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.
B.F.A. Degree Requirements
The BFA in Graphic Design is a professionally oriented degree, with the majority of coursework dedicated to design and design-related disciplines. The curriculum combines foundational studies in drawing, design principles, and art and design history with advanced coursework focused on real-world problem solving. Students become adept in the use of tools, technologies, and media of professional design practice while developing a deep understanding of visual organization, composition, information hierarchy, symbolic representation, typography, and the creation of meaningful visual messages.
Students are challenged to solve complex real-world design challenges through human-centered research, critical inquiry, and ethical decision-making. They learn to frame and solve design challenges by considering key factors such as usefulness, usability, desirability, sustainability, and feasibility. Studio courses foster engagement with professional practices through critiques, peer reviews, and presentations designed to build communication skills and industry readiness.
At the end of the junior year, students participate in a formal faculty review that assesses progress and offers mentorship as they prepare for their senior year. The program culminates in ART 191 DESIGN PRACTICUM, in which students synthesize their learning by developing a personal brand, professional portfolio, and identity system. They reflect on their educational journey and position their work within the broader landscape of contemporary design. Optional participation in a senior exhibition provides additional opportunities for professional exposure. Graduates emerge from the program equipped to navigate complex design systems, collaborate effectively within diverse teams, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the graphic design profession.
In addition to requirements for all undergraduate degrees, which can be found in the Graduation Requirements area of the catalog, Art and Design students must meet the following requirements:
A student is placed on probation if either the cumulative grade-point average or the average in Department of Art and Design courses falls below 2.00 (a "C" average) during any semester in which a student has earned less than 30 total credit hours. A student may be placed on probation for failing to meet the University’s standards for satisfactory progress toward completion of degree requirements.
To continue progress toward a Department of Art and Design degree, a student must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade-point average and a 2.5 GPA in the Department of Art and Design courses at the end of the academic term in which the student completes the 30th credit hour. For transfer students, the 30th-hour GPA must be based upon at least 15 credit hours earned at Drake. Students who achieve the 2.5 GPA at the 30th-hour level are placed on probation if their GPAs fall below 2.5 in a subsequent semester. If the GPA is not raised to 2.5 or better after the probationary semester, the student may not continue in the Department of Art and Design or re-enroll later.
In addition to programmatic requirements, students are responsible for satisfying all requirements of the Drake Curriculum, including Areas of Inquiry (AOI).
Student must also satisfy university graduation requirements for all undergraduate students.