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