Program Overview
Graphic Design
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design prepares students for success by combining art and design foundation work with intensive graphic design courses, experiential learning, and service learning components. This comprehensive program allows students to develop a growing skill set and apply it in practical ways.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design teaches students to channel knowledge and creativity toward inventive and effective design solutions. With a comprehensive liberal arts education, students become adaptable, creative thinkers prepared for a range of professional careers, including:
- Branding and packaging
- Environmental design
- Web design
- Interaction design
- Production design
- Digital design
- Marketing design
- Social media design
- User experience design
Progress Review
All majors in the department undergo a major review upon completion of foundation courses. This review, known as the Exchange, is a 30-minute evaluation by a committee of three faculty members, resulting in a written assessment of student progress toward their degree.
Additional Details
The program includes degree requirements, course descriptions, and a sample plan of study, which can be found in the university catalog.
Why Study Graphic Design
The University of Dayton offers graphic design majors the opportunity to work with clients on campus and throughout the Dayton region. Through Ligature Studios, students can gain real-world experience, build professional best practices, and establish networking relationships.
Accreditation
The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Equipment, Software, and Supplies Requirements
Graphic design majors are required to purchase a MacBook Pro at the start of their first semester. Additional computer requirements can be found on the university's IT website. In their second year, students will purchase a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Related Degrees and Programs
Related programs include:
- Art Education (B.F.A.)
- Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
- Photography (B.F.A.)
- Visual Arts (B.A.)
- Art History (Minor)
- Fine Arts (Minor)
- Graphic Design (Minor)
- Photography (Minor)
- Visual Arts (Minor)
- Photojournalism (Undergraduate Certificate)
- Entrepreneurship (B.S.)
- Marketing (B.S.)
- Business Administration (Minor)
- Entrepreneurship (Minor)
- Film Studies (Minor)
- Integrated Arts and Technology (Minor)
- Marketing (Minor)
- Sustainability (Minor)
- Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)
- Discover (Undecided)
Students can double major or minor with the B.F.A. in Graphic Design, but they must work closely with an advisor to schedule classes.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The university offers various scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time work-study programs to help students cover their costs. The university also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, providing flexibility for students to add a double major or minor or participate in transformational experiences like study abroad or co-op.
Success After Graduation
The College of Arts and Sciences provides students with the opportunity to combine classroom learning with real-world experience, sharpening their skills and making them attractive to employers. The average starting salary for graphic design majors is $50,434, and the success rate after graduation for the College of Arts and Sciences is 93%.
Design Your Academic Path
The university offers various opportunities for students to showcase their artistic talents, including the Celebration of the Arts, galleries, and theaters. The faculty emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with many opportunities to learn by doing through departmental and interdisciplinary programs and projects.
Scholarships
The Department of Art and Design offers scholarships to first-year, full-time students who enroll in a four-year program in any of the major program areas within the department.