Turn Creativity into Impact

Build a strong foundation in visual communication, typography and digital design while working with industry-standard tools and real-world projects. Guided by experienced faculty, you’ll develop a professional portfolio that prepares you for careers in branding, advertising, UI/UX and beyond.

Explore the program Curriculum

State-Of-The-Art Contemporary Program

NDSU’s Graphic Design and Illustration program is an immersive, hands-on experience in visual communication and design thinking. Students learn to research, ideate and create effective design solutions while building skills in both digital and traditional media.

Conceptual thinking & design practice

  • Communication theory
  • Typography
  • Brand identity & packaging
  • Illustration & narrative
  • Motion graphics
  • UX/UI & interactive design
  • Printmaking & information design

Capstone: Professional practice, portfolio development and a final exhibition at the Memorial Union Gallery.

Students graduate prepared to:

  • Solve visual communication challenges
  • Understand client and audience needs
  • Critique and refine design work
  • Develop a distinctive creative voice
  • Build a professional portfolio

Opportunities include internships, participation in the AAF-ND ADDY Awards and the NDAC Advertising Competition.

Located in Renaissance Hall, students collaborate across disciplines including Advertising, Interior Design, ARMD, Architecture and more.

  • Strong Fargo-Moorhead internship network
  • Faculty mentorship and peer collaboration
  • Access to one of the region’s largest design communities

Students engage with professionals through internships, visiting designers and alumni networks.

Graduates have worked at: Microsoft, AdShark, Flint Group, Scheels, Spotlight Media, CoSchedule and more.

  • Dedicated studio spaces
  • Wacom tablets & large-format printing
  • Photography studios & critique spaces
  • Darkroom and digital labs

Print + Digital Making

Students work across traditional and emerging technologies:

  • Letterpress, screenprinting, lithography
  • 3D printing, laser cutting, VR (LAAVA Lab)
  • Woodshop, papermaking and fabrication spaces

The final year centers on a self-directed project and professional preparation:

  • Portfolio development
  • Research + studio practice
  • Weekly critiques with faculty and professionals
  • Public exhibition and published work

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is required. Our program welcomes creatively curious students of all levels and provides hands-on instruction in design principles, visual storytelling and industry-standard tools.

You will explore courses in animation, illustration, branding, UX/UI, digital media and experiential design. This broad foundation allows you to discover your strengths while building a professional portfolio.

Not at all. While you will gain technical skills, the focus is on creative problem-solving, human-centered design and developing a strong portfolio that reflects your ideas and design thinking.

NDSU offers one of the most affordable design programs in the region. Financial aid, scholarships and work-study opportunities are available to help make your education accessible. View financial aid and scholarship information.

Graduates work in branding, illustration, UX/UI, animation, digital media and experiential design. Many go on to work at agencies, creative studios, in-house design teams or launch freelance careers.

Yes. Students collaborate with local businesses, nonprofits and organizations such as the American Advertising Federation- ND, Scheels, Blue Cross Blue Shield, AdShark, TEDxFargo, Tellwell and Nordeast Marketing Group, gaining professional experience and building real client work into their portfolios.

Absolutely. You can schedule a campus visit or join a virtual tour to explore our studios, meet faculty and see examples of student work.

AI is introduced as a creative tool rather than a replacement for design thinking. Students learn how to use emerging technologies responsibly while maintaining strong foundations in concept development, craftsmanship and human-centered design.

Yes. Our multidisciplinary approach encourages exploration across several design fields, helping you develop a well-rounded skill set and discover the areas you are most passionate about.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of roughly 20:1, students receive personalized guidance, studio critiques and mentorship from experienced designers. This supportive environment helps many students produce work recognized in competitions such as the American Advertising Federation-ND Student ADDY Awards.

Art & Design +

Email: Emily.Vieweg@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-8818 Page Manager