State University of New York-Purchase
The School of Art+Design at Purchase College (State University of New York-Purchase) offers a well-respected BFA program known for its depth, merit, and intensity. Supported by a faculty of working artists, the BFA is designed to prepare graduates for the complex world of modern design.
Purchase College defines graphic design as a field of professional art that influences culture through visual communication and the artist/designer as the creator of ideas through the application of imagination, theory, and visual language. To these ends, the School of Art+Design is committed to training artists/designers who are prepared to enter the evolving world of visual communications.
The Graphic Design major at Purchase College is exposed to the breadth of visual communication media including books, magazines, pamphlets, signage, packaging, television and film graphics, interactive and multimedia design, web design, exhibitions and displays, and two-, three-, and four-dimensional modeling. Students also benefit from the program's unique emphasis on the overlapping areas of print, electronic graphic design, and experimental publishing. Through applied studio work, students gain practical experience in bringing concepts to realization.
The BFA program begins with a first year of foundation courses followed by a series of courses in history, theory, and technique which become increasingly advanced over the next three years. Throughout the program, faculty members guide students to develop their individual voice and style. In addition, students have the option of pursuing bookmaking and experimental publishing courses through a partnership with the Printmaking Program. This further defines the graphic design BFA at Purchase as a thorough but adaptable program that allows design students to explore overlap with other disciplines.
