Program Overview

Overview of the Graphic Design Program at Xavier University

The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Xavier University provides students with the techniques, processes, aesthetics, and creative approaches of Graphic Design, all from a fine arts perspective. Students are prepared with dynamic portfolios that show a range of innovative thinking, technical prowess, and aesthetics sensibility.

Program Description

The program combines rigorous artistic training with cutting-edge technology, ensuring students develop a versatile skill set highly sought after by employers. Students explore everything from typography and branding to web design and motion graphics, all while honing their individual creative voice in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in graphic design. The sample course sequence includes:

• First Year:
  • Fall:
    • ARTS 100: Seminar
    • ARTS 101: 2D Design
    • ARTS 102: Drawing
    • CORE 100 or THEO 111
    • Second Language I
    • CSCI 170: Computer Science I
    • CORE 101: GOA Co-Curriculum Program I
  • Spring:
    • ARTS 105: 3D Design
    • ARTS 142: Graphic Design I
    • ENGL 101 or ENGL 115
    • CORE 100 or THEO 111
    • CORE 102: GOA Co-Curriculum Program II
    • Second Language II
    • CSCI 180: Computer Science II
• Sophomore Year:
  • Fall:
    • ARTS 104: Printmaking I
    • ARTS 242: Layout & Print Production
    • ARTS 227: History of Graphic Design
    • ENGL 205
    • PHIL 100
    • ARTS 215: Web Design
  • Spring:
    • ARTS 342: Package Design
    • ARTS 214: Technology for Artists
    • ARTS 271: History of Art II
    • ARTS 493: Internship
    • PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspectives
    • THEO 200+ Theological Perspectives
• Junior Year:
  • Fall:
    • ARTS 441: Junior Seminar
    • ARTS 108: Photo I
    • History of Art Elective
    • Oral Communications Flag
    • Natural Science Elective
  • Spring:
    • ARTS 442: Advanced Typography
    • ARTS 493: Internship
    • Mathematical Perspectives Elective
    • DCR Flag Elective
    • Social Science Elective
    • Humanities Elective
• Senior Year:
  • Fall:
    • ARTS 315: Advanced Web Design
    • ARTS Elective (204 or 208)
    • ARTS 493: Internship
    • E/RS Flag
    • Quantitative Reasoning Flag
    • Writing Intensive Flag
  • Spring:
    • ARTS 490: Senior Concentration
    • Historical Perspectives Elective
    • Scientific Perspectives Elective
    • General Elective
    • CORE 499

Outcomes

98% of Xavier students in Xavier's undergraduate programs, including the graphic design major, are working, volunteering, or in graduate school within six months of graduating (Class of 2023). Top jobs include Web Designer, Motion Graphics, Information Graphics, Environmental Design, Illustration Design, Marketing Coordinator, and Social Media Specialist. Top companies include Possible, LPK, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Lemongrenade, Pivot Design, Upshot, and many others.

Sample Courses

• Technology For Artists (ARTS 214): Students are introduced to the fundamental technological skills and programs, including digital creation and manipulation using the latest computer applications.
• Web Design (ARTS 215): An introduction to researching, planning, and producing websites for a range of clients, with emphasis on the design and aesthetic aspects of web design.

Clubs

• Xavier Art Society: Art students visit exhibits and organize group art programs like bookbinding, figure drawing, and framing.
• American Marketing Association at Xavier: A group of dedicated aspiring professionals who work in and study the marketing field, providing students with networking resources, nation-wide experiential opportunities, and on-campus exposure to local professionals.

Related Programs

• Related Majors:
  • BA/BFA in Art
  • BA in Communication Studies
  • BA in Digital Innovation, Film, and Television
  • BSBA in Marketing
• Related Minors:
  • Advertising
  • Arts Administration
  • Art History
  • Digital Media
  • Digital Innovation, Film and Television
  • Human Centered Making
  • Studio Art
  • Writing

Program Features

• Utilize industry-standard software: Master industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, and other essential tools.
• Build your unique career path: Develop expertise into areas that truly interest you, like web design, video production, new media, marketing principles, or social media.
• Design for the greater good: The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, social justice, and using design talents to create meaningful impact.
• Jesuit education: Xavier University's College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God.
• Personal studio and gallery spaces: Students in the graphic design major have access to individualized studio and gallery spaces, providing the perfect setting for developing their unique artistic voice and bringing their designs to life.