The Graphic Design area offers a distinctive and forward-thinking program that embraces both the art and practice of print and digitally-based graphic design. From letterpress printing to artist books, interactive digital installations to virtual reality projects, by incorporating both historical and the latest trends in graphic design, we prepare our students for the evolving landscape of visual communication. As of Fall 2025, students have the option of choosing to concentrate in Illustration.

Design is the language of communication, and its power has never been more vital. Mastering visual communication is essential for today’s interconnected world.

Our program approaches graphic design as a dynamic and vital field of professional practice shaping culture and society through a diverse array of media, including:

  • Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications
  • Data visualization and information design
  • Exhibition design
  • Motion graphics and animation
  • Packaging
  • Print and digital books, magazines, brochures, posters, and billboards
  • Type design, including variable fonts and advanced typography
  • Web, interactive, and responsive design

Recognizing the power of design to influence social change, our curriculum emphasizes social responsibility and ecological awareness. The program challenges students to consider the role of the artist/designer not only as a creative collaborator but also as an originator of project ideas and as a responsible global citizen.

We encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and innovation, fostering an environment where students can experiment with new forms of media and technology while developing an ethical and socially conscious practice.

To prepare students for the broad range of opportunities in the graphic design field, our program provides a hands-on studio environment that emphasizes the integration of formal and conceptual skills.

After foundational studies in the first year, students embark on a three-year course sequence that begins with training in fundamental principles, skills, theory, and history, progressing toward more advanced and applied applications. Our experienced and professional faculty members guide students in discovering their unique voice and approach to design within facilities that encompass a broad array of print and digital technologies.

The Graphic Design major is both rigorous and flexible, fostering curiosity and deep exploration of visual language. Students are encouraged to engage in semiotic investigations and collaborate across disciplines, embracing inclusive design principles and interdisciplinary learning throughout the college.

In collaboration with the New Media department, we offer interdisciplinary courses that explore the intersection of graphic design with emerging technologies.

Updated 12.6.24