graphic design students using whiteboard

Graphic Design Major

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Unleash your creativity and work with industry professionals with a major in graphic design at UND.

Graphic designers have a powerful impact on the products we use, websites we visit and marketing messages we see. At UND, you’ll gain the skills to pursue a successful career in a variety of industries.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120 (major), 21 (minor)

Why earn a graphic design major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Explore your creative side and discover new ways to present your artistic ideas. The B.F.A. in Graphic Design at UND provides the flexibility you need to experiment and the skills you need to thrive.

The only program in the state that teaches web design and letterpress design, our program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) in affiliation with AIGA. It combines an intense focus in graphic design with studies in areas such as:

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing and painting
  • Jewelry and metalsmithing
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture

Graphic Design Major at UND

  • Put your creativity to work with local and regional businesses through an internship

  • Present your pieces at professional conferences and art exhibits locally and nationally

  • Work closely with professional artists with industry experience

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Get hired! At UND, you'll receive help perfecting your resume, practice interviewing, and learn effective job-hunting strategies.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What can you do with a graphic design degree?

77K

Median pay for web developers and digital designers in the U.S., 2020

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

13%

Job outlook for web developers through 2030, faster growth than average careers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

As businesses and organizations increasingly discover the importance of professional design, a graphic arts degree is more valuable than ever. A major in graphic design sets you up for success in fields such as:

  • Advertising
  • Art Direction
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Production Design
  • Typesetting
  • Visual design
  • Web design

Graphic Design Major Skills

A Graphic Design degree gives you the technical design skills you need, including:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Photography

Graphic Design Major Jobs

Graphic Design alumni have gone on to a variety of successful graphic design careers with:

  • Acme Tools
  • Amazon
  • Chapter3
  • General Mills
  • Kerasotes Showplace Theatres

Graphic Design Major Courses

ART 112. Two & Three Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

This is a foundation studio course which introduces design principles, aesthetic considerations, and basic techniques of working as they relate to the creation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 480. Advanced Graphic Design. 3-6 Credits.

Study and application of abstract representation in graphic design. Design methods and genres are examined during the production of promotional material including identity and business systems and campaigns. Ability to work metaphorically with image and design will be stressed. Focus will be on layout and composition. Continuing students will focus on application of graphic design principles to environmental and three-dimensional material including packaging, showroom graphics, display and electronic media applications. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. Repeatable. Prerequisite: ART 273. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 260. Intro to Color Photography. 3 Credits.

A beginning non-darkroom oriented class in color photography emphasizing the aesthetic, design and compositional aspects of this artistic medium. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 200. Intro to Sculpture. 3 Credits.

Introduction to philosophy, aesthetics, history, and processes of sculpture. Demonstration in the use of metals, stone, clay, plaster, wood, etc. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 210. History of Art I. 3 Credits.

Introductory survey of art history from Paleolithic to Renaissance. F.

ART 272. Digital Foundations. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the principles, techniques and history of digital media. This course will instruct in the application of computer software. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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