Program Overview
Are you looking for a creative career where you develop visual solutions for clients? Then look no further than Ashland University’s Graphic Design program.
You’ll begin with solid grounding in drawing, design and art history, then advance to classes specializing in graphic design. Unlike courses offered in other studio art programs, your graphic design classes will be structured and conducted to resemble a real-world work environment. You’ll continue to prepare for a career in graphic design by completing an internship in the field between your junior and senior years.
You will build a portfolio of work that will help you enter the workforce. Near the end of the program, you’ll showcase your finished body of work in the Coburn Gallery during the university’s annual student exhibition.
Learning Experiences
You can look forward to:
- Personalized attention from dedicated art faculty determined to help you perfect your skills and gain the knowledge you need to be competitive
- The ability to explore a variety of digital and media arts pathways
- Opportunities to exhibit your work
Graphic Design Digital Facilities and Equipment
Our facilities are equipped with:
- Fifteen state-of-the-art Macintosh desktop computers
- A 44-inch large format Epson printer
- Large screen projection and surround sound systems for digital multimedia
- A 3D printer
- A laser cutter
- A photo studio containing professional lighting equipment and a green screen studio
Curriculum
Your classes may include:
- 2D Design: You’ll learn to use line, color, texture, shape, balance and rhythm to create compelling designs
- Photography: Discover the world through the lens of a camera, learning about the technical, creative and historical aspects of digital photography.
For details, refer to the Four-Year Curriculum Guide for the major you wish to pursue:
- Commercial Art – Graphic Design, B.A. Four-Year Curriculum Guide
- Commercial Art – Graphic Design, B.S. Four-Year Curriculum Guide
Career Opportunities
Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is slower than the average for all occupations. Approximately 24,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the coming decade due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force. In 2021, the median salary of a graphic designer was $50,710 per year. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Contact Information
Daniel McDonald, MFA
Chair of the Art + Design Department, Associate Professor of Art
227 Center for the Arts
dmcdona1@ashland.edu
419-289-5130