Graphic Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design teaches you to channel knowledge and creativity toward inventive and effective design solutions. With our comprehensive liberal arts education, you'll become an adaptable, creative thinker who is prepared for a range of professional careers including: branding and packaging; environmental, web, interaction and production design; digital, marketing, social media and user experience design.

Progress Review

Though there is no portfolio application/entrance requirement, all majors in the department go through a major review upon completion of the foundation courses.

In this review — known as the Exchange — all majors are evaluated by a committee of three faculty members from the department. The review is 30 minutes and results in a written evaluation of student progress toward their degree.

Additional Details

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about graphic design, including degree requirements, course descriptions and a sample plan of study.

Our graphic design majors have continued opportunities to work with clients on campus and throughout the Dayton region. Through Ligature Studios, students can work with clients from across campus and the Dayton community. This real-world experience builds professional best practices and networking relationships.

In our state-of-the-art facilities — on and off campus — students collaborate with campus partners to bring the artistic creation of community storytelling to visual fruition.

The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about graphic design at UD.

The department requires the purchase of a MacBook Pro for all graphic design majors at the start of classes in the first semester. Additional computer requirements information can be found on the UDit website.

In the second year, graphic design majors will purchase a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. See the Adobe website for student pricing.

Additional Art and Design Programs

• Art Education (B.F.A.)
• Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
• Photography (B.F.A.)
• Visual Arts (B.A.)
• Art History (Minor)
• Fine Arts (Minor)
• Graphic Design (Minor)
• Photography (Minor)
• Visual Arts (Minor)
• Photojournalism (Undergraduate Certificate)

Related Programs

• Entrepreneurship (B.S.)
• Marketing (B.S.)
• Business Administration (Minor)
• Entrepreneurship (Minor)
• Film Studies (Minor)
• Integrated Arts and Technology (Minor)
• Marketing (Minor)
• Sustainability (Minor)
• Sustainability (Graduate Certificate)
• Discover (Undecided)

Students can double major or minor with the B.F.A. but will need to work closely with an advisor in scheduling classes.

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.