Create and innovate with NDSU’s graphic design degree 

Gain a strong foundation in design by enrolling in NDSU’s new graphic design major. The program’s comprehensive curriculum will provide you with creative and technical skills in typography, imagery, digital media and more.

With an interdisciplinary teaching approach, you’ll be able to take a multitude of classes that spark your interests, including courses in animation, illustration and digital rendering, as well as interdisciplinary courses in architecture, communication and apparel design.

“The Graphic Design program provides a buffet of design options for creative professionals. From digital illustration to package design, from animation to typography and layout, there are classes that focus on a variety of different subjects where students will continue to explore the fundamental principles of design and visual communication,” said Jeff Knight, assistant professor of graphic design and printmaking.

By the end of the program, you’ll demonstrate your graphic design knowledge through a baccalaureate capstone project of your choice.

Tyler Halstenson, a sophomore in the graphic design program, said his love for design was sparked at an early age when he discovered a passion for drawing and printmaking. Halstenson has enjoyed experimenting with typography, layouts, bold colors and illustration and continuing to connect with the creative side of design.

“Over the past two years, I’ve learned a lot, especially with Adobe Illustrator, and my professors have played a huge role in helping me grow as an artist,” said Halstenson, who is from Fargo. “This year I’ve been doing more group work, whether that’s in projects or through clubs, and it’s really changed how I view both my own work and the work of others. One thing I’ve realized is that graphic design is an area where you’re always learning something new every day, and that’s what makes this degree so exciting.”

Robert Angelo, a senior majoring in fine arts with a focus on graphic design, said his passion for creating art was what led him to pursue his degree.

“I get joy from seeing others' view what I have created, and the act of problem-solving and brainstorming is very rewarding,” said Angelo, who is from Ortonville, Minnesota.

Throughout his time at NDSU, Angelo has learned how to collaborate with others to improve his designs and has become proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

As a student in NDSU’s graphic design program, you’re part of the broader School of Design, Architecture, and Art community, which is made up of over 750 students pursuing careers in creative industries. Andrew Stark, an assistant professor of practice in drawing, graphic design, illustration and foundations, said the strong community within SoDAA is important for student success.

“The art and design community that we’ve cultivated here is one of the biggest drivers of everything positive that’s happening within the department,” Stark said. “The nature of studio and design work is team-based and collaborative. First-year students are getting connected with advanced students right away and they’re seeing a wide range of ways of thinking and problem solving.”

Faculty in the department are engaged in their teaching and professions, ensuring you’ll have everything you need to succeed. Several faculty members have received national and international awards for their work, bringing that expertise back to the classroom.

“The faculty at NDSU’s SoDAA are incredibly encouraging, both as artists and as people. That support is what makes this program such a great place to learn and grow,” Halstenson said.

Outside of the classroom, the graphic design program has several opportunities to engage in real-world experiences that will help further shape your studies. Through participation in the North Dakota American Advertising Federation, going on class trips to design firms and meeting professional designers, you’ll be able to apply skills to real-world design opportunities.

Angelo has worked on interactive projects, including collaborating with a team to create illustrations for a poem written by an English professor, and designing a book cover for “Echoes of the Old Country," published by the NDSU Press.

Halstenson has created graphics for student clubs, including Jumpstart, and has started his own design club to build a community for fellow students who share his creative passion.

Students in the art and design department frequently receive awards for their work at the AAF-ND’s annual advertisement awards ceremony, which showcases the creative work of professional and student designers across the state.

As a student, you’ll also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including Renaissance Hall located in downtown Fargo, which has advanced tools to seamlessly integrate hands-on visualization with Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing and UI/UX design as tools for effective visual communication.

“The Renaissance building is an inspiring space, and combined with supportive faculty, talented students and excellent equipment, it creates an environment where you want to grow,” Halstenson said.

The career possibilities with a graphic design degree are limitless. Students have gone on to enter successful careers as art directors, special effects artists and animators, concept artists, motion graphic designers, content creators, as well as traditional graphic designers. Many students also choose to freelance after they graduate.

Local businesses, including Tellwell, Flint Group, Microsoft and AdShark, constantly scout out students for internships, job opportunities and design projects.

“Prospective students should choose NDSU's graphic design program because the faculty are great, classes are small enough that you will know each of your classmates and Renaissance Hall is beautifully designed, very unique and fits an art building very well,” Angelo said.

“I would recommend NDSU because of the professional level of work coming from the community,” Halstenson said. “Everyone is constantly striving to improve themselves, the program and the art and design community around them.”

Find your horizon and shape what’s possible by to applying today or scheduling a visit to learn more.