Preparing students to enter the job market as visual problem solvers, our concentration is a true hybrid of print production and digital design, stressing the foundations of research process, technology and critical thinking.
Students learn to use typography effectively, color as an emotional tool and the latest technology to design logos and identity systems, print and advertising campaigns as well as online and interactive design.
Explore the Visual Arts Degree Listing
Key Features
- Gain real-world experience through client-based projects and portfolio reviews.
- Learn visual communication, branding, typography, UX/UI, and motion design.
Wide-Spanning Career Opportunities
Graphic Design is the art of visual communication with text and image to convey meaning.
Graduates go on to become visual storytellers, brand strategists, and creative problem-solvers across industries. From building dynamic brands and designing immersive digital experiences to crafting the look of books, magazines, and packaging, our alumni make their mark everywhere design is needed.
Our graduates work in design and advertising agencies locally and nationally, as art directors, creative directors and entrepreneurs.
Selective Portfolio Review
As a student pursuing a concentration in Graphic Design, you are required to enroll in VIAR 344: Graphic Design Portfolio Review, a selective admissions course and co-requisite to VIAR 345: Visual Communications. To continue in the Graphic Design concentration, you must earn Credit in VIAR 344 and a grade of “C” or better in VIAR 345.
The portfolio review assesses a student’s readiness for the demands of upper-level graphic design study. Passing VIAR 345 alone does not guarantee continuation in the program. Students must demonstrate strong conceptual thinking and visual execution to qualify.
Curriculum Snapshot
| Year | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 1 | Design I-II, Drawing I-II, Survey of the Visual Arts I |
| 2 | Survey of the Arts II, Art and the Computer, Intro to Modern Art, Graphic Design Portfolio Review, Visual Communications |
| 3 | Art History, Design Production Processes, Typography I-II, Interactive Design |
| 4 | Studies in Art History, Senior Capstone Art Project I-II, Studio Practices I-II |
Visual Arts students are also required to complete the Foundation Courses as well as a Sophomore Review course. Plus general education credits in English, math, science, history, social sciences, and electives.