Registration Guidelines for First-Year and Transfer Students

Ceramics, Fibers, Metals/Jewelry and Wood/Furniture Degree Programs

Fall Semester 
All new first-year students will automatically be registered for the courses they need through block scheduling.
 
Spring Semester
All new first-year students will need to register through Banner for their courses.

Typical First Semester Freshman Schedule:
DES 101, DES 103, FAR 101, CWP 101 or 102 or MAT or General Education/Intellectual Foundations requirement

B.F.A. Required Foundation Courses 

DES 101  Introduction to Design: 2D I 3
DES 103  Introduction to Design: 3D I 3
DES 108  Introduction to Digital Fabrication 3
FAR 101  Drawing I 3
DES 220  Ceramics I 3
DES 230  Introduction to Jewelry 3
DES 242  Fibers I 3
DES 250  Wood Design I 3
FAR 104  Themes/Issues Contemp Arts 3
FAR 250  Art History I 3
FAR 251 Art History II 3

As a visual art major you should have access to any of these courses.

In the major foundation sequence on your Degree Works report, if an equivalency has been made for any of the above courses you may go ahead and register on Banner for any remaining courses listed above that you may need.

If you haven’t had any of the above courses, please start with DES 101, DES 103, FAR 101, and FAR 250 or FAR 104.

Portfolio Review

Bring your digital portfolio to transfer orientation for advisor review for possible course level placement in the major requirements.

Equivalent Credit

All new transfers into Ceramics, Fibers, Metals/Jewelry and Wood/Furniture must refer to our Admissions Office placement of foundation and major course equivalencies as indicated on your Degree Works report.

An advisor will review your transfer courses to be considered for equivalent credit in the Ceramics, Fibers, Metals/Jewelry, or Wood/Furniture majors (the DESXXX or FARXXX transfer courses listed at the end of your Degree Works report).

If you have any questions, please contact your major program coordinator listed under the specific major program section of the website.

Graphic Design Degree Programs

Fall Semester 
All new first-year students will automatically be registered for the courses they need through block scheduling.
 
Spring Semester
All new first-year students will need to register through Banner for their courses.

Typical First Semester Freshman Schedule:
DES 101, DES 103, FAR 101, CWP 101 or 102 or MAT or General Education/Intellectual Foundations requirement

Please refer to our Admissions Office placement of course equivalencies as indicated on your Degree Navigator sheet. 

1. The art test is no longer required for admittance into Graphic Design. If you are accepted to study at Buffalo State University, you can study in the Graphic Design program as long you maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA. 

2. If you have been in a Communication Design or Graphic Design program, are required to take DES 277* Computer Graphics I (requires special permission); this class involves 15 weeks of instruction in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator. 

3. Equivalents:

  • If you do not have the equivalent of DES 103 Intro to Design 3DI, you are required to take DES 103.
  • If you do not have the equivalent of DES 101 Intro to Design 2DI, you are required to take DES 101.
  • If you have the equivalent of DES 101, but not DES 102 Intro to Design 2DII, you are required to take DES 102. 

4. If you feel that you have had coursework which should be considered for equivalent credit in the Communication Design program please see a Graphics Design Professor during a transfer orientation. Email: design@buffalostate.edu

5. Far 104: Themes and Issues in Contemporary Arts is required if you have not had a class in contemporary art history.

6. Typical transfer schedule includes:

  • DES 277 Computer Graphics I*
  • DES 103 3DI
  • DES 101 2DI or DES 102 2DII
  • FAR 104: Themes and Issues in Contemporary Arts
  • Intellectual Foundations (General Education) requirement 

7. Studio Electives: If you have had equivalency for DES 101, 102 and DES 103, then you may take one or two electives in Ceramics, Fibers, Metals/Jewelry, or Wood/Furniture. 

*Special permission for entry into DES 277 Computer Graphics I is required: 

1. Send an email request to the instructor which includes the following: 

  • Subject heading: name of course /semester offered. (example: Permission/DES 277: Computer Graphics I/Semester)
  • Full name
  • Buffalo State Banner ID # 
  • Your major (Communication Design)
  • Name of your advisor - if you know who it is. If not, you will be assigned an advisor in the Communication Design program. Please check your Banner or DegreeWorks information to find out who your advisor is. 
  • Date you were advised. 
  • Name of the Professor who advised you. 

2. After receiving permission: sign up for the course in Banner as soon as possible.

Sample Email Request: 

SUBJECT: DES 277: Computer Graphics 1/Semester 
DATE: 

Professor _______, 

My name is Tom Smith (Banner ID# B0098987) and I am a new transfer/freshman student admitted into the Communication Design program. I am in the winter/spring/summer advisement session and have been advised by Professor ________ to take DES 277: Computer Graphics I. (CRN # 2804). The class meets T/TH from 9:20-12:05. 
May I have special permission to enter the course?