Graphic Design BFA

Creative Problem Solving

As a graphic design undergraduate, you will learn both traditional and technological production techniques.

Our required courses and electives will help you build skills in design thinking, digital and hand drawing, color theory, typography, web design, data visualization, and more.

From design foundations to advanced studios, you’ll engage in collaborative projects as well as personal brand exploration to develop a rich portfolio of work that addresses real-world design problems.

A required review of your portfolio will ensure that you are well on your way to honing the design skills and professionalism necessary for career success.

Your degree will culminate with a senior exhibition, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your design expertise for peers, faculty, family, and the greater design community. 

Foundations For Success

The senior exhibition, as well as your portfolio, will provide you with the materials necessary to compete for positions both within and outside of the graphic design field.

Our faculty members come from a variety of design backgrounds and use their extensive industry experience and connections to enrich our curriculum.

With access to internships, research, and learning abroad opportunities, you will also have numerous pathways for improving your resume outside the classroom. 

Career Possibilities

• Graphic designer

• Data visualization strategist

• Interactive designer

• User experience designer

• Art director

• Creative director

• Web designer

Portfolio Review

Portfolio review ensures that you have acquired an understanding of essential design knowledge from foundation-level classes and are prepared to move on to more advanced coursework.

Following a typical course load, you can expect your portfolio to be reviewed in the second semester of the graphic design program. You must pass the review in order to continue on with your coursework and complete your degree. 

To participate in portfolio review, you must be a pre-graphic design major with an overall GPA of at least 2.50 and a minimum grade of C- in required courses.

Senior Exhibition

Graphic design seniors graduating in either spring or fall semester have the opportunity to create and share their final thesis projects with the College of Design community.

This year-long process begins with 4361W: Senior Thesis and Writing, where you will work on the research portion of your project. In the following semester, you will take 4362: Senior Thesis and Exhibition to design an exhibit inspired by your thesis.

Your hard work will culminate with a public reception, where your project will be displayed for family, friends, and design professionals in the community.

Learning Abroad

With ample opportunities for international study, you will be poised to develop an essential global design perspective. Every year, we offer faculty-led and Freshman Seminar Abroad courses that give you a chance to engage with international learning during your first year of study.

Over the course of your program, you will be able to select from study abroad destinations across the globe—from Australia to Europe, and South America.

Our most popular programs are located at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy; Central St. Martins and Northumbria University in England; and the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

At each location, you will benefit from exposure to global culture and design influences, as well as opportunities for travel throughout your chosen region.