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Graphic Design (BFA)

About

The Graphic Design (BFA) is the definitive professional degree in the field. Appalachian State University’s program prepares students for professional practice in all forms of visual communication design across a wide range of media with an emphasis on conceptual approaches, research and production methods.

You’ll learn from faculty who are experienced and professionally active designers. Course work stresses conceptual thinking, typographic expression, formal and technical processes and skills, and proficiency in creative problem-solving and visual criticism.

In fully equipped facilities and labs, students have opportunities to design interactive, screen-based experiences, print publications, identity programs, type design, packaging, signage/information systems and environmental graphics.

With this degree, you will be prepared to successfully contend for the rigorous and highly competitive careers in graphic design as well as for admission to graduate school.

See students’ work

After Graduation

Employment: Most students start jobs right after graduation. A list of recent and past employers is located in the right column.

Graduate School: Students have continued their education atPratt Institute, Massachusetts College of Art and Design and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: Kameron Neal ’14
    Alumnus Profile: Kameron Neal ’14

    Neal’s path to a career as a multidisciplinary artist began with his first class assignment at App State — creating a poster about accomplished graphic designer Paula Scher. Now he’s living in New York City working for Scher as a graphic designer at The Public Theater — a premier, off-Broadway venue that launched productions such as “Hamilton: An American Musical.”

  • Alumnus Profile: Jake Flowers ’15
    Alumnus Profile: Jake Flowers ’15

    “I’ve been able to make a name for myself in the advertising world… I owe everything to the education I received at Appalachian State and the professors who awakened these skills in me. The dynamic courses and hands-on teaching style were everything I needed to get to where I am today.”

    – Jake Flowers, product designer with Skookum in Charlotte

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Art and Visual Culture (BA) - Art Management
  • Art and Visual Culture (BA) - Studio Art
  • Art Education (K-12) (BFA)
  • Photography - Commercial Photography (BFA)
  • Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Cross Media Production
  • Graphic Communications Management (BS) – Print / Packaging Production
  • Studio Art (BFA)
  • Art and Visual Culture (BA) - Art History

Minors

A minor is not required. Students who do pursue a minor often choose Studio Art with Portfolio Review, Studio Art without Portfolio Review, or Art History.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

AIGA - App State’s student-led affiliate of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Professional Association for Design.

Art History Club - An environment in which to discuss issues related to art history, and to prepare for careers in art history and related fields.

Arts Management Organization (AMO) - Seeks to promote professionalism and networking within the arts fields by increasing the awareness of the arts on App State’s campus and in the community.

NAEA (National Association of Art Educators) Student Chapter - Promotes arts advocacy, professional development and leadership opportunities in visual arts education for the benefit of emerging educators in diverse communities.

Student Art League - An organization bridging the gap among the Department of Art’s many disciplines.

The Peel Literature and Arts Review - The university’s student-run literary arts publication that is produced three times a year.

Learn more

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. In the Department of Art, faculty regularly take students on regional and national trips, as well as study abroad programs, to introduce them to the diverse world of art.

Admission Requirements

All Graphic Design majors must submit their work to Candidacy Portfolio Review for acceptance into this degree program.

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Why Appalachian?

  • No portfolio required for entering freshmen.
  • Strong job prospects after graduation due to a growing industry.
  • The Department of Art offers high-quality facilities for all of its degrees.
  • Internships offer students networking and practical experience to help begin their careers. Local sites include Mountaineer Football, Appalachian Voices, High Country Home Magazine and Package Design Media. Other locations include Publicis in Bangkok, Thailand, Zero Canvas in Chicago, Discovery Communications in Chicago, Bobcats Sports and Entertainment in Charlotte and Lightbulb Creative in Charlotte.
  • This degree has a laptop and design software requirement.

Location

Boone campus only

Careers

  • Advertising director
  • Art director
  • Book designer
  • Cartoonist
  • Catalog page designer
  • Communications specialist
  • Computer graphic artist
  • Creative director
  • Editorial artist
  • Fashion illustrator
  • Graphic designer
  • Multimedia designer
  • Typographer
  • Video game designer
  • Web designer

View more career possibilities

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employers

  • Gap, New York City
  • McCall Publishing Company, New York City
  • Public Theater, New York City
  • Skyline Films, New York City
  • Tiffany and Co., New York City
  • Harman International, Michigan
  • Amazon.com and CreateSpace, Charleston, SC
  • Fifty&Fifty, San Diego, CA
  • WealthEngine, Bethesda, MD
  • Oculus Studios in Lexington, KY
  • Raizlabs in Boston, MA
  • Mobelux in Richmond, VA
  • Footbridge Media in Pensacola, FL
  • MetroStar Systems in Reston, VA
  • Red Hat in Charlotte
  • Beanstalk Data in Charlotte
  • COCG in Raleigh
  • McKinney in Durham
  • Registered Creative in Durham
  • Cuberis in Durham
  • Skookum in Denver, CO
  • thoughtbot in Denver, CO
  • ECRS in Boone
  • Samaritan’s Purse in Boone

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Art

Dr. Jim Toub
Department chair
toubja@appstate.edu
828-262-2872

  • Department of Art

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression and creative problem-solving while challenging them to go beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, commercial photography and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, commercial photography and graphic arts and imaging technology.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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