What you will study
When you consider how to get a degree in graphic design, know that this field encompasses
much more than the software you use. Whether or not you have previous experience,
expect to receive training in how to move your ideas to the visual medium and overcome
any obstacles along the way. Our goal is for you to graduate with the ability to confidently
solve creative problems as you work to educate audiences or sell products using graphic
design.
How to get a degree in graphic design
At the University of Central Missouri, all of our graphic design courses are offered
on our Warrensburg campus. Some are also available online for additional flexibility
in earning your bachelor’s degree. No matter where you join us from, all of our graphic
design courses are taught by full-time faculty members, who have thier master’s degrees
and are still active in professional design.
To prepare you for a variety of careers, you’ll study:
- Typography
- Logo and package design
- Publication design
- Advertising design
- Interactive and motion design
In addition, studio courses enable you to apply graphic design principles and skills,
building in complexity as you hone your creative talents. Electives allow you to explore
various applications of art and media. It will all lead up to a capstone class in
which you’ll build your professional portfolio based on completed projects and campaigns.
Excellence in Graphic Design
- Since 1986, UCM's Department of Art and Design has achieved National Association of
Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation.
- A Best Value for Commercial and Advertising Art (College Factual, 2022)
- #2: Highest Paid Bachelor's Degree Graphic Communications Graduates in the Plains States
Region (College Factual, 2022)
- Among the Highest Paid Bachelor’s Degree Graphic Communications Graduates nationally (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 8.5%: Most Popular Colleges for Commercial & Advertising Art (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Commercial & Advertising Art (College Factual,
2022)
- Among the Most Popular Colleges for Design & Applied Arts (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in graphic design
UCM’s undergraduate Graphic Design degree program is primarily a project-based program.
You’ll use the latest software, hardware and equipment in our state-of-the-art digital
labs and engage in various hands-on, real-world experiences. These include:
- Internships: Most UCM students pursuing a Graphic Design degree complete at least one internship.
This may be in major cities such as Chicago or New York City, or you may stay local
and take advantage of the many opportunities in Kansas City.
- Professional associations: Enhance your education and college experience when you join UCM’s student chapter
of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). Attend professional networking events
that enable you to make connections to help start your career. You may also participate
in the Kansas City Ad Club.
- Study abroad opportunities: At UCM, you have several opportunities to experience a different culture while expanding
your creative and technical skills. Popular destinations for students in UCM’s Graphic
Design degree program include Rome, Paris, London and the Netherlands. Programs in
many other arts and culture centers are available.
What can you do with a Graphic Design bachelor’s degree from UCM?
UCM’s BFA in Graphic Design degree offers versatility and presents a host of career
paths for its graduates. Among your potential employers are:
- Advertising agencies
- Magazine or newspaper publishers
- Software development and technology companies
- Television and film production companies
- Web or video game design companies
- Other businesses, as well as nonprofit organizations
Better yet, a graphic design degree is directly employable, meaning it’s possible
to land the job you want right out of college. In fact, UCM’s Graphic Design degree
program maintains over a 90% job placement rate for its graduates.
Careers with a UCM Graphic Design degree
If you’re not sure what to do with a graphic design bachelor’s degree, get inspired
as you delve into real-world projects and speak with industry professionals at networking
events. You can also use the interactive tool below to discover details on potential
career paths with your Graphic Design degree from UCM.
Financial assistance options for your Graphic Design degree
At the University of Central Missouri, we want to ensure your access to quality education
at affordable rates. Our tuition fees are recognized for being lower than those of
many other four-year colleges. We also provide you access to valuable resources that
may help finance your education. These include loans, grants and work-study opportunities.
How to get a degree in Graphic Design using scholarships
As a Graphic Design major, you may qualify for funding opportunities such as:
- Anthony and Sarah Taylor Scholarship, available to students pursuing a variety of
majors, including Graphic Design
- John W Lynch Memorial Scholarship for a graphic design major
You can view these scholarships and others by using the .
Scholarships are also awarded to winners of our Student Citation Show. This is UCM’s
annual art show for students majoring or minoring in an Art degree program, which
includes our Graphic Design degree program.
Network and Learn
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Join UCM’s chapter of AIGA for opportunities that enrich your graphic design education.
Regular meetings offer the chance to hear from industry professionals and others on
topics such as freelancing and internships. They also allow you to network with fellow
students and even have some fun with events such as game night.
Showcase Your Work
UCM’s Student Citation Show
This UCM art show, first launched over 50 years ago, is held every spring. It gives
students majoring or minoring in an Art degree program the chance to submit up to
two projects and be recognized or even receive an award or scholarship. Works are
on display at the UCM Gallery of Art and Design for everyone to enjoy.
Meet Your Instructors
Graphic design professionals
When pursuing your Graphic Design bachelor’s degree from UCM, you’ll take part in
hands-on projects that shape your experience and your future. Who better to guide
you than instructors who are also industry professionals? Faculty in UCM’s Graphic
Design degree program keep their skills sharp working with local, regional and national
clients when they’re not teaching.
Read Faculty Bios
leftright
