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
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 EquivalenciesREQUEST INFORMATION
Explore a Graphic Design Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor's in liberal arts with BVU.
