Graphic Journalism
The Graphic Journalism major actively combines the skills needed to write effective communication and to design visual materials in an aesthetic and communicative manner. You'll prepare for ever-expanding career opportunities in communications firms, public relations departments, advertising firms, and on in-house publications. Coursework in the areas of computer graphics, graphic design, writing, and editing make this a unique combination. You'll become proficient in computer software applications for graphic design and in writing ... and produce a professional portfolio of samples that combine talents from both writing and graphic design.
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Courses and Requirements
Departmental Courses in the Core:
- Basic Digital Photography
Prerequisite Courses:
- Beginning Desktop Publishing
- Reporting
Departmental Courses Required of All Majors:
- Digital Video & Audio
- Journalism Lab/Reporting
- Advanced Desktop Projects
- Publication Design Essentials
- Feature Writing OR
- Advanced Reporting
- Advanced Journalism Lab
- Newsletter and Copy Editing
- Multimedia for the Web
Courses From Other Departments Required of All Majors:
- Principles of Design I
- Communication for the Web
- Business of Graphic Design
- Vector Graphics
- Beginning Graphic Design
- Intermediate Graphic Design
- Digital Imaging
- Advanced Graphic Design
Choose One:
- Capstone Art Experience
- Communication Career Seminar
Free Electives:
- Media Advertising
- Multimedia for the Web
To see detailed course descriptions, please go to the current catalog HERE.
Career Options
Grand View Graphic Design majors have been very successful in the professional community. Strong emphasis on computer technology and excellent design training have given Grand View graduates a competitive edge.
Graduates of our program work for advertising agencies, magazine and book publishers, and newspapers. Freelance illustration and design as well as design studios provide other career options for our alumni.
Professional Positions
• Younkers
• Iowa Health System
• Sticks
• Des Moines Publishing
• Woodsmith
• Relationship Marketing Inc.
• Mercy Hospital Medical Center
• Gasoline Graphics
• Flynn/Wright Inc.
• Meredith Corporation
• Sayles Graphic Design
• The Principal Financial Group
• Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Meyocks & Priebe Advertising Inc.
• Competitive Edge Signage & Graphics
• The Vernon Company
• Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
• Type-O-Graphics Two, Inc.
• The Des Moines Register
Internships
Elective internship opportunities will be available with corporations and companies in communication departments to give students on-the-job experience before graduation.