»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

Fall 2026: Our New Program Name, BFA in Design

Why Design? Design reflects the evolution of the graphic design industry and our expanding curriculum. Design better represents the diverse methods, technologies, and research-driven approaches our students engage with. This broader name signals to graduate schools and employers that our students are prepared for a wide range of design roles and advanced study. Ultimately, Design captures what we do best: Design with Purpose. Lead with Vision. Create the Future.

Check out our courses that support the BFA in Design

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

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

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

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

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

MEET YOUR PROFESSORS!

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.

Related Programs

Apply to Design

»Design Courses

Unlocking your Creativity

Fall 2026: Our New Program Name, BFA in Design

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

Related Programs

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