Graphic Design, B.A.

Graphic Design, B.A.

Program Overview

Do you get excited when you discover a new product with a brand that utilizes beautiful design? Do you obsess over a typeface, or take notice of a great advertising campaign? Do you wonder how your seemingly unrelated interests might be incorporated into a rewarding career? If so, you should consider a degree in graphic design.

Graphic design plays a critical role in our society. Designers partner and strategize with businesses, organizations, institutions, and agencies to create brand identity, and make information clear, understandable, accessible, and engaging across media. Design has the power to address social concern, change minds, influence behavior, and inspire action.

Majoring in graphic design at PLNU offers you a diverse education that prepares you to be a thoughtful designer with abilities to solve visual communication problems and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments. Students are exposed to design theory, business strategy, and new technologies, and use empathy to connect with stakeholders and end-users for innovative outcomes.

You will develop lifelong relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and peers, and have the opportunity to create a wide professional network. You will also gain firsthand experience working on "real-world" projects for social good in interdisciplinary teams and producing exhibitions for public space, and may apply for many available on-campus paid graphic design jobs. Finally, the experiential learning continues with a required internship that will help hone your professional skills through practical application. When you graduate from the PLNU graphic design program, you will have a well-developed print and web portfolio, personal connections within the community, and the experience necessary for a vibrant career doing what you love.

At PLNU, our graphic design program aims to set you up for success with three objectives:

  • Preparing you to be a thoughtful designer with abilities to solve visual communication problems
  • Working collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments
  • Gaining exposure to design theory, business strategy, and new technologies

Concentrations:

  • Marketing
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Interactive Web
  • Illustration

Design Journeys

Jenna Johnson Walking the Line of Art, Business, and Community
Channin Fulton Designs for Good

Visual Stories

Design Reflections

"Articulating Creativity "
"Boundless Growth"

Creative Snapshots

Jenna Johnson Walking the Line of Art, Business, and Community From starting her business to forming her unique design style, Jenna Johnson is pioneering what it looks like to blend the art and business worlds. Discover
Channin Fulton Designs for Good “I consider my work as an artist as more of a vocation than just a job. How am I serving my community with my gifts and hard work? And how do I design for good?” Discover
Cooper Root Learns the Ropes Under Laguna Beach Artist Jim Olarte Cooper Root shares about how his time at PLNU led him to apprentice under Laguna Beach artist Jim Olarte in architectural macrame and other fine art. Discover
Alumnus of Point Loma (APL) Awardee: Justin Skeesuck Justin Skeesuck’s life was set on this new trajectory when he and his lifelong best friend, Patrick Gray, decided to undertake the Camino de Santiago together. Discover
Sara Hess: Painting For A Brighter Community Recent PLNU graduate, Sara Hess, paints a commissioned piece for the Point Loma community. Discover
Scott Hancock: Using Business as a Force for Good Read how Scott Hancock has emerged as the enterprising partner and CEO of BLVR®. Discover
Articulating Creativity
"I’ve never regretted my major. The art department at Loma taught me how to articulate what someone means when they say they like a piece of art. Point Loma taught me how to put words to people’s thoughts about things. "
Cooper Root Graphic Design B.A.
Boundless Growth
"Thank you for being a place where I could pursue my passion for graphic design and for giving me professors like Courtney Mayer, Angelo Outlaw, and Marvin Milian to challenge me and grow my design skills. These teachers have taught me the importance of experimentation, repetition, and always learning new techniques. They've helped me grow both inside and outside of the classroom, through endless office hours, field trips to Chicano Park, and networking at Creative Mornings. These are teachers who want to see their students succeed not only in their classrooms but in life after PLNU."
Laura Shull Graphic Design B.A.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Graphic Design, B.A. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

If you are considering transferring to PLNU to join our graphic design program, check out our community college articulation agreement to see how your classes will transfer. 

To view an example of the major requirements for a Graphic Design, B.A. with and interdisciplinary minor, check out our advising guide

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

The digital world presents a new opportunity for artistically inclined and motivated individuals. With the huge demand for individuals trained in the intersection of arts and marketing, the versatile set of skills you’ll develop by pursuing a degree in graphic design from PLNU will open doors and opportunities that are seemingly endless. 

What can you do with a graphic design degree?

PLNU graphic design graduates work in fields like web design, marketing, photography, and the arts—applying their skills in both visual and multimedia production.

Motion Graphics Specialist

A Motion Graphics Specialist creates animated visuals and effects for various media, blending graphic design principles with animation techniques to communicate messages in an engaging way. They design everything from title sequences to digital ads, often working in industries like film, television, advertising, or digital media. Motion Graphics Specialists can be employed at production studios, advertising agencies, or in-house marketing teams at corporations, and many also work as freelancers or run their own studios, offering flexible career options.

  • Median Pay: $61,300/year
  • Number of Jobs: 267,200
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +2%
  • Employment Change: +6,600 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

UX/UI Designer

A UX/UI Designer focuses on creating user-friendly and visually appealing digital experiences by combining elements of design, technology, and user behavior. They work to enhance the usability, accessibility, and overall interaction of websites and apps, ensuring a seamless user experience across various platforms. UX/UI Designers can find opportunities at tech companies, design firms, or even as freelancers, and may work for large corporations, startups, or independently, depending on their career path and interests.

  • Median Pay: $95,380/year
  • Number of Jobs: 222,600
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +8%
  • Employment Change: +18,600 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Art and Creative Directors

An Art and Creative Director oversees the visual direction and overall aesthetic of design projects, leading teams to ensure that the creative vision aligns with the brand’s goals and message. They are responsible for making high-level design decisions across various media, from print to digital platforms, often working in advertising, media, or corporate branding. Art and Creative Directors typically work in advertising agencies, design firms, or large corporations, but some also venture into freelance work or start their own creative agencies, providing diverse career paths.

  • Median Pay: $111,040/year
  • Number of Jobs: 126,600
  • Job Outlook (2023–2033): +5%
  • Employment Change: +6,600 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Utilize your degree to innovate and create in the ever-evolving digital frontier of art, design, and programming

The robust set of skills you can develop by pursuing a degree in graphic design from PLNU will equip you for fields as varied as web development, marketing, journalism, and more. What remains at the core of graphic design, however, is preparing you to accomplish the vision and goals of the clients, companies, and organizations you interact with, while remaining true to your artistic flair and style. 

Take the first step on your creative journey and apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.

Department Faculty