This course exposes students to the professional environment through outside job opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, corporate communications departments, and other acceptable organizations. Students will work under the guidance of art directors, creative directors, senior graphic designers, or marketing communications managers and perform creative work that is educational and meaningful for their short-term academic goals as well as their long-range career preparation. Documentation of the experience is required and final review from employer is obtained. The appointed faculty adviser will meet with the student upon completion for final evaluation for a grade. Students must obtain pre-approval of their department and complete the Internship Approval Form. Credit earned is used toward elective credits.

Graphic Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to focus in a specialized area of graphic design with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, will propose a course of study. The independent study student must obtain permission of an instructor and department by completing the Independent Study Proposal Form to enroll.

This course involves the research, writing, and production of printed applications based on content developed from RIT’s unique archival resources (Vignelli Center, Cary Graphic Design Archive, Cary Collection and Wallace Library) and others. Typography and imagery are used to interpret topics such as design history, theory and criticism with formal visual language.

This course focuses on the functions of environmental graphic design in a three-dimensional environment. Through studies of theory of environmental design, exploration and conceptual development, design solutions are directed to assist users in negotiating, or wayfinding, through a space or environment, to identify, direct and inform. Topics include learning methods, communication theory, ergonomics, visual hierarchy, design principles and process. Areas of application include architectural graphics, signage systems, dynamic environments, mapping, exhibit design, museum experiences, and themed environments. Students also explore how to integrate both two- and three-dimensional components to develop physical and digital-based environments.