Art and Design
Graphic Design Degree
Discover your creative voice and turn your imagination into reality.
OFFERED AS:
Major
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
120
Start your career by becoming a graphic design major at a top Pennsylvania university. Graphic design is a fulfilling career that requires innovation and problem solving to impact people’s lives.
Kutztown University's Communication Design program empowers you to meet that challenge and discover your own artistic voice by providing valuable professional experience. Get ready to design your own journey!
Design. Create. Innovate. Express.
Why choose KU for a Graphic Design Degree
Our graphic design program is designed to push your skills and creativity as an artist. Choosing to pursue a graphic design major at KU means joining a community of equally imaginative and passionate artists. We are dedicated to providing a dynamic graphic design program that meets the needs of our students.
KU’s graphic design program stands out as a top choice for students because:
- Take courses taught by successful professors in the art industry
- Receive a BFA in Communication Design as recognized by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the American Institute of Graphic Arts
- Strengthen your abilities as an artist and develop a strong portfolio
- Access a network of alumni and companies to build professional relationships
Find your crew within the art community here at Kutztown University.
Graphic Design Program Highlights
KU is one of the best programs in Pennsylvania to get a graphic design degree because it provides you with the practice and essential portfolio pieces to be able to pursue various career paths. Students in the graphic design program begin with foundational courses before continuing on to digital skill-focused courses. By graduation, you will have the professional experience and portfolio pieces needed to impress employers.
Program Highlights:
- Become a member of KU’s AIGA club
- Participate in events such as Designathon and work with nonprofit organizations
- Attend field trips to art shows and graphic design agencies
- Exhibit your work in KU’s Sharadin Arts Building
- Access various art and computer labs dedicated to art students
- Complete an internship during your senior year for real-world training
Student Learning Outcomes
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Communication Design (BFA)
- Solve communication problems through research and development.
- Describe and respond to the audiences and contexts that shape design decisions.
- Create and develop visual form in response to communication problems.
- Apply tools and technology through the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
- Employ professionalism and best business practices through presentation.
I cannot stress enough how much KUCD has helped me prepare for a career in the world of graphic design. I still have wonderful connections with my professors who I update on my career journey and go to them if I ever need any guidance. I graduated with well-rounded skills in all areas of design.
Brianna Wendling ’23, Online Graphic Designer, WebFXGraphic Design Degree FAQ
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What can I do with a graphic design major?
A graphic design degree at KU gives you the ability to pursue a variety of career paths. Here is a list of the top job titles graduates pursue and their national salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022):
- Graphic Designer: $64,700
- Web/App Designer: $69,207
- Interactive Designer: $97,929
- Advertising Designer: $46,500
- Art Director: $106,500
- Design Director: $ 152,715
- Hybrid Designer: $127,032
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Is a portfolio required to be a graphic design major?
Yes, to be accepted into KU’s graphic design program, you must provide a portfolio in your application. For more information on what the portfolio should include and how to submit, you can visit the KUCD website.
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Is an internship required for a graphic design degree?
Internships are not required to complete your graphic design degree though they are recommended. KU partners with over 30 organizations and design firms to connect students with internship opportunities so that you receive real world experience you can put on your resume.