» Recommended Classes for First-Year Graphic Design Majors

Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Graphic Design major at Chapman. 

In your first semester, students typically take 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). 12 credits are required to be in full-time status.

Introductory Math Requirement

As an incoming first-year student, you must take a math assessment. If you place into Math 100 (Learning and Studying Mathematics for Understanding), then you must enroll in this course in your first year (fall or spring semester). For more information, visit our Math Assessment webpage. 

General Education Classes

You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:

GE Language Study (strongly recommended)

GE Quantitative Inquiry

Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.You may be able to fulfill some of your GE requirements with classes from your major and/or minor. 

You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.

Visual Thinker Lecture Series (VTLS) Requirement

All Art, Art History, and Graphic Design Majors, as well as minors hosted in the Art Department, are required to attend 3 guest lectures per semester including two speakers in the Visual Thinker Lecture Series (VTLS) and the Bensussen Lecture each semester. These events are scheduled at 12 p.m. and may be during another class time. Please make sure to plan ahead and schedule accordingly.

Fall Semester

Graphic Design Majors are part of the Block Scheduling program for first-year students in the Fall 2023 semester. You will be pre-registered by the department in your major course in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around this required major course.

Please meet with your Graphic Design Program Advisor in the fall semester so you can plan and register for the following semesters.

GD 102 - Research Methods (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 3

GD 103 - Visualization (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 3

FFC 100D - You Choose! 
Credits: 3

All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations. The class will introduce you to college and there is a different topic for every section. As a Graphic Design major, you must select an FFC 100D option from the Wilkinson College - Engaging the World category. 

GE class or Minor Exploration class
Credits: 3

GE class or Minor Exploration class 
Credits: 3

Spring Semester

GD 100 - Book Arts/Lettering 
Credits: 3

ART 122 - Objects and Space 
Credits: 3

ART 195 - Art and Text
Credits: 3

GE class or Minor Exploration class 
Credits: 3

GE class or Minor Exploration class
Credits: 3