Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design (GAID), offered by the Department of Design and Illustration, does more than prepare students for careers in print and screen-based design—it teaches them how to create unforgettable experiences that make the world a better place.

Tyler GAID majors join a tight-knit network of students, teachers and alumni that embraces the power of design to open minds, move hearts, shape environments and heal communities. Tyler's faculty help students find their unique voice and wield it to solve complex social challenges that impact us all, from poster campaigns that spotlight the effects of climate change to apps that address the problem of physical exercise for individuals who are visually impaired. Students are pushed to experiment and create original, research-driven concepts across all platforms, including illustration, typography, packaging, web sites, social media, virtual reality and real-life spaces.

Students at Tyler get the best of both worlds: an intimate community with small classes and personal mentorship; and access to the facilities, academic experts and resources of Temple, a leading public research university based in Philadelphia, with its dynamic arts and culture scene and opportunities for professional advancement.

Each student moves from a common foundation curriculum that introduces materials and processes and prepares them for success in a range of fields of study. Those who select Art as their major will work side-by-side with majors in Visual Studies, Art Education and Art Therapy. The dynamic exchange of ideas that result from these interdisciplinary conversations spur intellectual risk and drive research-based creative concepts.

Upon graduation, students have the practical skill sets and honed aesthetic for successful careers in studio art, art education and design, as well as attend top-tier graduate programs.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: TA-GID-BFA

Concentration

Students may complete an optional Concentration in Art Education.

Admissions

Admission to Tyler's Studio Art (Bachelor of Fine Arts) programs is based on a review of academic credentials and portfolio review. For detailed information on how to apply, please visit Tyler's Studio Art admissions page.

Because of the demand for a limited number of spaces in the Graphic and Interactive Design major, all BFA students who are not yet declared majors in Graphic and Interactive Design will have to apply for the Sophomore Portfolio Review in GAID in order to get into the major, regardless of when that student started at Tyler or when they took Graphic Design (GAD 2001) and Computers for Design (GAD 2021).

The review process is required for any Tyler student seeking to enter the major. Because the GAID program follows a strict fall/spring sequence, students may only begin as GAID majors in the fall semester. Students must complete the program in sequence as the capstone courses are offered only in the spring. Admitted students must begin taking required courses in the major at the junior (3xxx) level in the academic year immediately following official admission to the major or their admission to the major will be forfeited.

It is strongly recommended that potential applicants for admission to the GAID major attend one of the official sophomore advising meetings with the GAID Program Head where the application process will be explained. The process will also be explained by the instructors in each section of GAD 2001.

Laptop Requirement for GAID Majors

The Design and Illustration department is committed to excellence in design and the full integration of technologies within our discipline to best educate and prepare our students to become leaders in this field. A thorough understanding of the changing nature of design and the integral role that technology plays in it is essential for all our students to be active participants in this ever-changing environment.

For full device and software requirements and recommendations, please see the Graphic and Interactive Design Laptop Requirements.

Study Abroad

Students who plan to study abroad should arrange to meet with their academic advisor and the Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office as early as possible, preferably during the freshman year, in order to explore options and plan the sequence of courses that would be most appropriate.

Accreditation

Temple University is a non-profit accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). NASAD establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational and other art/design-related endeavors.

Contact Information

Dermot Mac Cormack, Chair
Tyler School of Art Building, Rooms 210T and 240L
610-653-8227
dermot@temple.edu

Kelly Holohan, Program Head
Tyler School of Art Building, Room 240M
215-777-9733
kholohan@temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Summary of Requirements

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic and Interactive Design may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 126 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. All Graphic and Interactive Design majors must complete the BFA curriculum and General Education requirements.

The required Junior/Senior courses must be completed with a C- or better to fulfill major requirements. 

Requirements for BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design

Sophomore Requirements

GAD 2001Graphic Design3
GAD 2021Computers for Design3
Note:
  • A minimum final grade of C- in GAD 2001 and in GAD 2021 along with the approved portfolio review is required to be accepted to the major.
  • Graphic and Interactive Design majors who plan to study abroad should do so in the second semester of their sophomore year if they plan to graduate in four years. These students should see the Area Head for advising prior to leaving.

