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Graphic Design Program

Integrating Art, Science, and Culture

»Graphic Design Courses

Unlocking your Creativity

Our Graphic Design program is built to help you grow as a creative thinker and skilled designer while giving you 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

Graphic 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
GD 102 Research Methods for Designers
GD 103 Visualization: Perspective and Rendering
GD 104 Design I
GD 105 Prototyping
ART 195 Visual Thinking

Sophomore
GD 200 Design II
GD 201 Typography
GD 202 Interactive, UX and Web Design
GD 203 Color
GD 212 Research Methods II
GD 300 Design III
GD 304 History of Graphic Design

Junior
GD 302 Branding and Advertising Design
GD 303 Information Design
GD 307 Advanced Typography
GD 310 Sustainability and More
GD 312 Designing Tomorrow
GD 402 Advanced Interaction UX/UI and Web Design
Art History Requirement

Senior
GD 400 Design IV
GD 401 Business Practices/Pre-internship
GD 408 Graphic Design Portfolio
GD 410 AI Research Through Design
GD 490 Internship
Art History Requirement

Electives
In addition to core courses, the Graphic 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.

GD 290 Internship
GD 305 Portfolio Workshop
GD 308 Sustainable Design (London travel course)
GD 309 Illustration
GD 311 Disability, Accessibility, and Design
GD 390 Internship
GD 405 Portfolio Workshop
GD 406 Motion Design
GD 407 Studio C 

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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