Graphic Design and Illustration: Studio Art, B.F.A.
Program Overview
Graphic Design and Illustration: Studio Art, B.F.A.
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
Build skills for graphic design and illustration through professional practice, entrepreneurship, design research and strategy, and rigorous studies.
The program puts experiential learning first as our students work with real clients with real graphic design needs. You will learn practical skills valued by many industries and take part in award-winning work that gives you a competitive edge in finding jobs.
Program Highlights
NASAD Accreditation
Work alongside high-achieving scholars, and enhance your professional development through designer visits and workshops.
Experiential Learning
Enhance your education through internships and our student-led Design Studio, funded by the College of Arts and Sciences.
An Internationally Recognized Faculty
Be mentored by a faculty that delivers consistent feedback through competitive portfolio reviews throughout the program.
Flexibility
Embrace your own interests, and work on projects that encourage and support the exploration of your ideas.
What You’ll Study
Some of the most popular courses include Visual Verbal Interaction, Interaction Design, Structures, Illustration and Portfolio Studio. Our facility includes three studios with Mac desktop computers, a design print lab with printers, large plotters, and a Glowforge for product and laser cutting.
Building Skills
Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.
Graphic Design
Creating visual content to communicate messages effectively
Analytical Reasoning
Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions
Creativity
Thinking imaginatively, generating original ideas and expressing unique perspectives through art and innovation
Communication
Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression
Critical Thinking
Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
Problem Solving
Identifying, analyzing and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies
Using your degree
Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.
Potential Careers
- Advertising Designer
- Brand Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Project Manager
- Visual Designer
Job Titles of Alumni
- Creative Director
- Multimedia Visualization Specialist
- Lead Cartoonist
- Shop Manager / Tattoo Apprentice
- UX Designer
- Marketing Coordinator
Average Alumni Salary
Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $66,398
Workplace Settings
- Magazines
- Sports
- Animation
- Special Organizations
- Technology
- Mobile Apps
Employers of Alumni
- Nike
- Richland Library
- Hubbell Incorporated
- University of South Carolina
- Gupta Media
The graphic design program truly did lay a foundation for success in my design principles, communicating, defending my work and time management. I practically lived at the art school, and the ability to have access to that space was a huge part of my success.
Benjamin Mitchell
Program Outline
- University of South Carolina**
Degree Overview:
- Objective: Build skills for graphic design and illustration through professional practice, entrepreneurship, design research and strategy, and rigorous studies.
- Experiential Learning: The program prioritizes experiential learning, with students working on real projects for real clients.
- Practical Skills: Students gain practical skills valued by various industries.
- Competitive Edge: The program provides students with a competitive edge in finding jobs through award-winning work.
- Professional Development: Students benefit from designer visits and workshops to enhance their professional development.
- Experiential Learning: Students gain practical experience through internships and the student-led Design Studio, funded by the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Internationally Recognized Faculty: Students are mentored by a faculty that provides consistent feedback through competitive portfolio reviews throughout the program.
Teaching:
- Faculty: Students are mentored by an internationally recognized faculty.
- Feedback: Faculty provides consistent feedback through competitive portfolio reviews.
- Studios: The program has three studios equipped with Mac desktop computers, a design print lab with printers, large plotters, and a Glowforge for product and laser cutting.
Careers:
- Potential Careers: Advertising Designer, Brand Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Project Manager, Visual Designer, Creative Director, Multimedia Visualization Specialist, Lead Cartoonist, Shop Manager/Tattoo Apprentice, UX Designer, Marketing Coordinator.
- Alumni Salary: Five to ten years after graduation without additional education, the average alumni salary is $66,398.
- Workplace Settings: Magazines, Sports, Animation, Special Organizations, Technology, Mobile Apps.
- Employers of Alumni: Google, Nike, Richland Library, Hubbell Incorporated, University of South Carolina, Gupta Media.
Other:
- Popular Courses: Visual Verbal Interaction, Interaction Design, Structures, Illustration, and Portfolio Studio.
- Benjamin Mitchell.
Overview:
The University of South Carolina is a public research university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering a welcoming community of scholars and leaders, and providing a diverse range of academic programs.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide array of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Provides resources and assistance to help students succeed in their studies.Career Prep:
Offers guidance and support for students seeking internships, jobs, and career development.Study Abroad:
Facilitates opportunities for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.Dining:
Provides various dining options on campus, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.Clubs and Organizations:
Offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations for students to join and pursue their interests.Sports and Outdoors:
Provides opportunities for students to engage in sports and outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.Arts and Entertainment:
Offers a variety of cultural events, performances, and entertainment options for students to enjoy.Inclusive Excellence:
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.University 101:
Provides resources and information for new students to navigate campus life and academic expectations.My USC Experience:
Offers a platform for students to connect with each other, engage in events, and access resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of South Carolina can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a welcoming community, numerous clubs and organizations, diverse dining options, and opportunities for sports, arts, and entertainment. The campus is also home to a variety of traditions and events that create a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to research.Diverse Programs:
Offers over 350 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and specialties.Welcoming Community:
Provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Unrivaled Experience:
Offers a unique blend of academic rigor, student life, and opportunities for personal growth.Strong Alumni Network:
Provides graduates with a network of support and connections for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The University of South Carolina is home to 15 colleges and schools, offering a wide range of academic programs. Some of the key academic strengths include:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers a broad range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
The Darla Moore School of Business is renowned for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.Engineering and Computing:
Offers programs in various engineering disciplines, computer science, and information technology.Medicine:
The university has two medical schools, one in Columbia and one in Greenville, offering programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.Law:
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law is known for its strong legal education and its commitment to public service.Other:
The university is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students. It offers various resources and services to support student safety and well-being, including a campus police department, emergency alert system, and counseling services.
