LIBERAL ARTS
Graphic Design Degree
Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The graphic design major prepares students to practice graphic design professionally in print, interactive, and motion design. Students focus on critical thinking and discovery through the process of problem solving to creatively solve design challenges. The Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design curriculum begins with courses in the art of design core, including theory, art history, and foundational studio disciplines. Students then move on to courses in typography, graphic design, printmaking, interactive design, and motion graphics design.
Take Me To
Why should I earn a graphic design degree?
In Demand
In 2020, over 96 percent of BVU graduates were employed or in grad school within six months of graduation.
Art Directors
The median annual wage for art directors was $89,760 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Web Developers
The median annual wage for web developers was $64,970 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Can I Do With a Graphic Design Degree
- Graphic designer
- Art director
- Creative director
- Design strategist
- Web developer
- User experience/ interface designer
- Data visualization specialist
- On Campus
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study Graphic Design at BVU?
A survey found that 100 percent of Graphic Design majors from the Class of 2018 were either employed or enrolled in graduate or professional studies within six months of graduation.
Internships
BVU graphic design students have found internships with:
- Levi Strauss & Co.
- Beyond Imagination Marketing Strategies
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Iowa Arts Council
Careers
BVU graphic design graduates have entered careers as:
- Strategic America, Assistant Account Manager
- Lessing-Flynn, Senior Graphic Designer
- Avidity Creative, Owner/Creative Strategist
- Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Graphic Designer
Graduate School
BVU graphic design graduates have gone on to study at:
- University of South Carolina
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Wichita State University
Creative Spaces Abound
BVU’s dedicated studios are large, contemporary, and versatile. Students have easy and ample access to a variety of art types.
Mac Lab – Mac computers with large monitors, loaded with the most recent version of Adobe CS, several digital scanners, color laser printers, large format printers, and an archival printer.
Gallery Spaces – Two different gallery spaces with customizable lighting and digital projection capabilities.
Printmaking – Four high-end intaglio and lithograph presses, including lithography stones.
Metal Shop – MIG, TIG, ARC, and oxy-acetylene welders; plasma cutter, dry cut saws, band saw, and sand blasting.
Ceramics – Mixing clay, formulating and applying glazes, kiln firing, electric and kick wheels, plus extruders and slab rollers.
Woodshop – Band saw, table saw, panel saw, radial arm saw, sliding compound miter saw, lathe, laser drill press, sanding station, and many hand tools.
Painting – A flexible space with many easels and taborets along with custom pigment mixing for oil, acrylic, and encaustic paints.
BVU seeks to unite students with artists, innovators, and creators to mentor and inspire Beavers while showcasing their own talents and work. Artist-in-Residence Program
Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.
AUSTIN DEAN, Class of 2019
Austin landed internships and opportunities on and off campus that prepared him for the real-world. One of Austin’s favorite internships involved website design for a film festival in California where he learned how to communicate effectively with a variety of people to get the best product. Austin’s internship opportunities, along with the constructive feedback of professors, helped him continually grow and succeed as an artist, designer, and animator.
Graphic Design Courses
On Campus: Meet Your Academic Recruitment Specialist
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreGraphic Design Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future in Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most—if not all—of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesFind Your Program
Explore your future potential through our wide selection of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Accounting
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Agricultural Business
From managing production risk, to operating your own business, to analyzing ag loans, BVU’s Ag Business degree sets you up for success in today’s fast-paced environment.
Learn More - Agricultural Education
Gain the skills and knowledge to teach agriculture science and business for traditional classrooms, as well as Extension and virtual environments. Spread your passion for agriculture on to the next generation.
Learn More - Agricultural Science
Dive into an agronomy and animal science curriculum that explores the science behind production and research practices that feed, clothe, and fuel the world.
Learn More - All Social Science for Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor's Degree Program The All Social Science for Secondary Education program will prepare students for a teaching career working with adolescent and young adult learners.
Learn More - Animation
Animation students begin their academic career by building a foundation in traditional art and then focusing on advanced courses in the art of animated storytelling.
Learn More - Art Education
An art education degree prepares future educators to teach art in grades K-12.
Learn More - Art Therapy
The pre-professional art therapy major prepares students to apply to graduate programs in art therapy.