GAID Protocol for Portfolio Reviews

There will be two portfolio review cycles in Graphic and Interactive Design (GAID) each academic year: the end of the Fall semester (December) and the end of the Spring semester (May). The portfolio reviews will take place in the week after final studio course reviews. Specific dates for the reviews will be announced at the beginning of each semester in the GAD 2001 classes. They will also be posted on Canvas and in the GAID suite. All full-time GAID faculty will serve on the GAID Portfolio Review Admissions Committee.

Applicants must have completed all Tyler Foundations courses (or had approved transfer courses as noted by the Tyler Admissions Office) and the 2 prerequisites for the major: GAD 2001 and GAD 2021 with a C-minus or better.

Application and Notification

The complete policy and application process is detailed on the Graphic and Interactive Design web site at https://tyler.temple.edu/programs/graphic-interactive-design.
Application forms will be available for eligible students on Canvas.

Students who have completed or who are currently enrolled in the two prerequisites for the GAID major (GAD 2001 and GAD 2021) and intend to submit an application for the Portfolio Review will be able to obtain an application form, portfolio template and detailed application instructions on Canvas by mid-semester.

Students who fail to submit all of the required materials for the Portfolio Review will be disqualified, but may re-apply at the next review cycle as a first-time submitter. Late submissions will not be reviewed.

Applicants to the GAID major will receive one of the following decisions from the committee after the review is completed: (i) accepted, (ii) not accepted, or (iii) revise and submit. Students who receive a "(iii) revise and submit" evaluation should re-apply in the next portfolio review cycle.

Students who pass the portfolio review for admission to the GAID major will be informed via TUmail. Within 2 weeks of receiving this e-mail, admitted students must reply to the acceptance e-mail to confirm that they definitively want to major in GAID. Students who do not confirm by that deadline will forfeit their admission to the major and will need to re-apply in the next GAID portfolio review cycle as a second-time submitter. Students are limited to no more than two applications to the major.

Junior Requirements

GAD 3001Advanced Graphic Design (fall only)3
GAD 3002Advanced Graphic Design (spring only)3
GAD 3011Typography3
GAD 3021Intermediate Computer Graphics3
Electives strongly recommended
GAD 3013Advanced Typography3
or GAD 3015 Advanced Typography
GAD 3023Interactive Design3
or GAD 3025 Interactive Design
GAD 3027Digital Narratives3
GAD 3031Illustration3
or GAD 3033 Illustration
GAD 3041Advertising Design3
GAD 3096The Business of Design (WI)3
GAD 3101Collaborative Design Workshop in Rome3
Note:
  • In the junior year, Advanced Graphic Design must be taken in sequence (GAD 3001 in Fall / GAD 3002 in Spring).
  • The prerequisites for Senior level design courses are the four required courses at the junior level: GAD 3001 (Fall), GAD 3002 (Spring), GAD 3011 (Fall or Spring), and GAD 3021 (Fall or Spring). GAD 3023 or GAD 3025 is strongly recommended for students taking GAD 3027. GAD 3023 or GAD 3025 is required for GAD 4007.
  • Students who plan to have an interactive portfolio only should take GAD 3023 or GAD 3025. GAD 3021 is the prerequisite for this course.
  • GAD 3096 (Fall or Spring) is Writing Intensive and must be passed with a C- or better to be recognized as Writing Intensive credit. It can replace a Writing Intensive requirement in Art History. In that case the Art History requirement can be fulfilled with an Art History course that is not Writing Intensive.

