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

Graphic Design

Broaden your ability to think critically and creatively, while gaining a thorough knowledge of the latest design software and technology in the field of graphic design.

Why Study Graphic Design at Assumption?

Studying graphic design at Assumption University means experiencing a program that teaches the visual principles of creative 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 fulfillment in their work.

Students in this program work in our state-of-the-art Mac labs with the latest software and technology in the field. By studying in the context of a broad-based liberal arts education, you will graduate from our program with the technical, creative, and critical-thinking skills you need to thrive as a professional.

Program Contact

Scott Glushien, MFA

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

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.

    Required Courses (12) 

    ART 101 Drawing I 
    ARD 115 Graphic Design I: Form and Content
    ARD 215 Graphic Design II: Meaning and Messaging 
    ARD 315 Graphic Design III: Advanced Strategies  
    ARD 175 Introduction to Digital Photography 
    ARD 216 Illustration
    ARD 217 Typography
    ARH 227/ARH 229 Meaning of Modern Art/Art Since 1945
    ARD 300 Internship in Graphic Design
    ARD 317 Motion Graphic Design 
    ARD 318 Graphic Design for the Web  
    ARD 401 Senior Seminar in Graphic Design  

    Electives (2)

    ART 106/ART 107 Sculpture I/Collage and Assemblage
    ART 111 Painting I
    ART 201 Drawing II
    ART 275 Digital Photography II
    ENG 219 Introduction to Media Analysis
    MKT 101 Principles of Marketing
    MKT 310 Advertising

    Course Descriptions

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

    Required Courses (7)

    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 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.


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