Graphic Design is the art of communicating information and ideas through the strategic use of type, image, and color. In addition to having an in-depth knowledge of design, practitioners must also understand human behavior and cross-cultural communication. It is a collaborative profession and brings designers together as teams to create innovative solutions in a wide range of traditional and contemporary formats.
The graphic design program develops students’ visual communication skills, critical design competencies, and problem-solving abilities using traditional and digital media. Our small class sizes give students the opportunity to receive focused, one-on-one attention from professors as they develop research-based, conceptual, process-driven, and creative projects in a studio environment. Our studios are cooperative learning spaces that provide students with a strong sense of community. Such experiences, in turn, prepare students for the collaborative work that is fundamental to design practice.
Nationally Ranked Program
Ball State University’s Graphic Design program is proud to be ranked among the country’s top public graphic design programs. The 2022 “Top 50 Public Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S.” ranking by Animation Career Review placed us in the top 10% nationally. In addition, we are ranked in the top 10% in the 2023 “Top 25 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the Midwest.” Since 2019, Graphic Design USA magazine has featured two of our Graphic Design students in their annual Students to Watch roundup and included our program in a list of 50 of their favorite institutions that prepare students to work in the professional graphic design industry.
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Scholarships are a terrific way to help with costs. On top of the University’s scholarships available to you, the School of Art has several programs of its own. Begin searching.
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Have you decided our program is right for you? Then it’s time to begin the admission process. The program maintains a policy of selective enrollment. Admission requires a review at the end of the Spring semester. Read our portfolio requirements.
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