The field of graphic design combines artistic talent with technological savvy to create communicative images and messages that influence all aspects of daily life. Pursuing a degree in graphic design requires significant artistic training, but understanding key math components is also necessary. Being aware of the math course requirements at both the undergraduate and graduate levels can help you assess if a degree in graphic design is right for you.
Undergraduate General Math Classes
Many graphic design undergraduate programs require three to four credits of math as part of degree completion. These courses can include traditional math subjects, such as algebra or calculus. They can also encompass more specialized topics like business statistics, visualizations or perspective geometry, which are geared to the needs of the graphic design major.
Undergraduate Specialized Math Classes
Some undergraduate graphic design programs offer a specialized math course designed for graphic design majors in place of more traditional math courses. Drexel University’s program, for example, mandates a Mathematical Foundations for Design course, while DePaul University’s program requires a Quantitative Reasoning and Technological Literacy course. Both courses cover mathematical and analytical concepts central to the study of graphic design, such as graphs, geometry, topology and proportional analysis in a one-semester class. While Drexel University’s course comes with no prerequisites, you can enroll in DePaul University’s version only if you have completed math coursework through algebra at the college level or you can pass a qualifying entrance exam.
Undergraduate Math-Related Classes
Added to these math requirements for graphic design majors are closely related courses in fields that rely heavily on mathematical functions and formulas. An example of such coursework would be that focused on computer design. These courses examine topic such as web design, digital imaging or digital type design. While technically not math classes, these courses require reliance on mathematical concepts to navigate issues of digital design, from understanding software systems to modeling and developing websites and other digital projects.
Graduate Math Classes
Study of graphic design at the graduate level typically does not require additional math courses. Master of Fine Arts programs in graphic design center on the art and art history of graphic design. Programs such as those offered by Iowa State University and the University of Maryland Baltimore County, for example, require a teaching practicum during your graduate education and UMBC also requires a curatorial seminar to increase your awareness of issues related to museum or gallery management. Emphasis at the graduate level is also placed on completing a capstone thesis project, which may or may not rely on mathematical preparation, depending on your individual area of graphic design interest.
- Virginia Commonwealth University: Undergraduate Core Curriculum
- California Institute of the Arts: School of Art Graphic Design BFA Course Structure
- DePaul University: Liberal Studies Requirements
- Drexel University: Graphic Design Degree Requirements
- DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media: Graphic Design (BFA) Major Requirements
- Iowa State University Department of Graphic Design: MFA in Graphic Design Degree Requirement
- University of Baltimore Maryland County: Graphic Design MFA Course of Study
- California Institute of the Arts: School of Art Graphic Design Sample MFA Curriculum
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