Overview
Graphic design is an exciting and continually evolving field in today’s economy. Graphic designers create for print and digital applications in advertising, packaging, publishing, branding and more.
At UA, the BFA in graphic design prepares students with the fundamental skills to create visual responses to the communication challenges of the contemporary world. Our students gain vital experience in conceptual development, exploration of visual media and proficiency in creative technology. Upon completion of the program, students will have assembled a professional portfolio that showcases their design work in an array of applications.
Curriculum
Thinking of applying to the BFA major in graphic design? Here is the four-year course of study for the BFA major in graphic design. For information about applying, visit our Prospective Students page or call us at (205) 348-5967.
BFA in Graphic Design Entry Portfolio Review
To be fully admitted to the BFA in Graphic Design program, students must pass the BFA in Graphic Design portfolio review.
Download the guidelines here and application form here. Save both to your computer before filling out.
Careers in Graphic Design
- Creative Director
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Illustrator
- Brand Designer
- Package Designer
- Mobile App Designer
- Interactive Designer
- User Experience Designer
- Publication Designer
- Environmental Designer
Find out more: AIGA’s Career Guide.
Internships
Students can participate in approved internships for University credit. Students may enroll in an internship during fall, spring or summer semesters. Students must work no less than 135 hours during the semester to earn 3 credit hours. The Department of Art and Art History offers support in identifying potential positions, but it remains the obligation of the student to obtain the position.
Facilities & Technology
Our students have access to computer labs comprised of iMac desktop computers, Adobe CC, Epson large format printers, Wacom tablets, digital cameras and more.
Although we do not have a laptop requirement, many of our students purchase one by their sophomore year. If they do, we recommend students purchase a MacBook Pro with at least 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Transfer students/Change of Major
Whether transferring in from another institution or becoming a newly declared major, we are excited you’ve chosen the BFA in Graphic Design! However, it is important for you to know, upon acceptance into the program through the BFA Graphic Design Entry Portfolio Review, that it will take five (5) semesters to complete the degree. Students are eligible for the review once they’ve completed ART 130, ART 210, and have taken or are currently taking ART 214. It is common for students who’ve changed their major to graphic design to add at least one additional year to their original graduation date.
- ART 214 Intro to Graphic Design is offered every fall and spring semester.
- BFA Graphic Design Entry Portfolio Review is only offered during the fall semester.
Five Semester Sequence for Required Courses in the BFA in Graphic Design
| Semester 1
|
ART 314 Typography (Spring Only) ART 315 Digital Layout and Production (Spring Only) |
| Semester 2
|
ART 335 Publication Design (Fall Only)
|
| Semester 3
|
ART 334 Brand and Identity System (Spring Only)
|
| Semester 4
|
ART 414 Graphic Design Portfolio (Fall Only)
|
| Semester 5
|
ART 499 Senior Thesis (Spring Only)
|
Contact Us
For information about applying, visit our Prospective Students page or call us at (205) 348-5967.
Graphic Design Faculty
- Jonathan Cumberland, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
- Cassandra Palmer, Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
- Allison Grant, Associate Professor of Art, Photography
- Celestia Morgan, Assistant Professor of Art, Photography
Graphic Design Student Work
View more work by graphic design students.
Graphic Design News
UA Art & Art History Celebrates 2024 Outstanding Students
The UA Department of Art and Art History is proud to announce the six recipients of our Outstanding Student Awards for academic year 2023-2024, awarded in recognition of their exemplary
2024 BFA Graphic Designers Present Thesis Exhibition in SGAG
The UA Department of Art and Art History presents BLENDED, the BFA in Graphic Design degree exhibition, April 15-22, 2024, in the Sella-Granata Art Gallery, Woods Hall. The public is
UA Graphic Design Students Recognized Again by Graphic Design USA
The February 2024 issue of Graphic Design USA included two UA BFA Graphic Design majors in their “Students to Watch” feature: Katelyn Daniewicz, who was also recently recognized in the