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Graphic Design
Bachelor of Arts
- WORK with highly qualified faculty who are committed to professional art training
- COMBINE your love for art and technology into a degree and career
Discover Your Potential with a Graphic Design Degree
Are you ready to unlock your creative potential and pursue a career that allows you to turn artistic vision into reality? A graphic design degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. NNU’s graphic design program stands out from others by providing a well-rounded education that includes both print-based and digital design. This comprehensive approach ensures that students develop the proficiency necessary to excel in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of graphic design. With individual attention and a Christ-centered atmosphere, NNU’s program prepares students to thrive professionally and personally.
degree details
Bachelor of Arts
On Campus
Benefits of Our Graphic Design Degree
- Learn the fundamentals of design in an ever-evolving field
- Access our state-of-the-art Mac lab and studio
- Learn how to apply technical and conceptual abilities to design projects
- Develop critical thinking skills through faculty, peers and professional designers
- Learn design for both print and online/digital environments
- Learn design skills to stand out in the competitive graphic design job market
- Receive individual attention and mentorship from renowned faculty and professional designers
- Christ-centered learning environment that provides personal growth and spiritual development
Our Goals for Graphic Design Majors
- Enhance technical and professional skills
- Harness and sharpen creativity, critical thinking and imagination
- Gain experience with the industry’s leading design tools to produce high-quality work
- Understand various cultural, historical and socio-political forces that give meaning and value to art and design
- Feel empowered to pursue creative opportunities that amplify your voice
- Graduate with tangible skills sought after by top employers in the creative field
- Start an exciting, fulfilling graphic design career
Additional Information About Graphic Design at NNU
What You'll Learn
NNU’s graphic design program offers students a well-rounded and comprehensive curriculum that equips them to thrive professionally. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on developing proficiency in both print-based design and design for the online/digital landscape. Students are poised to become highly skilled graphic design professionals upon graduation by fulfilling these graphic design courses and requirements.
At NNU, graphic design students thrive in a Christ-centered environment where individual attention is prioritized. Our state-of-the-art Mac lab and studios provide the perfect setting for students to work on projects that enhance their technical and conceptual skills, foster critical thinking and ignite their imagination. Students gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical and socio-political influences that infuse meaning and value into their creative work through engaging discussions with peers, faculty and professional designers.
The Possibilities Are Endless
Career Paths for Graphic Design Graduates
Many of our graduates have succeeded in the corporate world, working with top design firms and advertising agencies to create stunning campaigns for major brands. There’s also a thriving community of independent designers who have turned their passion for design into profitable careers, producing everything from books and magazines to logos and digital apps.
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media Occupations
Graphic Designer
Meet Our Faculty
Related Programs & Degrees
Digital Media
Bachelor of Arts
Art
Bachelor of Arts
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Graphic Design Degree Program
Here is a compilation of commonly asked questions students often have about our Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree program at Northwest Nazarene University.
What courses will I take as part of a graphic design degree program at NNU?
Dive into the vibrant world of visual communication with Northwest Nazarene University’s graphic design program. Our program is a harmonious blend of courses that prepare you to shine in the professional landscape.
Unlike many programs, our graphic design curriculum encourages you to become proficient in both print-based and digital design. This dual expertise equips you to navigate the evolving terrain of graphic design, from traditional mediums to the digital frontier.
Your journey begins with an introduction to visual communication, where you’ll explore the fundamentals of 2D design. From there, you’ll delve into the art of typography, learning how to weave words into compelling visuals.
Advanced practice courses allow you to hone your skills further, emphasizing industry-standard drawing, photo editing and layout computer applications. You’ll also get hands-on experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, a vital tool in the modern designer’s toolkit.
But the capstone of your journey is the portfolio preparation course. Here, you’ll compile a working portfolio and create self-promotional materials showcasing your growth and readiness for the professional world.
Our graphic design program is more than just a series of courses. It’s a transformative journey that shapes you into a creative, insightful and morally responsible maker of our visual world.
Welcome to NNU, where your future as a graphic design professional takes shape.
How can an education from NNU help me stand out from other graphic designers?
Imagine a canvas of opportunity, where creativity melds with technology, and skill intertwines with imagination. This is the essence of a graphic design education at Northwest Nazarene University. Here, you’re not just another designer; you emerge as a unique creator, ready to make your mark in the world.
At NNU, our program is a harmonious blend of print-based and digital design, setting us apart from online graphic design degree programs. This dual emphasis equips you with visual communication and technical skills, empowering you to excel in diverse professional fields.
Our state-of-the-art Mac lab and studios serve as your creative playground, where you work on real-world projects that stretch your technical capabilities, ignite your imagination and sharpen your critical thinking. These hands-on experiences and individual attention in a Christ-centered atmosphere shape you into a well-rounded, professional-caliber graphic designer.
But we go beyond skills and techniques. At NNU, you delve into the cultural, historical and socio-political forces that infuse meaning and value into your work. Engaging discussions with peers, faculty and professional designers illuminate the broader context of your creations.
Moreover, our commitment to a transformative, Christian liberal arts education instills in you a deep sense of ethics and responsibility. You don’t just design—you communicate, inspire and positively influence our visual world.
So, stand out from the crowd with an NNU graphic design degree, where your future as a distinctive graphic designer takes flight.
What kind of support do students receive when pursuing a graphic design major at NNU?
Embarking on a Graphic Design degree at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is like stepping into a rich tapestry of support woven with threads of expertise, compassion and community.
Unlike many graphic design programs, our curriculum encourages print-based and digital design mastery. This dual focus equips you to thrive in the dynamic landscape of graphic design.
At NNU, learning happens in an atmosphere pulsating with individual attention and Christ-centered values you can’t find in online graphic design degrees. Our state-of-the-art Mac lab and studios become your creative sanctuaries, where you work on projects that push your technical boundaries, ignite your imagination and expand your critical thinking.
Our support extends beyond the classroom. Our Career Development services offer personalized guidance for your career journey, preparing you for life after graduation. The Center for Academic Success and Advising offers academic support tailored to your needs, ensuring you flourish in your educational journey.
Your well-being matters to us, too. That’s why the Wellness Center provides holistic care to nourish your physical, mental and emotional health. And our vibrant Spiritual Life community nurtures your spiritual growth, fostering a sense of belonging.
At NNU, you’re not just a graphic design student—you’re part of a community that celebrates and supports each other. You’ll engage in meaningful discussions with peers, faculty and professional designers, exploring the cultural, historical and socio-political forces that shape our visual world.
Join us at NNU, where your journey as a graphic designer is supported every step of the way.
What is the job outlook for students with a degree in graphic design?
Graduates of Northwest Nazarene University’s graphic design program step into a world where creativity meets technology and their passion for graphic design transforms into a rewarding career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth in employment for graphic designers from 2022 to 2032. While this may seem modest, it’s important to remember that opportunities in graphic design are not confined to one industry or role.
Many of our bachelor’s degree program students have found professional homes in top design firms, corporations and advertising agencies as art directors, web designers and creative development. They’ve lent their creative talents to various projects, from designing books, magazines and logos to crafting digital apps, websites, interactive kiosks, posters, exhibits and advertising campaigns.
As independent designers, others have blazed their own trails, creating visual narratives that captivate audiences and influence markets. The versatility of a graphic design degree from NNU opens doors to myriad career paths.
Additionally, our Career Development services provide personalized guidance and resources to help you navigate your career journey, ensuring you’re well-prepared for life after graduation.
So, step into a future where your creativity fuels your career. With a graphic design degree from NNU, you’re not just ready for the job market—you’re poised to make a vibrant, visual impact.