Program Overview

Introduction to the BFA, Graphic Design Program

The BFA, Graphic Design program at the University of Akron is a professional program designed for students pursuing careers in the expanding multidisciplinary field of visual communication design. The program emphasizes critical thinking and logical problem-solving in print, web, and interactive media.

Purpose

The curriculum teaches communication theories, principles, and processes using current industry-standard technology. Students gain an understanding that design is an investment in innovative thinking, positioning, branding, and communication that creates value for businesses. The program encourages students to become engaged, socially responsible, and thoughtful designers.

Goals

All students participate in opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, which helps maintain an 80% job placement rate three months after graduation.

Curriculum and Recommended Sequencing

• BFA, Graphic Design: Requirements
• BFA, Graphic Design: Recommended Sequencing

Distinctions

Students are presented with a broad range of facilities and opportunities while pursuing their BFA in Graphic Design, such as:

• Gain real-world skills through Design X Nine, the in-house student design studio serving on- and off-campus clients.
• Strengthen design and business skills through professional internships in a studio, agency, or corporate environment.
• Engage with local design professionals while participating in the active local chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF-Akron).
• Portfolio review by area Art Directors through the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA).
• Students in the program have won over 100 design awards in competitions and have been published in major design journals.

BFA, Graphic Design Required Laptop Purchase Policy

All graphic design majors beginning in the fall of 2025 will be required to purchase a laptop. Multiple computer labs are maintained in the Myers School of Art for instruction in digital production during the first-year experience. Students are not required to purchase their own hardware or software during this first year. All students who pass the Foundation Review and choose to major in Graphic Design are required to own and maintain a laptop computer meeting the minimum standard.

Career Information and Resources

• Research Careers: Browse database, videos, top ten lists, and more.
• Salary Calculator: Salaries by career and geographic area.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Job responsibilities, salaries, education required, and job outlook.
• Career One Stop: Explore careers, salary and benefits, training required, and job seeker services by state.
• O*Net: Quick search tool for Ohio jobs data and more.
• Career Services: Helping students and alumni explore and reach career goals.
• Handshake: Explore opportunities for internships, jobs, and careers after graduation.

Recent Graphic Design Job Placements

• Art Director, Geometry Global (Akron, OH)
• Digital Experience Designer, Abercrombie & Fitch (Columbus, OH)
• Digital Designer, Bandujo Advertising + Design (New York, NY)
• Graphic Designer, David Stark Design (New York, NY)
• Graphic Designer, Details Magazine (New York, NY)
• Graphic Designer, Flourish (Cleveland, OH)
• Graphic Designer, J.M. Smucker Company (Orville, OH)
• Graphic Designer, Sterling Jewelers (Akron, OH)
• Marketing Communications Manager, MediaLab 3D Solutions (Tampa, FL)
• Product Line Designer, American Greetings (Cleveland, OH)
• Senior XU/UI Designer, Key Bank (Cleveland, OH)
• Senior Marketing Strategist, Summa Health (Akron, OH)
• Graphic Designer, SoundCloud (New York, NY)

Recent Senior Exhibition Websites

• 2024: Taking Shape
• 2023: Shift & Align
• 2022: Bold

Graphic Design Faculty

• David Flynn, Professor of Practice
• Robert Kelemen, Professor of Instruction, Graphic Design Area Co-Coordinator
• Brittyn Murdock, Professor of Practice
• Anthony Samangy, Professor, Graphic Design Area Co-Coordinator
• David Szalay, Professor
• Markus Vogl, Professor