Discover principles of visual communication and creative design.
Graphic design may be the right degree for you if you
- have a flair for creativity
- enjoy working with technology
- desire a fast-paced and competitive industry
Why study graphic design at Northwestern?
The graphic design program provides the techniques, technology, and critical-thinking strategies to create everything from magazine layouts, logos, websites, and print and digital media. You will learn fundamental technical and conceptual design from our industry-experienced faculty.
Our small classes enable caring faculty to provide one on one attention so you can grow in your faith as well as your design skills. Northwestern partners with other Christian colleges every year for students to showcase their professional design portfolios in a final capstone project.
We have facilities available for you to explore your creative side. Our school features a design lab equipped with updated software including:
- Autodesk Maya
- Mudbox
- Motionbuilder
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Flash
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Premiere
- Adobe Photoshop
Northwestern’s beautiful campus is only 15 minutes away from major art and design centers. Students can visit Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Swedish Institute.
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median pay in 2025
number of jobs in 2025
degree required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Graphic Designers. Retrieved August 2026.
Throughout my time at Northwestern, I was regularly encouraged by the professors to not wait until after graduation to begin my career as a designer. I viewed class projects as future portfolio pieces, networked with other creatives, and used skills the program equipped me with outside of the classroom. My professors were invested in my success as a designer and acted as a valuable resource that accelerated my path towards landing a year-long internship before my senior year and after graduating, my position with Mayo Clinic. Working collaboratively with copywriters, artists, photographers, and marketing managers has enriched my skills.
What can I do with a major in Graphic Design?
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in graphic design.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Graphic design
- Package design
- Layout design
- Web layout design
- Logo/brand design
- Advertising design
- Book/page/cover design
- Illustration
- Pre-press and printing
- Sign/promotional display design
- Computer or video game graphics design
- Motion graphics design
- Interactive media designer
- Internal and external corporate communications
What will I learn?
You will learn to communicate ideas visually and develop an eye for detail.
ART1035
Design Concepts
An introductory course in understanding and application of principles and elements of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.
DES2236
Digital Imaging
Through the use of raster-based imaging software, the student will explore digital image creation and manipulation. The course focuses on workflow as well as software and hardware use—include the processing, saving, storage, printing, and display of such images. Refinement and development of the design process is emphasized as well as technical proficiency and practical application.
ART1011
Drawing I
A foundational-level drawing class focusing on landscape, still life and the figure, using traditional materials and techniques. Emphasis is placed on visual sensitivity and basic technique, with specific studies in anatomy.
DES1031
Introduction to Layout
A course introducing and refining skills in design software. Practical applications are explored in the areas of page layout, design and typography. Through a series of structured projects, students gain depth in understanding and using InDesign. Emphasis is placed upon technical proficiency.
DES3271
Typography
This course will explore both the history and contemporary practice of typography and type design from a designer’s point of view. Emphasis will be placed on investigating the processes followed by noted designers in order to inform and illuminate student’s personal work.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
Our team is ready with answers!
Discover the School of Arts & Humanities
Professors at Northwestern are focused on their students first. Our faculty include experts in their respective fields who want to help you grow in your faith while you earn your degree.
