Graphic design faculty member at Assumption instructs a student on graphic design concepts
Undergraduate

Graphic Design

When you study Graphic Design at Assumption University you will acquire the skills to communicate visually by combining form, content, and information. You will broaden your ability to think critically and creatively, and will gain a thorough knowledge of the latest design software and technology. With these skills, you will be able to research, conceptualize, and communicate varied solutions to any design problems you encounter.

It’s essential for a graphic designer to be trained on up-to-date, industry standard software, but technology alone doesn’t make a great designer. Assumption’s Graphic Design program stands out for its commitment to the artistic dimension of design. Our faculty are practicing artists as well as experienced designers, so they bring their creative passion into the classroom; and our graduates don’t just get jobs – they find fulfilment in their work.

Students in the Graphic Design program work in our state-of-the-art Mac labs and emerge with all the technical skills they need to thrive as professionals, but they also study design within the context of a broad-based liberal arts education. This fosters the critical thinking and communication skills that build successful careers.

Program Contact

Scott Glushien, MFA

Assistant Professor of Art
508-767-7345 Founders Hall - Room 012A

Events

Apr 06
2024
Department of Art & Music Student Recital
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Chapel of the Holy Spirit

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
100%
2019 Graphic Design graduates employed or in graduate school within six months
13:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • The major in Graphic Design is a fourteen-course major with twelve required courses and two electives. The main goals of the major are to educate students to effectively communicate visually by combining form, content, and information, and to prepare students to enter the professional field as a graphic designer or to continue their education in graduate school. Students in the major will develop a strong base in typography, web design, photography, drawing, illustration, and motion graphic design.

    First Year
    ART 101 Drawing I
    ARD 115 Graphic Design I
    ARD 175 Introduction to Digital Photography
    Sophomore Year
    ARD 215 Graphic Design II
    ARD 217 Typography (Fall)
    ARD 216 Illustration (Spring)
    ARH 227/ARH 229 Meaning of Modern Art or Art Since 1945 (typically offered in the Spring semester)
    Junior Year
    ARD 315 Graphic Design III
    ARD 317/ARD 318 Motion Graphic Design or Graphic Design for the Web (Fall)
    ARD 300 Internship in Graphic Design (Spring)

    Elective

    Senior Year
    ARD 317/ARD 318 Motion Graphic Design or Graphic Design for the Web (Fall)
    ARD 401 Senior Seminar (Spring)

    Elective

    Course Descriptions

  • To earn a minor in graphic design, students complete 7 courses (21 credits). This minor provides students with a solid background that can be applied in professional positions from museum work to publishing.

    Required Courses
    ART 101 Drawing I
    ARD 175 Photography I
    ARH 225/ARH 229 Meaning of Modern Art or  Art Since 1945
    ARD 217 Typography
    ARD 115 Graphic Design I: Form & Content
    ARD 215 Graphic Design II: Meaning & Messaging
    ARD 315 Graphic Design III: Advanced Strategies

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Toby Norris, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Art, Music & Theatre Associate Professor of Art History
Scott Glushien, MFA
Assistant Professor of Art
Joseph Ray
Adjunct Faculty
Lynn A. Simmons, MFA
Associate Professor of Practice, Art & Design

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Pathways to Success

The Graphic Design program is excellent preparation for a variety of fields in a corporate, agency, or nonprofit setting, including:

Advertising

Computer Animation

Illustrator

Public Relations

Visual Journalist

Web Designer

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Career Paths


Internships

Our students have held internships in a variety of organizations

City of Worcester - Office of Neighborhoods and Economic Development Smith Barney (now MorganStanley SmithBarney) Worcester Art Museum Davis Publications Preservation Worcester Museum Action Corps


Programs Related to Graphic Design

Art History

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Music

Undergraduate

Studio Art

Undergraduate