Senior Requirements

Select two specialized courses in Senior Graphic Design from the following:6
Advanced Typography
Advanced Typography
Digital Narratives
Advertising Design
Senior Design: Special Topics
Senior Design: Special Topics
Senior Graphic Design: Senior Design Workshop
Senior Graphic Design: Hybrid Design
Senior Graphic Design: Art Direction
Senior Graphic Design: Packaging
Senior Graphic Design: Publishing
Senior Graphic Design: Brand Identity
Senior Interactive Design
Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship
Senior Graphic Design: Design for the Public Good
Senior Illustration
Senior Illustration
Select one specialized course from the Senior Graphic Design list or one of the following:3
Illustration
Illustration
Interactive Design
Interactive Design
The Business of Design (WI)
Collaborative Design Workshop in Rome
Specialized Course Requirement
GAD 4009Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship (spring only)3
Capstone Requirement
GAD 4196Senior Portfolio (WI, Capstone, spring only)3
Note:
  • Additional 3xxx and 4xxx level GAD courses may be taken as studio electives.
  • The capstone GAD 4196 Senior Portfolio and GAD 4009 Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship are offered in spring semesters only. These two courses must be taken in addition to the three required senior (or equivalent) GAD courses listed above.

Suggested Academic Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different. 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
FDPR 1511 Foundation Drawing 1 3
FDPR 1521 2D Foundation Principles 3
FDPR 1531 3D Foundation Principles/W 3
FDPR 1503 Woodshop Fundamentals 1
ARTH 1155
Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300
or Honors Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300
3
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
4
 Credit Hours17
Spring
FDPR 1512 Foundation Drawing 3
FDPR 1522 2D Foundation Principles 3
FDPR 1532 3D Foundation Principles/C 3
FDPR 1502 Investigations of Art and Design 1
ARTH 1156
Arts of the World II: 1300 to the 21st Century 1
or Honors Arts of the World II: 1300 to the 21st Century
3
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
3
 Credit Hours16
Year 2
Fall
GAD 2001 Graphic Design 3
GAD 2021 Computers for Design 3
ART 2000-2999 Sophomore Studio Elective 3
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
3
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course GQ 4
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ART 2000-2999 Sophomore Studio Elective 3
ART 2000-2999 Sophomore Studio Elective 3
ART 2000-2999 Sophomore Studio Elective 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours15
Year 3
Fall
GAD 3001 Advanced Graphic Design 2 3
GAD 3011 Typography 3
GAD 3021 Intermediate Computer Graphics 3
Art History Elective 3 4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
GAD 3002 Advanced Graphic Design 4 3
ART or GAD Studio Elective 3
ART or GAD Studio Elective 3
Art History Elective WI 5 4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Year 4
Fall
Senior Graphic Design Course 6 3
Senior Graphic Design Course 6 3
GAD 3xxx/4xxx (Specialized or Advanced GAD course, as per senior requirements) 3
Non-Studio Elective 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
GAD 4009 Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship 4 3
GAD 4196 Senior Portfolio [WI] 4,6 3
ART or GAD Studio Elective 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Open Elective 3 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours126
1

These 2 courses constitute the waiver for the GenEd Arts category if the courses are completed with a C- or better.

2

Courses offered in Fall only.

3

Students completing a 3 credit Art History 2000+ elective must select a 4 credit open elective to reach the minimum 126 credits to earn the BFA degree.

4

Courses offered in Spring only.

5

OR GAD 3096 to fulfill the Writing Intensive requirement. If taken, a non-Writing Intensive Art History course will fulfill the Art History requirement.

6

A minimum of 2 senior studios must be successfully completed before taking GAD 4196. Senior studios are GAD 3013 (if taken in the senior year), GAD 3015 (if taken in the senior year), GAD 3027 (if taken in the senior year), GAD 3041 (if taken in the senior year), GAD 4000, GAD 4001, GAD 4002, GAD 4003, GAD 4004, GAD 4005, GAD 4006, GAD 4007, GAD 4008, GAD 4009, GAD 4010, GAD 4011, GAD 4111 and GAD 4112.

Please Note: An approved study abroad program waives the GenEd Global/World Society (GG) requirement; however, these credits must be made up with academic coursework taken outside of Tyler departments to be in compliance with BFA accreditation. Graphic and Interactive Design majors interested in studying abroad should plan to spend either spring semester of their second year, after completing the sophomore prerequisites for the major in the fall, or a summer semester to remain on track with required courses. Please see an academic advisor for more details.

