GRAPHIC
DESIGN

Overview

BFA Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program at Oregon State University prepares students to take an influential role in shaping contemporary graphic design practice. Our philosophy focuses on the ‘action of design—’ how design transforms, translates and communicates. Students graduate with the ability to generate and execute ideas with ‘intended actions’ that can be applied to a diverse range of design problems. The designed intention centers on effective audience communication and delivery across a multitude of user-interfaces. This creates a necessary and expected role in today’s society. From the first-year pre-application course to their senior capstone classes, students are encouraged to find their own voice, seize opportunities, and create a unique process that works for them. Seniors complete a portfolio of work that puts them on the competitive edge of industry.

In today's visual, digital world, graphic design is a growing and expanding profession filled with possibilities. Careers for students completing the BFA in graphic design include branding, packaging, UX-UI (web, mobile app design, interaction), information design, motion graphics, print media, marketing, advertising and more. Graphic design students leave OSU as prepared, experienced, competitive professionals. They are visionaries, able to conquer creative challenges and meet client needs with panache and inventive, leading-edge expertise.

Alumni Focus

CLA alum Molly von Borstel designs her future at Faceout Studio

After graduating from Oregon State University with honors, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, and an eagerness to create, Molly von Borstel worked her way to become a senior designer at Faceout Studio – a company that “illuminates unique stories and ideas with meaningful and beautiful visual expression through custom book design.”

Von Borstel arrived at OSU in 2015 from a school in southern Oregon and felt drawn to graphic design early in her college career. She entered the pre-graphic design program and began her track towards professional design school, which she was accepted into in 2016.

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Alumni Focus

Foundations of graphic design

The world of art has expanded far beyond a pencil and a sketchbook, even reaching the point of AI art becoming more mainstream, including in graphic design. Through the many transitions and advancements in art and design, the technical and interpersonal skills taught in the graphic design program of the School of Visual, Performing, and Design Arts, still resonate with alumni working in the industry.

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