Design courses concentrate on teaching students about the field of graphic design and about problem-solving skills necessary for coming up with designs. For example, Appalachian State University offers five progressive graphic design courses as well as Graphic Design for the Internet and a seminar course, all of which require lecture and art studio class time.
Graphic design majors take many courses in typography, which studies type and how to create different forms of it, as well as how to use type and the trends in the industry. The California Institute of the Arts teaches a progressive series of typography courses, while Appalachian State University's program includes one course.
Classes required by the school may include courses in the history of design or typography. These courses concentrate on teaching how graphic design techniques have developed, such as Appalachian State University's History of Graphic Design.
Depending on the school you attend, there may be a number of core classes required. These courses cover topics from art history to drawing. For example, Appalachian State University requires students to take art studio and art history, as well as what the school calls "foundation" courses that cover topics such as art tools and art theories. Some schools, such as the California Institute of the Arts, are more specialized and do not have a core set of classes, although this school still requires what it calls "critical studies" courses similar to other universities' general education courses.
Some schools require that students meet with faculty members at least once in the student's time enrolled, or every year as expected at the California Institute of the Arts. Your work must pass this inspection before you are allowed to move on to the next year or to graduate.
The degree program may also require classes from outside of the art school, such as public speaking or writing courses. These classes help students prepare for the business aspects of being a graphic designer.
Graphic design students may be required to take classes in or have knowledge of computer programs used by professionals, such as InDesign.