Why study graphic design at BGSU in Ohio?
- Award-winning faculty. Learn from leaders in design thinking, emerging media, creative placemaking and more. You also have more opportunities for close faculty attention due to our small class sizes.
- High standards. BGSU is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).
- Dynamic curriculum. We offer a contemporary program integrating the latest design theories, practices and research. You will learn typography, design history and interactive and time-based motion design and design thinking. You will gain a general knowledge base that will evolve with the industry.
- Hands-on learning. Gain real-world experience through required internships at top design studios and firms. You’ll graduate with a professional portfolio, practical experience and the self-assurance that you’re ready to succeed in a highly competitive field.
- State-of-the-art resources. Explore modern facilities, studios, computer labs and galleries, as well as vast library collections such as the Popular Culture Library, ARTstor and OhioLINK.
- Proximity to culture. BGSU puts you within driving distance of some of the nation’s best art and design collections, including the Toledo Museum of Art and museums in Detroit, Cleveland and Chicago.
- Collaborative community. Join the BGSU AIGA Student Chapter or other student organizations to meet up with peers, participate in workshops, enjoy field trips and attend social events. Apply for Medici Circle sponsorships to cover student travel costs for exciting educational experiences.
- Visiting designers. BGSU regularly welcomes leaders and innovators in visual communication to engage with students – in public lectures, classroom discussions, workshops and 1:1 critiques.
- Strong alumni network. Our graphic design alumni are an invaluable resource for students and recent graduates. They join other regional and national design pros annually to conduct professional portfolio reviews (remote and in person) for juniors and seniors.
- Study abroad. The BGSU School of Art offers incredible study abroad opportunities. We have partner schools in Florence, Italy, at the Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) and the International Studies Institution (ISI) Florence. Financial assistance for study abroad is available through the RING Fund and the School of Art Experiential Learning Fund.
BGSU has consistently ranked as a top design school by Graphic Design USA.
#1 university in Ohio for career preparation
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Career - what can you do with a graphic design degree?
Our graduates land entry-level graphic design jobs and design-adjacent roles that launch them into influential careers as successful designers deeply committed to improving lives by enhancing everyday experiences.
Our graphic design alumni have landed prime jobs at places like Nike Global, Uber, American Greetings, J. Crew, Levis, Lululemon, Fort, Abercrombie & Fitch, Toledo Museum of Art, Progressive, JP MorganChase & Co., The X-Factor, Gerber, Mercy Health and more.
Career opportunities for graphic designers are around the corner in every industry:
- Advertising and branding
- UX/UI design for web and mobile apps
- Corporate in-house design teams
- Packaging and product design
- Motion graphics and video production
- Social impact and nonprofit design initiatives
Some sectors with especially high demand for graphic design talent include consumer products, education, engineering, entertainment, financial services, food and beverage, gaming, mining, pharmaceutical, real estate, retail, shipping, sports and fitness technology, telecommunications, transportation, travel and tourism, utilities, web services – and more.
The skills, knowledge and professional connections graphic design students gain at BGSU prepare them to pursue leadership positions where their creative visions can shine.
Want to expand your impact, experience and professional marketability? BGSU offers a Master of Design (M.Des.) in integrative design. This hybrid online graphic design master’s degree supports growing demand for designers with advanced skills in emerging tools, methods and processes. You’ll take most courses online and visit campus a few times a year.
Career paths
- Art director
- Brand ambassador
- Brand manager
- Communications designer
- Creative director
- Design strategist
- Environmental designer
- Graphic designer
- Information architect
- Marketing design supervisor
- Motion designer
- Project developer
- User experience designer
- Visual design specialist
- Web designer
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The BGSU BFA graphic design degree empowers fluid, flexible, creative thinkers to tackle today’s ever-evolving design challenges across a wide range of industries. We are committed to preparing graduates with curious minds to push boundaries and transform ideas into captivating, impactful visual solutions.
The curriculum focuses on design thinking, innovation and the effective communication of visual and spatial messages. Coursework includes design theory, practical work and community engagement.
Pre-graphic design students transition fully into the program after passing foundational art courses and the School of Art’s BFA portfolio review. From there, students learn the tools and technologies of the trade, acquire presentation skills and engage in interdisciplinary learning – all while compiling a solid portfolio of work.
An internship and senior thesis are also important components of the program.
Sample courses
- Graphic Design Theory
- Graphic Design History + Integrative Models
- Principles of Typography
- Design for Social Impact
- Collaboration and Community Engagement Practicum
- Time-Based Graphic Design
- Interactive Graphic Design
#1 public university in the Midwest students would choose again
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The graphic design program is part of the School of Art in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 03/21/2025 11:45AM