Design for People. Build for the Real World.
The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design at Friends University prepares you to create visual communication that does more than look good. It will actually work for real people.
Grounded in human-centered design, the program blends graphic design fundamentals with user experience (UX), branding, marketing strategy, technology and human behavior. You’ll learn how people think, make decisions and interact with the world around them, then use research, testing, storytelling and visual communication to create effective solutions across digital and physical spaces.
Through hands-on projects, cross-campus collaboration, real client work and agency experience, you’ll build the strategic thinking, creative confidence, and professional portfolio needed for today’s design industry.
Graphic Design
Ready to turn your creativity into a career?
Program Highlights
Why Choose Graphic Design at Friends?
This is not a traditional graphic design degree that is primarily fine art. At Friends, you’ll learn to pair creativity with research, strategy and technology while preparing you to solve meaningful problems, communicate clearly and design experiences that connect with people.
Human-Centered Design
Learn to understand audiences through research, observation, testing, and empathy. You’ll use those insights to create design solutions that meet real needs and make a meaningful impact.
UX, Digital Design & Research
Develop practical UX and UI skills, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and digital experience design.
Branding, Marketing & Storytelling
Create strategic brand systems, campaigns, and visual stories across print, digital, social, and environmental touchpoints.
Real Client Experience
Work collaboratively on real projects for campus partners, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Through the student-run design and advertising agency, you’ll gain experience presenting ideas, managing projects, and responding to client needs.
Creative Technology & AI
Use industry tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma, while learning to incorporate AI thoughtfully into ideation, research, content creation, and creative workflows.
Portfolio and Career Preparation
Graduate with more than a collection of class projects. You’ll leave with a professional portfolio, real-world experience, and a clearer understanding of how to lead creative work from concept through execution.
Careers in Design, UX, Branding and Strategy
A degree in Graphic Design from Friends University prepares you for a wide range of creative and strategic roles across industries. Graduates are equipped to work in agencies, corporate environments, startups, and freelance careers.
- Graphic Designer
- UX/UI Design
- Brand Strategy
- Marketing and Advertising
- Content Creation
- Social Media Strategy
- Creative Direction
- Experience Design
What You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Graphic Design program develop a unique combination of creative, technical and strategic skills that prepare them for today’s design industry.
Program Outcomes
- Apply human-centered design principles to create solutions that meet real user needs
- Design across multiple platforms, including print, digital, and interactive media
- Combine design, marketing strategy, and technology to create impactful visual communication
- Collaborate effectively in team environments and lead creative projects
- Prototype, test, and refine design solutions using industry-standard tools
- Evaluate ethical, social, and environmental impacts of design decisions
- Build a professional portfolio and personal brand for career readiness
Graphic Design FAQs
How is this different from a traditional graphic design or visual arts degree?
While students develop strong visual design skills, the program is grounded in human-centered design, UX, strategy and real-world application. You’ll learn how to research audiences, test ideas, create effective brand and digital experiences, and use design to solve problems rather than simply create visuals in isolation.
That language captures what he is trying to sell without taking unnecessary shots at other programs. It also gives the page a much clearer recruitment identity: applied, strategic, human-centered, technologically current and professionally experienced.
Will I build a portfolio?
Yes. Portfolio development is a core part of the program, culminating in a professional review and senior exhibition.
Do I need prior design experience?
No. The program starts with foundational design courses and builds toward advanced digital and strategic design skills.
What software will I learn?
Students work with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma and other digital design platforms.
Featured Faculty
Steve Monsen
- Assistant Professor Graphic Arts
- Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design, Walden University; Certificate in Design Thinking, Interaction Design Foundation