Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts

The information on this page pertains to requirements for students who matriculated in the current academic year. Students who matriculated in a prior year should view historical catalog information here.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at Drake is a focused, professional degree that equips students with the knowledge and skills required for entry into contemporary design practice. Rooted in a liberal arts education, the program emphasizes conceptual development, formal exploration, and technical fluency across a variety of visual communication media. Students engage in immersive design experiences that integrate research, strategy, and iterative design processes to create work that is thoughtful, compelling, and responsive to human needs and contexts.

Through the study of studio art principles, craft, and design theory coupled with practical experiences—students develop the ability to plan and execute visual communications with creativity and responsibility. Coursework spans typography, interaction design, systems thinking, and design theory, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are challenged to consider the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions of design while building core competencies in tools, methods, and visual communication strategies. The program aims for its students to develop a distinct design voice and cultivate the creative, analytical, and professional skills essential for success in the evolving field of graphic design. This degree is ideal for those seeking preparation for careers in graphic design, visual communication, interaction design, or related creative industries, and it provides a strong foundation for graduate study in design and allied fields.