Policy Statement for Admission to the BFA Program in Graphic Design
Revised: January 2015
Students who wish to pursue a degree in graphic design at the University of South
Alabama may apply for admission to the BFA program in graphic design after completing
ARS 271 Introduction to Graphic Design and ARS 273 Graphic Design Applications.
Acceptance into the program is determined by a review process, which is coordinated
each fall semester. Only those admitted to the program are allowed to enroll in upperlevel graphic design courses.
1. Review Process
Upon completion of the aforementioned courses, each student who wishes to be
considered for admission to the BFA program in graphic design will assemble a portfolio
of his/her work to be presented for evaluation by the Graphic Design Review Board. A
list of the required portfolio pieces is attached. One or two of these pieces may come
from other studio art areas. Portfolio pieces should reflect the student’s creative and
conceptual abilities, show a strong working knowledge of graphic design software, and
display the student’s understanding of the basic principles of design and how best to
incorporate these principles compositionally. The student’s portfolio will also be
evaluated in terms of presentation and craftsmanship. Students accepted into the
program will be those who exhibit strong design sensibilities and have potential to excel
in the upper level courses. Detailed specifications regarding the review process will be
posted online at www.southalabama.edu/art/gd.html.
2. Written Statement of Intent
In conjunction with the portfolio of work, each student must submit a minimum 250 word
essay outlining why they feel they should be accepted into the program and what they
intend to accomplish with a graphic design degree. This essay will be submitted along
with the portfolio. Attention should be given to presentation and writing quality.
3. Acceptance into the Graphic Design Program
Students are permitted to apply for the graphic design program only twice (in 2015 there
will be three opportunities as we make the transition into a fall semester Sophomore
Review). Students will receive written notification of acceptance or non-acceptance.
Upon acceptance, the chosen students will be allowed to register for further graphic
design classes and continue their studies toward the BFA in graphic design as outlined
by the University of South Alabama Bulletin. Students must register for the designated
graphic design class for the semester following acceptance to the program. Failure to
register for class or failure to progress through the graphic design curriculum in a timely
manner will result in revocation of admission status.
4. Maintaining the Student’s Position in the Program
a. A low grade in the first semester after acceptance into the Program
If a student makes a D in one of their Graphic Design courses, in the first semester of
their Graphic Design studies, the student is no longer in the Program and will need to be
readmitted through the Sophomore Review process.
b. A low grade after the first semester in the Program
If a student makes a D after their first 300 level Graphic Design course while in the
Graphic Design Program, the following will apply:
The student will be allowed to retake the course when it is offered again. However, they
will not continue with their current cohort of students. They will lose one year in their
progress to complete the Program.
For Example: If a D is made in a course that is only offered in a Spring Semester the
student must then wait until the following Spring semester to retake the course. If the
course is passed with a C or better, they will continue their studies from that point.
c. Failing a Graphic Design course during the Graphic Design Junior year
In the event that a student makes an F in one of their Junior level Graphic Design
courses, that student is no longer considered part of the Program. She/he must be
readmitted via the Sophomore Review Process. If readmitted they will then be allowed to
restart the Program at the point of failure.
d. Failing a Graphic Design course during the Graphic Design Senior year
If a student fails a Graphic Design course within their Graphic Design Senior year, they
will be allowed to retake the course when it is offered again. However, they will not
continue with their current cohort of students. They will lose one year in their progress to
complete the Program.
e. Transfer Students
Any student transferring in to the university must be accepted into the program via a
portfolio review process and based on having completed the required prerequisites. If
the student is entering in a fall semester, they must go through the Sophomore Review
process that will take place during that semester. If the student is entering in a spring
semester, they can submit a portfolio for review by March 30th of that semester.