Art Education Concentration

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with an optional Concentration in Art Education, offered by the Department of Art, is one of two pathways at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture to earning art teaching certification in Pennsylvania and becoming a teaching artist. Students may also become certified teachers through the Bachelor of Science in Education in Art Education.

Tyler offers students seeking a BFA degree an opportunity to earn Pennsylvania Teacher Certification in Art, K-12. The BFA with Art Education Concentration combines Tyler's art curriculum with approved courses in education and the liberal arts—all with Tyler's uniquely urban, community-based approach.

Offering students access to the resources of both a world-class art school and a large, public research university, Tyler's undergraduate Art Education programs prepare students to become thoughtful art teachers with the extensive knowledge and skills to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Tyler students take full advantage of the school's location in Philadelphia and the city's rich array of schools, communities, museums, galleries and artists, opening up opportunities for artistic growth, research, networking and jobs.

The Tyler faculty is committed to urban art education and the power of collaborating with communities. Tyler students don't just learn how to teach art and grow as artists—they learn how to affect positive change in the communities where they work.

Students must complete BFA requirements along with a three-year sequence in Education and Art Education that begins in the sophomore year. Typically five years are necessary to fulfill all requirements. Students work with both the Art Education faculty advisors and the Tyler academic advisors regarding completion of requirements.

Campus Location: Main

Accreditation

Temple University is a non-profit accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). NASAD establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.

Licensure/Certification

Teacher certification is the process used in the US to ensure that prospective K-12 teachers are qualified and prepared to teach at the levels and in the subjects that they intend to teach. Certification in Art Education prepares graduates to teach art to students from K-12. Certification is not always required by private institutions, but some may prefer to hire certified teachers.

In order to become certified in Art Education, students must complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, pass the Praxis exams required in their state of employment, and satisfy other state-licensing examinations, as applicable.

Temple University is a Pennsylvania state-approved teacher preparation program for K-12 Art. Completion of Temple University's Bachelor of Science in Education in Art Education or Master of Education in Art Education with Teaching Certification satisfies the necessary requirements for graduates to sit for the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Praxis Fundamentals.

For certification in some states, students may need to take the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for their desired grade levels, which they are prepared for through their field placements, classroom observations, and study of human development and pedagogy.

https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/BecomeAnEducator/Pages/ACPSpecialty.aspx

Admission

Admission to Tyler's Bachelor of Fine Arts programs is based on a review of academic credentials and portfolio review. For detailed information on how to apply, please visit Tyler's Studio Art admissions page.

Contact Information

Renee Jackson, Program Head for Art Education
Tyler Building, Art Education and Community Arts Practices Suite B090C
215-777-9258
renee.jackson@temple.edu

Summary of Requirements

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with the Art Education Concentration may be conferred upon a student by recommendation of the faculty and upon the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 155 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

University Requirements

All Temple students are required to complete the General Education (GenEd) curriculum.

  • Successful completion (minimum C-) of FDPR 1511 and ARTH 1156 satisfies the GenEd Arts (GA) requirement.
  • Successful completion (minimum C-) of EDUC 2109, SPED 2231, and TESL 3631 satisfies the GenEd Human Behavior (GB) requirement.
  • Summer or semester study abroad will satisfy the GenEd Global/World Society (GG) requirement.

BFA with Art Education Concentration Requirements

ARTE 2001, ARTE 3096, ARTE 4003, ARTE 4088, and ARTE 1001 must be completed with a C or better to fulfill concentration requirements.

Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in required College of Education coursework and additional mathematics requirement to fulfill concentration requirements.

Students in the BFA degree with the Art Education Concentration are required to take a Ceramics studio course and an additional studio course in Glass, Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM, or Fibers and Material Studies; a Painting studio course and an additional studio course in Painting or Sculpture; a Printmaking studio course and an additional studio course in Photography or Graphic Design. These courses may include prerequisite, sophomore, and/or studio courses within the student's chosen BFA major.

