About This Program
In the Graphic Design B.F.A. program you do more than learn how to manipulate type and image. You explore communication, human psychology, and aesthetics in advanced techniques ranging from print to web within commercial, artistic, and academic contexts.
Mentored by dedicated faculty who are active in the field, you learn multiple platforms and employ industry-standard software to its highest efficiency. Our creative problem solvers are challenged to critically investigate design in terms of cultural relevance, effectiveness, ethics and ecological sustainability. Exploring design topics from typography and brand identity to motion graphics and interactive design, you learn to solve visual communication problems.
Our program is distinctive in that it also includes studio coursework. Many contemporary designers in the field tap their skillsets in media such as drawing, photography, video and 3-D studies to create dynamic design. Additional upper-level design courses in the major enable you to graduate with an impressive professional portfolio and solid interview training aimed to launch a successful career and stay active in the future of design.
You choose one of these two emphases: a Studio emphasis with upper-level coursework that strengthens your fine art sensibilities in addition to design skills; or a Marketing emphasis that includes an array of business courses that prepare designers to identify, measure, and address consumer needs as part of a creative team.
Program Highlights
- Graphic Design faculty create, exhibit, and publish research regularly, in addition to teaching and providing mentorship and career guidance
- UMD Art and Design is accredited by NASAD, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- A strong connection with AIGA, the worldwide professional association for design
Student Internships
- Duluth Pack
- UMD, Glensheen Mansion
- Frost River
- Hailey Sault
- Sek Design Studio
- Finden Marketing
- Flare Design Co
- UMD, The Bark
Potential Careers
- Art directors
- Marketing directors
- Multimedia artists
- Web developers
- User experience designers
- Animators
- Professors
Scholarships
Several departmental scholarships are awarded to returning Art & Design majors after the first year; additionally, any student can submit creative pieces to the Student Exhibition each spring, which does include several small scholarships for outstanding selected artwork and/or research.
Get Involved
Student clubs in the Department of Art & Design vary each year according to interests but typically include an Art Education Club, Student Photography Cooperative, Mud Guild (Ceramics Club), Art History Symposium, Media Arts Club, and Student Design Organization (SDO).
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.