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Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program at Drake offers two distinct degree paths, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA), each preparing graduates for creative careers while emphasizing different aspects of design education.

The BFA in Graphic Design is a professionally focused degree that prepares students for direct entry into the field of visual communication and related industries. Coursework includes typography, interaction design, systems thinking, and design theory, all grounded in the liberal arts and complemented by foundational studies in drawing and art history. The program culminates in a senior Design Practicum that includes a professional portfolio, personal brand, and identity system. With access to internships and local professional organizations BFA students are equipped to pursue careers as designers, art directors, and creative professionals in a wide variety of fields.

The BA in Graphic Design is a flexible, liberal arts–centered degree designed for students who wish to explore design as part of a broader interdisciplinary education. The BA emphasizes visual literacy, critical thinking, and exploratory design processes that examine how design intersects with cultural, historical, and social contexts. This degree encourages synthesis across disciplines and is especially well-suited for students pursuing double majors or diverse academic interests. The BA promotes broad exposure to ideas and methods across the arts and sciences, preparing students for diverse academic, civic, and professional pathways involving design.

Students in both programs benefit from access to state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with current industry software and hardware, and from opportunities to engage in internships and participate in local and national design communities. Whether seeking professional preparation or a multidisciplinary approach, Drake’s Graphic Design program fosters the development of creative, responsible, and adaptable designers.