Graphic Design

Overview

Graphic design programs prepare people to convey ideas and feelings using images and words.

This program includes topics such as:

Design and layout images and text
Basic art principles, including color theory, design, and drawing
Animation
Digital arts
Photo and film manipulation
Advertising and commercial art
Prepress and printing techniques
Technical drawing

Internships

Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Some graphic design programs require students to develop a portfolio or complete an internship.

Portfolio

Students begin to develop their professional portfolio during college. This includes samples of work from team projects and independent projects. Projects completed during their senior year and internship are important to their portfolio.

Schools

Most community colleges and independent art schools offer an Associate of Arts (AA) degree program in graphic design. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.

Many independent art schools, colleges, and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in graphic design. A BFA usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.

Several universities offer Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in graphic design. A MFA typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.

A few schools offer a doctoral (PhD) program in graphic design. Doctoral degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Graphic Designers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet. In addition, many programs require you to submit separate application materials in addition to your general college application. Usually you have to complete preliminary art and design courses, write a personal statement, and submit a portfolio of drawings.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Art
Art Appreciation
Art History
CAD Design and Software
Commercial Art
Computer Graphics
Computer-assisted Art
Drawing and Painting
Graphic Arts and Printing
Principles of Advertising
Printmaking and Graphics

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Undergraduate degree or significant course work in graphic design, art, or related field
Letters of recommendation
Portfolio review and personal interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses such as:

Ad Design
Animation (Motion Graphics)
Business Management
Calligraphy and Lettering
Cartooning
Color Theory
Computer and Digital Graphics
Desktop Publishing
Drawing and Sketching
Graphic Photography
Illustration
Painting
Printing and Publication Design
Printmaking
Proofing
Signage
Silkscreening
Typography

Most programs require you to submit a portfolio of design projects at the end of each course or academic year. Portfolios are reviewed by faculty to ensure that your skill level is increasing.

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in graphic design typically includes:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Portfolio review (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

About one-third of all graphic designers are self-employed. In many cases, graphic designers work in-house for large companies and nonprofit groups. They help design newsletters, web pages, and new product logos.

East Side Area

Central Washington University

Art--Graphic Design

Walla Walla University

Technology--Graphic Design
Technology--Product Design

Wenatchee Valley College

Digital Design
Graphic Design

King-Snohomish Area

Bellevue College

Visual Design

Cornish College of the Arts

Design

Everett Community College

Graphic Design

Highline College

Associate of Arts Transfer Programs
Visual Communications
Visual Communications--Adobe Suite

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Design--Digital Design

Seattle Central College

Graphic Design

Seattle University

Digital Design

Shoreline Community College

Visual Communication Technology--Art and Design Foundation
Visual Communication Technology--Foundation
Visual Communication Technology--Foundation Program with Customized Specialization
Visual Communication Technology--Graphic Design