Graphic Design Major

Graphic design is about communicating ideas through the juxtaposition of word and image. It embraces both high art and popular culture in the production of symbolic gestures.

Graphic design is not only a profession but also a medium, an expression of the methodology of communication. While students are encouraged to explore design from personal perspectives, graduates of the program also find that the program has prepared them to enter the design profession at a highly professional level.

Courses in visual communication, design theory, research, history and typography, and the techniques of production are all part of the core design curriculum. Intermediate courses focus on concentration and development: conceptual development, design thinking, systematic design and narratives. Advanced classes enable students to work with complex design projects with multiple elements and critical analysis. At this level, classes are structured to integrate theories and concepts into advanced problem solving. Classes also encourage students' preparation of portfolios and require a high level of professional execution of assignments. Many classes are taught in the studio with direct access to the computer lab, printers and digital cameras.

Like all students at ONU, graphic design students participate in the broad range of courses taught through the BFA or BA program, such as illustration, painting and photography. Students also may take courses in interactive, web and advertising design. Students can elect to take courses from the College of Business Administration, the English department, the communication and theatre arts department and the technological studies department.

BA Degree in Graphic Design
This degree in graphic design allows the student a major study in design in addition to integrating a strong liberal arts program. Students gain some depth in a number of studio-related disciplines of their choice, but students are encouraged to minor or double major in another academic field. At Ohio Northern, students may select such programs as broadcasting, public relations, communication studies, marketing, entrepreneurship, museum studies, or arts management. For a complete list of major and minor programs of study, visit the admissions office website.

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True North Lives: Student Testimony
Meggie Schmidt
Major: graphic design
Activities: AIGA, Kappa Pi, Delta Zeta, cross country, Student Art League, Public Relations Student Society of America, and Alpha Lambda Delta
Internship experience: Wexner Center for the Arts
Since I am majoring in graphic design with a minor in public relations, I plan to work for a record company, designing brand identities, logos and album covers for bands.