Program Overview

Introduction to the Graphic Arts Program

The Graphic Arts Program at the University of South Florida is dedicated to the critical and creative design process, challenging students to investigate new ways of solving complex, multi-layered visual problems.

Program Overview

Based out of the USF campus in St. Petersburg, the design courses center on the studio model of education where students work together, examine outcomes, listen to informal lectures, and engage in passionate discussions. The atmosphere is creative and relaxed while the projects are complex and demanding. Students supplement their course work with additional projects from both community and university organizations.

Faculty and Education

The faculty of practicing professionals and experienced educators is committed to developing, in their students, a personal visual vocabulary based on the formal principles of design, conceptual and critical thinking skills, typographic excellence, and the application of advanced digital technologies.

Degrees and Concentrations

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Arts
  • Concentration in Graphic Design
  • Concentration in Illustration The concentration in illustration is designed for students who want to pursue a career in graphic design or a related field and are passionate about creating art via traditional fine arts such as drawing, painting, etc. The concentration is balanced in both graphic design courses and illustration courses.

Program Outcomes

Students graduate from the program with the skills, passion, and imagination to become accomplished designers who are ready to challenge perceptions, redefine problems, and embrace a diverse cultural audience. Our students prepare for employment in many creative venues, including design studios, corporate design departments, agencies, production areas, and new media design offices.

Program Location and Community

The Graphic Arts Program is located on the beautiful waterfront USF campus adjacent to downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. The city hosts a thriving arts community, including arts organizations, studios, galleries, and museums.

What Do Graphic Designers Do?

Graphic designers make communication visible. They give visual form to information by combining words and images into important and persuasive messages.

Program Mission

The Graphic Arts Program complements the mission of the university environment by preparing students for future success through interdisciplinary course study, small class size, and the exploration of new technologies and information environments. Students recognize the potential of their creative processes by creating and evaluating messages that both reflect and respond to the diversity of our global culture.

Area Faculty

• John Stanko, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
• Jennifer Yucus, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
• Erika Greenberg-Schneider, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
• Elizabeth Herrmann, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
• David Watts, Professor of Instruction of Graphic Design, Graphic Arts Program Coordinator
• Maggie Winter, Assistant Professor of Data Visualization

Admission Requirements

The submission deadline for Fall 2026 is Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 11:59 pm (Eastern Time). Students are encouraged to view the admission requirements and application form for the Graphic Arts Program.