studio practice and design production students will explore a variety of advanced design problems and build skills in communicating visual meaning.
This course is an introductory exploration into the dynamic realm of graphic design and visual communication design systems. Building upon existing knowledge, students will delve into the fundamental elements of design, including spatial relationships, typography, hierarchy, color management, and imagery. The course is structured to empower students with the skills to conceptualize and execute practical visual solutions. Through a series of engaging projects, students will tackle basic design problems, employing a thoughtful investigation of design elements and principles.
This course explores communication design theories, methods, and practices, emphasizing the creation of interactive digital experiences across various digital platforms. Students will also utilize industry-standard tools and software to create high-fidelity design prototypes and interactive digital experiences by providing an appropriate design solution.
This course offers an in-depth examination of Arabic Typography, encompassing its historical development, contemporary applications, and associated challenges. The emphasis is on employing Arabic Typography within design contexts and comprehending the essentials of Arabic typography design, striving to achieve equilibrium between functionality, legibility, and aesthetic allure. Through practical sessions, discussion, and exploration of relevant software, students will delve into the bedrock of Arabic type design. This entails drawing inspiration from historical practices while simultaneously addressing current design challenges and applications. The course is designed to equip students with the skills needed for nuanced and effective use of Arabic typography in their future careers
This course covers the theory of digital production, compositing and working in digital formats. Students will follow the production pipeline to learn story development through scripting, storyboarding, video recording and editing, lighting techniques, audio production and to author original content. Students will work with different narrative structures to tell a compelling story.
This course focuses on brand design and identity through a series of exercises and projects. Students will utilize a range of acquired art and design skills to investigate existing design work and generate original visual communication solutions and demonstrate effective design thinking. They will be exposed to industry standards and international practices, and will learn to interpret design briefs, responding to the needs and specifications of the client.
This course explores the theory and practical application of information design, emphasizing various elements such as data visualization, information architecture, and illustration techniques. This will cover the Key areas of sign systems, wayfinding methods, ideographs, symbol-based communication, as well as charts, graphs, and public information presentation. Additionally, it will explore the corporate communication systems, interactive design, and related subjects. Students will develop advanced skill set for effective information communication through a blend of theoretical study and hands-on application
This course introduces the theory and production of motion graphics utilizing industry-standard software and current broadcast techniques with emphasis on classic animation principles and workflow. The focus is on animating with typography, graphic symbols, shapes and color, to design and produce highly compelling time-based motion graphics and typography for broadcast, web, and mobile platforms.
This course familiarizes students with sustainable packaging design, emphasizing eco-friendly approaches, structural innovation, and visually compelling solutions throughout the entire packaging design process. It explores three-dimensional packaging structures for a diverse range of products, prioritizing environmental sustainability and user experience. From initial sketches to final presentations, students will sharpen their skills in conceptual development, prototyping, typography, structural and visual design, and material considerations, with assignments spanning across various product categories.
This course explores advanced techniques in layout and editorial design for both digital and print publications. Through the integration of technology and creative concepts, students will explore cutting-edge innovations in graphic design. Students are expected to create visually appealing and dynamic layouts for a variety of media to meet industry standards.
This course is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively prepare for their capstone graduation project. Through a series of inclass and out-class activities, students will gain an understanding of the project requirements, learn how to select a suitable topic, conduct research and visual analysis, develop design concepts, and case study discussion. This course will provide students with the foundational tools and guidance they need to successfully undertake their capstone graduation project.
The capstone graduation project is the representation of the students’ in-depth learning and understanding of their field of specialization through a long-term project accomplished in a professional manner. They are evaluated on their ability to complete this project with originality and quality, applying the skills, techniques, and methodologies they have learnt during their course of study. The student is assigned to research and identify a topic, and develop a detailed research proposal highlighting the goals, objectives, tasks, methodology and time plan. The topic could range from academic research to school/ community service, student-developed business, or any other area of personal interest. The student communicates regularly with his/ her academic-capstone advisor for review, while working constantly to improve the outcome by building upon previously gained expertise. The academic-capstone advisor contributes through meaningful feedback and setting expectations of standards, offering an opportunity for open-ended learning through self-reflection and improvement. The process is documented, findings are compiled and presented orally as well as in writing through a capstone report. The project is divided into three distinct phases: 1. Research and topic selection 2. Conceptual and design development 3. Design execution/ design presentation, with necessary documentation and a comprehensive report
This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on various issues in graphic design and to study advanced techniques and processes. Course content vary each time the course is offered. The course emphasizes research analysis and the creative process that leads to innovative solutions and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. The course may include lectures, discussions, individual projects and critique, depending on the nature of the topic.
ELECTIVE COURSES
5 COURSES |15 CREDIT HOURS
15 Credit Hours must be chosen from any other college/ specialization in condition the prerequisites of the chosen courses are met.
RECOMMENDED STUDY PLAN

DEPARTMENT CHAIR

Mr. Wameedh Jamil
Assistant Professor / Department Chair - Graphic Design