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About The Program

The Graphic Design program at the University of Northern Colorado prepares you to work as a visual thinker and communicator of tomorrow. The program seamlessly integrates practical application, theoretical understanding, and investigative inquiry, nurturing the twin virtues of innovation and critical thinking, while fostering proficiency in visual literacy and conceptual problem-solving. Additionally, the Liberal Arts Curriculum and Interdisciplinary courses empower the student to embrace a multifaceted worldview as they journey forward in their careers.

  • Degree Overview

    Undergraduate Studies

    Within the Graphic Design curriculum, students will strategize, analyze, conceive, and assess visual remedies for communication challenges spanning a spectrum of domains, including Editorial Design, Corporate and Brand Identity Design, Narrative Design, Experiential Design, Packaging, Typography, Motion Graphics, and Interactive Design to name a few.  

     Pivotal to their educational journey, students will complete a comprehensive senior portfolio and embark on an enriching professional internship experience. These transformative encounters will adeptly equip students with the essential skills for professional etiquette, including adeptness in presentations, constructive evaluations, and effective communication. The journey through the Graphic Design curriculum not only prepares students for professional careers in the industry it also situates them for advanced studies in academic and professional settings.  

    The illustrious lineage of our Graphic Design alumni testifies to the success of the program with their roles as professional visual thinkers, adept communicators, and visionary leaders, committed to crafting a better world. These individuals hold esteemed titles and are a testament to the depth and breadth of the Graphic Design program at the University of Northern Colorado. 

    Meet the Faculty

  • Beyond the Classroom

    UNC Galleries

    The Galleries are a teaching program of the School of Art and Design that supports UNC’s mission to promote student-centered, effective learning. Our exhibition program embraces curatorial risk-taking and highlights thought provoking and socially relevant context from regional and nationally recognized artists. The Galleries involve the participation of faculty and students as the advisors, co-curators, and collaborators that enable the program to often realize new work.

    Visit UNC Galleries

    Southard Art Awards

    The Southard Award is the School of Art and Design’s most prestigious competition. Students submit a written proposal selected for a public presentation of creative work. The objective for the competitive process is provide students with an opportunity to develop the materials, documentation and conceptual sophistication, needed in order to pursue advanced academic or professional opportunities upon graduation from UNC.

    Learn More about the Southard Art Awards

    American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Colorado Chapter

    AIGA is the largest community of design advocates, and brings together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future.

    Visit the AIGA Colorado Chapter

    American Advertising Federation (AAF)

    Established in 1905, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) is the only organization that includes members across all disciplines and career levels in advertising. Whether you're new to the fast-paced world of advertising or a seasoned professional, the AAF is for you.

    Visit the American Advertising Federation

    National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)

    Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.

    Visit NASAD

  • Curriculum

    Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design Concentration

    You will plan, analyze, create, and evaluate visual solutions to communication problems in a full range of areas such as Editorial Design, Corporate and Brand Identity Design, Advertising, Publications, Environmental Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Typography, Web, Motion and Interactive Design.

    As a culmination of your academic requirements in Graphic Design, you will prepare a senior portfolio and pursue an internship experience.

    Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design Concentration

    Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate

    The Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate can be incorporated into undergraduate studies and consists of twelve credits for completion including students' areas of interest. 

    Learn more about the Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate

  • Applications and Scholarships

    Admission

    Admission to the School of Art & Design does not require any additional steps beyond the UNC application. When you apply for admission to UNC, simply indicate that you would like to declare a major in Art & Design. 

    Graphic Design Admission Requirements

    Scholarships

    The College of Performing and Visual Arts awards over $1.8 million in scholarships annually to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts. There are multiple scholarship types offered to students, including talent scholarships and foundation scholarships. To learn more, visit the PVA Scholarship page.

    PVA Scholarships

Questions? Get In Touch!

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Application Dates
  • Fall semesterAugust 1*
  • Spring semesterJanuary 1*
  • Summer semesterMay 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

Graphic Design UX student work

Graphic design Ux Student work

Graphic Design typography student work

Graphic design typography Student work