BFA, Graphic Design

Graphic Design Fundamentals

Graphic Design is the largest program within the Myers School of Art. It is a professional program for students pursuing careers in the expanding multidisciplinary field of visual communication design. Critical thinking and logical problem solving in print, web and interactive media are emphasized.

Purpose

The curriculum teaches communication theories, principles and processes using current industry standard technology. Students gain an understanding that design is an investment in innovative thinking, positioning, branding and communication that creates value for businesses. We encourage our students to become engaged, socially responsible, and thoughtful designers.

Goals

All students participate in opportunities to learn beyond the classroom which helps to maintain an 80% job placement rate, three months after graduation.

Curriculum & Recommended Sequencing

• BFA, Graphic Design: Requirements
• BFA, Graphic Design: Recommended Sequencing

Distinctions

Students are presented with a broad range of facilities and opportunities while pursuing their BFA in Graphic Design such as:

• Gain real-world skills through Design X Nine, the in-house student design studio serving on- and off-campus clients.
• Strengthen design and business skills through professional internship in a studio, agency, or corporate environment.
• Engage with local design professionals while participating in the active local chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF-Akron).
• Portfolio review by area Art Directors through American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA).
• Students in our programs have won over 100 design awards in competitions and have been published in major design journals.

BFA, Graphic Design Required Laptop Purchase Policy

NOTE: All current students, including incoming freshmen for fall 2024 are highly recommended to purchase a laptop. All graphic design majors beginning fall 2025 will be required.

Multiple computer labs are maintained in the Myers School of Art for instruction in digital production during the first-year experience. Students are not required to purchase their own hardware or software during this first year.

All students who pass the Foundation Review and choose to major in Graphic Design are required to own and maintain a laptop computer meeting the minimum standard. Students are required to have this laptop before enrolling into ART 184 Typography 1 and will be required to maintain and keep it in good working condition for all remaining years in the graphic design program.

An Apple MacBook Pro is highly recommended for ease of integration with the existing Myers systems while preparing students for a standard work environment in the Graphic Design field. An investment in a 2-year-old or newer laptop is recommended for being easily maintainable for the remaining three years of instruction.

While PC’s may have a lower initial price, because of the cost of maintaining and lack of industry standard they are not recommended. Students that choose a PC should ensure appropriate amounts of memory, processing and storage.

Hardware and Software requirements are available in the linked pdf.

Career Information & Resources

• Research Careers—Browse database, videos, top ten lists, and more
• Salary Calculator—Salaries by career and geographic area
• Occupational Outlook Handbook—job responsibilities, salaries, education required, and job outlook
• Career One Stop—Explore careers, salary and benefits, training required, and job seeker services by state
• O*Net—Quick search tool for Ohio jobs data and more
• Career Services—helping students and alumni explore and reach career goals.
• Handshake—Explore opportunities for internships, jobs and careers after graduation

For more information on the Graphic Design profession, visit www.aiga.org.

Recent Graphic Design Job Placements

• Art Director, Geometry Global (Akron, OH)
• Digital Experience Designer, Abercrombie & Fitch (Columbus, OH)
• Digital Designer, Bandujo Advertising + Design (New York, NY)
• Graphic Designer, David Stark Design (New York, NY)
• Graphic Designer, Details Magazine (New York, NY)
• Graphic Designer, Flourish (Cleveland, OH)
• Graphic Designer, J.M. Smucker Company (Orville, OH)
• Graphic Designer, Sterling Jewelers (Akron, OH)
• Marketing Communications Manager, MediaLab 3D Solutions (Tampa, FL)
• Product Line Designer, American Greetings (Cleveland, OH)
• Senior XU/UI Designer, Key Bank (Cleveland, OH)
• Senior Marketing Strategist, Summa Health (Akron, OH)
• Graphic Designer, SoundCloud (New York, NY)

Recent Senior Exhibition Websites

• 2024: Taking Shape
• 2023: Shift & Align
• 2022: Bold