• Design students
Design Program

Integrating Art, Science, and Culture

»Design Courses

Unlocking your Creativity

Our Design program is built to help you grow as a creative thinker and skilled designer, while providing you with the tools to shape the future of design.

  • Strengthen your conceptual thinking and design research
  • Gain a strong foundation in visual communication and interaction design
  • Build technical skills using the latest tools and methods
  • Work hands-on in studio courses while learning design history and theory
  • Collaborate in interdisciplinary settings, blending ideas from multiple fields to create innovative solutions
  • Engage in multidisciplinary settings, working side by side with different disciplines and expertise
  • Learn in small classroom settings where your professors know you
  • Launch your career or pursue graduate study with real-world experience and professional development

25-26 Major in Graphic Design Tracking Sheet
25-26 Minor in Graphic Design Tracking Sheet
25-26 Minor in Information Design Tracking Sheet

Design, B.F.A. Suggested 4-Year Plan

You’ll have the opportunity to earn both your BFA and a minor in four years.

First Year

Fall
DSGN 102 Research Methods for Designers I
DSGN 103 Visualization: Perspective and Rendering
ART 195 Visual Thinking

Spring
DSGN 104 Design I
DSGN 105 Prototyping

Sophomore

Fall
DSGN 200 Design II
DSGN 201 Typography I
DSGN 203 Color

Spring
DSGN 202 Interaction Design I
DSGN 212 Research Methods for Designers II
DSGN 300 Design III

Junior

Fall
DSGN 302 Branding Design
DSGN 307 Typography II
DSGN 312 Designing Tomorrow: Ethics, Technology, and Social Vision

Spring
DSGN 303 Information Design
DSGN 304 History of Graphic Design 
DSGN 310 More Than Human Design

Senior

Fall
DSGN 400 Design IV
DSGN 401 Business Practices/Pre-internship
DSGN 402 Interaction Design II

Spring
DSGN 408 Design Portfolio
DSGN 490 Independent Internship

Electives

In addition to core courses, the Design program offers electives that let you tailor your education to your interests. Whether exploring new technologies, advancing design research, or expanding your creative practice, these courses give you the flexibility to shape your learning and build specialized skills.

DSGN 290 Independent Internship
DSGN 305 Sophomore Portfolio Workshop
DSGN 308 Sustainable Design (London) Travel Course
DSGN 309 Illustration
DSGN 311 Disability, Accessibility, and Design
DSGN 390 Independent Internship
DSGN 405 Junior/Senior Portfolio Workshop
DSGN 406 Motion Design
DSGN 407 Studio C
DSGN 410 AI Design and Research 

MEET YOUR PROFESSORS!

Graphic Design Faculty 2025

Nick Burke
Nick Burke
BFA Graphic Design, Engineer Design & Fabrication minor
I entered Chapman as an undeclared major, but within my first week in the Graphic Design program, everything changed. The faculty’s passion and one-on-one support were immediately clear. The courses are hands-on and treated like real client work, making professional practices feel natural and personal.

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