Any BFA student who wishes to pursue the Art Education Concentration must arrange to meet with the Art Education faculty advisor to discuss field placement, clearances, and requirements, as the state of Pennsylvania may change requirements after the Bulletin information has been posted. It is strongly suggested that students do so during their freshman year.

Studio Courses74
Foundation Program (20 credits)
2000 level Sophomore studios including major prerequisites (18 credits)
Major studio requirements (24-27 credits, varies depending on major)
Studio electives (9-12 credits, varies depending on major)
Art History Courses12-13
Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300
Honors Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300
Arts of the World II: 1300 to the 21st Century
Honors Arts of the World II: 1300 to the 21st Century
2000+ ARTH elective
2000+ ARTH elective
General Education Courses 129
Education Requirements19-18
Socio-cultural Foundations of Education in the United States
Adolescent Development for Educators
Introduction to Special Education
Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities
Principles and Practice for Teaching English Learners
Mathematics course (1000 level) for PA Certification
Art Education Courses21
Professional Practices in Art Education and Art Therapy
Science and Art of Teaching
Art in Elementary and Secondary School
Inclusive Art Education K-12 Students in the Art Room
Student Teaching
Total Credit Hours155
1

Students waived from General Education requirements via placement test (GW) or study abroad (GG) must make up the credits with electives to reach the minimum 155 credits to earn the degree.

Suggested Academic Plan

Please note that this is a suggested academic plan. Depending on your situation, your academic plan may look different. 

BFA with Art Education Concentration (Five-Year)

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
4
FDPR 1511 Foundation Drawing 1 3
FDPR 1521 2D Foundation Principles 3
FDPR 1531 3D Foundation Principles/W 3
FDPR 1503 Woodshop Fundamentals 1
ARTH 1155
Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300
or Honors Arts of the World I: Prehistoric to 1300
3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
3
FDPR 1512 Foundation Drawing 3
FDPR 1522 2D Foundation Principles 3
FDPR 1532 3D Foundation Principles/C 3
FDPR 1502 Investigations of Art and Design 1
ARTH 1156
Arts of the World II: 1300 to the 21st Century 1
or Honors Arts of the World II: 1300 to the 21st Century
3
 Credit Hours16
Year 2
Fall
Studio 3
Studio 3
Studio 3
EDUC 2103 Socio-cultural Foundations of Education in the United States 3
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
3
ARTE 1001 Professional Practices in Art Education and Art Therapy 1
 Credit Hours16
Spring
Studio 3
Studio 3
Studio 3
EDUC 2109 Adolescent Development for Educators 2 3
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course GQ 4
 Credit Hours16
Year 3
Fall
Studio Major Course 3
Studio Major Course 3
Studio Elective 3
Second Mathematics course for certification 3 3-4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours15-16
Spring
Studio Major Course 3
Studio Major Course 3
ARTE 2001 Science and Art of Teaching 4
SPED 2231 Introduction to Special Education 2 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Year 4
Fall
Studio Major Course 3
Studio Major Course 3
2000+ ARTH Elective 3 4-3
TESL 3631 Principles and Practice for Teaching English Learners 2 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16-15
Spring
Studio Major Course 3
Studio Major Course 3
Select one of the following: 3
CRFT (Major Capstone) WI
 
GAD (Major Capstone) WI
 
PDS (Major Capstone) WI
 
2000+ ARTH Elective 3
SPED 3211 Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities 3
 Credit Hours15
Year 5
Fall
Studio Elective 3
Studio Elective 3
ARTE 3096 Art in Elementary and Secondary School [WI] 4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
ARTE 4003 Inclusive Art Education K-12 Students in the Art Room 3
ARTE 4088 Student Teaching 9
 Credit Hours12
 Total Credit Hours155
1

These 2 courses constitute the waiver for the GenEd Arts category if the courses are completed with a C- or better.

2

These 3 courses constitute the waiver for the GenEd Human Behavior category if the courses are completed with a C- or better. 

3

Students need to complete either a 4-credit Art History 2000+ elective or a 4-credit second Mathematics course to reach the minimum 155 credits to earn the BFA degree with Art Education Concentration.