Learn More - Athletic Training, 3+2 Program
Earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just 5 years with this athletic training dual degree with Drake University.
Learn More - Biology
Develop exceptional professional competency by studying biology at BVU.
Learn More - Biomedical Sciences
The biomedical sciences bachelor’s degree program is fundamentally focused on the health sciences as a whole but leaves ample room for development of outside interests that enhance an application for professional schools.
Learn More - Business
With strong foundational classes, BVU’s business major offers concentrations in management, marketing, sports business, ...
Learn More - Communication Studies
Learn how to tune yourself to the important relationship building that happens through our interactions with others.
Learn More - Computer Science
A computer science degree prepares you for a career in software development, computer security, robotics, information technology, and more.
Learn More - Corporate Mathematics
Corporate math teaches you the quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to excel in today’s data-driven corporate environment.
Learn More - Digital Media
Students who major in digital media are prepared to become professional multimedia storytellers.
Learn More - Educational Studies
Designed for students who have an interest in an education-oriented career beyond becoming a licensed teacher.
Learn More - Elementary Education
An elementary education major prepares future teachers to teach grades kindergarten through six.
Learn More - English Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor’s Degree Program The English language arts for secondary education program will prepare pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field...
Learn More - English
With a degree in English, you will study the language, stories, and poetry that shape our lives. English students sharpen their communication skills and explore literature, critical theory, cultural studies, and creative writing. Prepare for careers in a world shaped increasingly by the powers of text, imagination, and tale.
Learn More - Game Design
BVU’s game design serves students who aspire to join the video game industry video game industry as artists, animators, programmers, directors, sound engineers, writers, etc.
Learn More - Graphic Design
The graphic design major prepares students to practice graphic design professionally in print, interactive, and motion design.
Learn More - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
BVU’s kinesiology and exercise science bachelor’s degree provides students with a comprehensive and proactive academic and clinical education so that they can seek careers in a wide variety of health-related professions.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students in secondary schools in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students with unique needs in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Education – Special Education
This online master’s in special education program is intended to advance the skills of practicing professionals.
Learn More - Master of Education – Teacher Leadership Curriculum Instruction
The online Master of Education – Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction program provides four tracks designed for working teachers seeking to advance their career in the classroom.
Learn More - Master of Education in Educational Administration
This online master’s program equips currently licensed educators with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively lead their K-12 school administration.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This CACREP-accredited program prepares students to address the growing need for accessible, professional mental health services.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Professional School Counseling
BVU’s master’s in school counseling equips you to make a difference in elementary, middle, and high schools. Professional school counselors promote growth, enhance learning, and contribute to student success.
Learn More - Mathematics
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Military Science
BVU's military science minor is created for students who want to develop their leadership skills, explore military doctrine, and study the military's role in American domestic and foreign policy.
Learn More - Music Production and Technology
With the explosion of electronic devices and Internet access, music and video is used by just about everyone.
Learn More - Nursing 3+1 Program
Buena Vista University and Mercy College of Health Sciences offer an accelerated 3+1 nursing program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years without leaving the BVU campus.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
The master’s in organizational leadership provides the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead people in an ever-changing work environment and can be completed in as few as 1.5 years.
Learn More - Physical Education and Coaching
Students majoring in physical education and coaching learn in a variety of contexts.
Learn More - Physics Engineering Program
As a physics engineering student at BVU, you’ll have access to a dual degree engineering program partnered with Washington University in St. Louis.
Learn More - Plus One Programs Overview
Already a Beaver? If a master’s degree is in your future, BVU has unique programs that can save you time and money.
Learn More - Rehabilitation Health Sciences
Learn from biology and exercise science faculty who will help prepare you for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training.
Learn More - Scientific Illustration
At BVU the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More - Secondary Education
Secondary education students find their passion in a certifiable teaching subject with their desire to become a licensed educator in grades 5-12.
Learn More - Spanish
The Spanish major enables students to become better communicators and more globally aware citizens.
Learn More - Strategic Public Relations
Whether in business, politics, sports, or the arts, effective communication campaigns are the foundation of success.
Learn More - Studio Art
At BVU, the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More
Sorry, there weren't any matches to your selected criteria. Please try a different combination.
REQUEST INFORMATION
Explore a Graphic Design Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor's in liberal arts with BVU.