Minimum Grades for Sequenced Courses

The heart of each concentration of the Design BFA is a carefully-sequenced track of studio courses. Each semester's studio(s) build on the studio(s) before it. Students must meet or exceed minimum competencies to successfully proceed through the sequence. As such, students must meet or exceed minimum semester grades for each course under the "Foundation Studies" and "Major Studies" requirements of their concentration in the Design BFA. 

Each concentration's curriculum is linked on this page. For quick reference, minimum required grades are listed below.

While the list below is generally accurate, you should consult your instructors and your academic advisor if you anticipate a grade near or below the minimum grade for a studio. Your instructors and academic advisor will officially verify the minimum grade for the studio in question. We'll also do our best to support you - we want you to do well!

 

Students who started BDS studios in fall 2021 or later

Illustration & Animation (C+ or better for each of the following)

  • BDS 101
  • BDS 103
  • ILLU 200
  • VISC 200
  • ILLU 205
  • ILLU 315
  • ILLU 405
  • ILLU 410
  • ILLU 415
  • ILLU 425
  • ILLU 435
  • ILLU 445
  • ILLU 510
  • ILLU 535
  • ILLU 545

Industrial Design (C+ or better for each of the following)

  • BDS 101
  • BDS 103
  • INDD 200
  • INDD 212
  • INDD 284
  • INDD 312
  • INDD 302
  • INDD 308
  • INDD 446
  • INDD 448
  • INDD 510
  • INDD 555
  • INDD 580
  • INDD 581

Photography (C+ or better for each of the following)

  • BDS 101
  • PHTO 101 (if required)
  • PHTO 200 or 205
  • PHTO 210
  • PHTO 303
  • PHTO 304
  • PHTO 305
  • PHTO 313 (only if taken as a Major Studies Required Elective)
  • PHTO 315 (only if taken as a Major Studies Required Elective)
  • PHTO 316
  • PHTO 360(only if taken as a Major Studies Required Elective)
  • PHTO 400
  • PHTO 450
  • PHTO 500
  • PHTO 560

Visual Communication Design (C+ or better for each of the following)

  • BDS 101
  • BDS 103
  • VISC 200
  • ILLU 200
  • VISC 202
  • VISC 204
  • VISC 302
  • VISC 304
  • VISC 402
  • VISC 404
  • VISC 405
  • VISC 520
  • VISC 525

 

Students who started BDS studios between fall 2019 and spring 2021

Illustration & Animation

  • BDS 101 and 103: C or better
  • ILLU 200 and VISC 200: C or better
  • ILLU 205 and ILLU 315: C or better 
  • ILLU 405 and ILLU 410: C+ or better
  • ILLU 415 and ILLU 425: C or better
  • ILLU 435 and ILLU 445: C or better
  • ILLU 510 and ILLU 535: C or better
  • ILLU 545: C or better

Industrial Design

  • BDS 101 and BDS 103: C or better
  • INDD 200 and INDD 212: C or better
  • INDD 284 and INDD 312: C or better
  • INDD 302 and INDD 308: C or better
  • INDD 446 and INDD 510: C or better
  • INDD 448: C or better
  • INDD 580 and INDD 555: C or better
  • INDD 581: C or better

Photography

  • BDS 101 and PHTO 101 (if required): C or better
  • PHTO 200 and PHTO 210: C or better
  • PHTO 303: C or better
  • PHTO 304: C or better
  • PHTO 313: C or better
  • PHTO 314: C or better
  • PHTO 315: C or better
  • PHTO 316: C or better
  • PHTO 400: C or better
  • PHTO 450: C or better
  • PHTO 500: C or better

Visual Communication Design

  • BDS 101 and BDS 103: C or better
  • VISC 200 and ILLU 200: C or better
  • VISC 202 and VISC 204: C or better
  • VISC 302 and VISC 304: C+ or better
  • VISC 402: C or better
  • VISC 520: C or better
  • VISC 530: C or better

 

Students who started BDS studios prior to spring 2019

Illustration & Animation

  • BDS 101 and 103: C or better
  • ILLU 200 and VISC 200: C or better
  • ILLU 205 & ILLU 305: C or better
  • ILLU 315 & ILLU 405: C+ or better
  • ILLU 410 & ILLU 415: C or better
  • ILLU 425 & ILLU 435: C or better
  • ILLU 510 (or VA Elective) & ILLU 445: C or better
  • ILLU 535: C or better

Industrial Design

  • BDS 101 and BDS 103: C or better
  • INDD 200 and INDD 212: C or better
  • INDD 284: C or better
  • INDD 302: C or better
  • INDD 446: C or better
  • INDD 448: C or better
  • INDD 580: C or better
  • INDD 581: C or better

Photography (Formerly PHMD)

  • BDS 101 and PHTO 101 (if required): C or better
  • PHTO 200 and PHTO 210: C or better
  • PHTO 303: C or better (Formerly PHTO 201)
  • PHTO 304: C or better (Formerly PHTO 202)
  • PHTO 313 (formerly 301) & PHTO 315: C or better
  • PHTO 314 (formerly 302) & PHTO 316: C or better
  • PHTO 402: C or better
  • PHTO 500: C or better

Visual Communication Design

  • BDS 101 and BDS 103: C or better
  • VISC 200 and ILLU 200: C or better
  • VISC 202 & VISC 204: C or better
  • VISC 302 & VISC 304: C+ or better
  • VISC 402 & VISC 404: C or better
  • VISC 520: C or better
  • VISC 530: C or better
  • VISC 525: C or better