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 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 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.

  • Minimum grades of C- or better in DES 2001, DES 2002 , and DES 2003 along with an approved portfolio review are required to enter the Graphic and Interactive Design major. The purpose of the mandatory feedback session is to assist students in their planning and set them up for success in selecting and completing their chosen discipline.
  • The required Graphic and Interactive Design courses must be completed with a C- or better to fulfill major requirements. 

Major Requirements for BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design

Sophomore Requirements

DES 2001Introduction to Design and Illustration3
DES 2002Introduction to Digital Tools3
DES 2003Introduction to Typography3
Total Credit Hours9

Note:

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.

Protocol for Portfolio Reviews

There will be two portfolio feedback cycles in the Design and Illustration (DES) department 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 DES 2001 classes. They will also be posted on the Design and Illustration Canvas group. All full-time DES faculty will serve on the Portfolio Feedback Committee.

Applicants must have completed all Tyler Foundations courses (or had approved transfer courses as noted by the Tyler Admissions Office) and the three (3) prerequisites for the major: DES 2001, DES 2002, and in DES 2003 with a C-minus or better

Application and Feedback

Application forms for students who wish to major in Graphic and Interactive Design will be available for eligible students in the department's Design and Illustration Canvas group.

Students who have completed or who are currently enrolled in the three prerequisites for the Graphic and Interactive Design major (DES 2001, DES 2002, and DES 2003) and intend to submit an application for the mandatory portfolio feedback session will be able to obtain an application form, template, and detailed application instructions on Canvas by mid-semester.

Incomplete or late portfolio feedback applications will not be reviewed, but students may re-apply for the next review cycle.

Following the Portfolio Feedback session, students will receive their feedback and acceptance to their chosen major. All students must confirm their intent to major by the deadline or they will forfeit their admission and will need to re-apply in the next portfolio feedback cycle.

Junior Requirements

DES 3001Design and Illustration3
DES 3002Digital Tools3
DES 3101Typography 13
DES 3102Typography 23
Select one DES Studio Elective from the list below3
One additional Studio Elective is required and is strongly recommended to be taken from the DES or additional Studio Electives listed below3
Design or Illustration History Requirement
Select one of the following:4
History of Modern Graphic Design
History of Illustration
Graphic Design Theory
History of Modern Graphic Design
History of Illustration
Graphic Design Theory
Total Credit Hours22

Note:

In the junior year, Typography 1 and 2 must be taken in sequence (DES 3101 in Fall / DES 3102 in Spring).

Senior Requirements

DES 3103Typography 33
Select two DES Studio Electives from the list below6
One additional Studio Elective is required and is strongly recommended to be taken from the DES or additional Studio Electives listed below3
Capstone Requirements
DES 4096Capstone: Thesis3
DES 4101Capstone: GAID Portfolio3
Total Credit Hours18

Note:

  • Additional 3000-level DES courses may be taken as studio electives.
  • The Capstone: Thesis (DES 4096) and Capstone: GAID Portfolio (DES 4101) are offered in spring semesters only. These two courses must be taken in addition to the required DES courses listed above.
  • DES 4096 is one of the two required writing intensive courses. The other writing intensive course must be DES 3596 or an Art History course.

DES Studio Electives

DES 3531Brand Identity for Hospitality3
DES 3532Brand Identity for Sports3
DES 3533Brand Identity for Museums3
DES 3541Form Making3
DES 3542Design for Digital Marketing3
DES 3543Design for Advertising3
DES 3544Design Activism3
DES 3545Typeface Design3
DES 3546Packaging Design3
DES 3547Wayfinding3
DES 3548Design Sprints3
DES 3549Editorial Design3
DES 3551Lettering Design3
DES 3552Illustrated Book Design3
DES 3553Poster Design3
DES 3554Illustration for Design3
DES 3555Murals3
DES 3556Illustrated Journalism3
DES 3557Stylized Figure for Illustration3
DES 3558Illustrated Scenes and Settings3
DES 3559Icons and Illustration Systems3
DES 3561Motion Design3
DES 3562Creative Coding3
DES 3563Advanced Digital Tools3
DES 3564Accessible Design3
DES 3565Design Systems3
DES 3566Service Design3
DES 36673
DES 3568Design Research Methods3
DES 35693D Product Design and Animation3
or ART 3041 3D Product Design and Animation
DES 3571Event Design3
DES 3572Entrepreneurial Design3
DES 3573Design Studio3
DES 3585Internship3
DES 3596Studio Management3
DES 36513
DES 3841Design and Illustration Workshop in Japan 16
DES 3842Design and Illustration Workshop in Rome3
DES 3201User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) Design 13
DES 3202User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) Design 23
DES 3301Illustration 13
DES 3302Illustration 23
1

DES 3841 is a six-credit course; it may fulfill the six-credit elective requirement.

Additional Recommended Studio Electives

ART 1702Artist Books, Zines and Independent Publishing3
ART 2205Book Structures3
ART 3511Digital Drawing3
ART 2011Socially Engaged Arts Practices in Communities3
ART 2601Digital Photography I3
ART 2602Digital Imaging3
ART 2061Moving Image and Sound3
ART 3614The Photo Book: Making and Understanding3

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 2025-2026 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
DES 2001 Introduction to Design and Illustration 3
DES 2002 Introduction to Digital Tools 3
DES 2003 Introduction to Typography 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
DES or 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
DES 3001 Design and Illustration 3
DES 3002 Digital Tools 3
DES 3101 Typography 1 2 3
Design or Illustration History Course 3 4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
DES 3102 Typography 2 4 3
DES Studio Elective 3
DES or ART Studio Elective 3
Art History Elective (WI) 5 4
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours16
Year 4
Fall
DES 3103 Typography 3 2,6 3
DES Studio Elective 6 3
DES Studio Elective 6 3
Non-Studio Elective 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
DES 4096 Capstone: Thesis [WI] 4 3
DES 4101 Capstone: GAID Portfolio 4,6 3
DES or ART Studio Elective 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Open Elective 7 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

Choose one from DES 3401, DES 3403, DES 3497 or ARTH 2601, ARTH 2676, ARTH 2696.

4

Courses offered in Spring only.

5

If students took DES 3596 as their second Writing Intensive requirement, a non-Writing Intensive Art History course will fulfill the Art History requirement.

6

DES 3101 or DES 3102 or DES 3103 and a minimum of two DES 3000-3999 studios must be successfully completed in the Fall to take DES 4101 or DES 4201 or DES 4301

7

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.

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.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/educators/certification.html

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 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 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.