Graphic Design, B.F.A.

On-Campus w/Online Courses

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

120

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study Graphic Design?

The graphic design degree at Park University equips you with strong visual communication and creative problem-solving skills, preparing you for careers in media, advertising, branding, and digital arts. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through capstone projects, industry collaborations, and access to state-of-the-art labs and software. Students benefit from internship opportunities, professional networking, and the chance to present their work at the Creative Arts Symposium. With a focus on industry readiness and evolving design trends, the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design prepares graduates for advanced roles or further study in the creative field.

What You’ll Learn

  • You’ll begin by learning the basic elements and principles of design through drawing, painting, sculpture, and color theory. These courses help build visual awareness, artistic vocabulary, and creative problem-solving skills essential for more advanced design work.
  • The graphic design program introduces industry-standard software, typography, layout, and visual communication techniques used in both print and digital media. You’ll gain practical experience in creating professional-level projects through hands-on assignments and critiques.
  • Courses in art and design history from the Renaissance to modern movements deepen your understanding of visual culture and its societal impact. You’ll study how major styles and ideologies shape graphic design across different periods and global cultures.
  • A graphic design degree explores branding, packaging, advertising campaigns, web design, and interface development to prepare you for real-world design challenges. The bachelor’s in graphic design emphasizes conceptual thinking, technical execution, and portfolio development to meet industry standards.
  • In the final year of your bachelor’s degree in graphic design, you’ll complete a capstone project and build a professional portfolio showcasing your design skills and personal style, including resume writing, thesis presentations, and preparation for entering the creative workforce or pursuing graduate study.

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Henry Merrick

Merrick Henry, M.F.A.


Assistant Teaching Professor, Graphic Design
mhenry@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

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Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

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Mackay Hall on Park University campus

Graphic Design Career & Future Opportunities

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates visual content for print and digital media, including logo design, posters, brochures, websites, and social media graphics. They combine typography, imagery, and layout to communicate messages effectively and support branding and marketing goals.

User Interface (UI) Specialist

A UI designer’s focus is on the look and feel of digital interfaces, designing layouts, buttons, menus, and other visual elements that users interact with on websites and apps. They work closely with UX designers and developers to ensure the digital design is visually appealing and user-friendly.

Digital Media Strategist

A digital media strategist develops and implements online marketing campaigns to promote brands, products, or services across digital platforms such as social media, websites, and email. They analyze audience behavior and campaign data to optimize content, increase engagement, and drive measurable results.

Art Director

An art director oversees the visual style and creative direction of projects in advertising, publishing, film, or digital media. They lead design teams, manage visual consistency, and ensure that all creative output aligns with the client’s vision and brand identity.

Package Designer

A package designer develops the visual and structural design of product packaging to attract customers and protect the product. They consider factors like branding, functionality, materials, and sustainability while creating designs for retail and commercial use.

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*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: Graphic Design Degree, B.F.A.

A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field like visual communication is typically the best path for aspiring graphic design professionals. Park University’s program builds skills in design software, typography, branding, and digital media preparing graduates for creative roles in marketing, advertising, web design, and more.

Graduates of Park’s graphic design programs are prepared for a variety of graphic design jobs, such as graphic designer, web designer, UX/UI specialist, and digital media strategist. The program’s emphasis on design principles, visual storytelling, and technical proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite positions students for success in both freelance and full-time positions across industries.

Yes, Park’s graphic design degree culminates in a capstone project that showcases each student’s creative and technical growth. While formal portfolio reviews are not required for admission, students build a competitive portfolio throughout the program via hands-on coursework in digital media, motion graphics, and brand identity, preparing them for entry into the design industry or graduate study.

Park University offers a 4-year bachelor’s program that provides deeper training in visual communication, design theory, and industry-standard tools ideal for students seeking advanced roles in the field.

Related programs

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Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.