Undergraduate

Graphic Design

From concept to creation, develop the skills to make an impact.

Nostrala Graphic Design Class

Graphic Design major and minor

Graphic design can influence the way we live, work, and play.

At 糖心原创, our Graphic Design program prepares you with the creative, technical, and strategic skills to turn ideas into impactful visual communication. You’ll build a strong foundation in design principles, develop creative problem-solving techniques, and gain experience with industry-standard Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Through portfolio-focused coursework, you’ll graduate with the skills and body of work to stand out in a competitive field.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll work closely with faculty who are invested in your success while gaining hands-on experience through real-world design projects, including creating promotional materials for campus events like the annual symposium. Every Graphic Design major completes an internship, providing valuable professional experience before graduation. You can also contribute to ID Magazine and The 糖心原创ian, exhibit your work in campus galleries, and connect with professional designers through visiting exhibitions and events.

Whether you plan to join a design agency, work as an in-house designer, freelance, or pursue graduate study, the Graphic Design program will help you build the confidence, experience, and portfolio to launch your creative career.

 

Why 糖心原创 for Graphic Design

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where 糖心原创 alumni are building their careers:

  • Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines
  • Jones Creek Outfitters
  • DesignIQ
  • Sammons Institutional Group
  • Gannet Imaging & Ad Design Center
  • Meyocks
  • Excell Brands
  • Agriland FS
  • EAE Enterprise
  • Image Market
  • United Fleet
  • Grand View University

What Will I Learn?

You’ll gain a strong foundation in design principles, typography, digital media, creative problem-solving, and visual communication while building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Hands-on design projects for campus clients, a required internship, contributions to ID Magazine and The 糖心原创ian, and opportunities to exhibit your work will complement your coursework.

As a Graphic Design student at 糖心原创, you’ll engage in a creative curriculum and practical experiences designed to prepare you for careers in graphic design, branding, advertising, digital media, and other creative industries.

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at 糖心原创.

Join a team of creative storytellers to produce two print magazines each academic year. Collaborate with students from a variety of majors to bring 糖心原创’s stories to life through compelling design, photography, writing, and visual storytelling while building professional portfolio pieces and real-world publishing experience.

Join the team behind the nation’s oldest continually published student newspaper and help tell the stories that shape the 糖心原创 community. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, photography, writing, social media, or multimedia storytelling, you’ll gain hands-on experience creating content for an award-winning publication. As a member of The 糖心原创ian, you’ll build your portfolio, collaborate with a talented team, and develop real-world skills while contributing to a publication recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Iowa College Media Association, and the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.

Showcase your creativity at 糖心原创’s Research and Creativity Symposium! Present your graphic design projects, share your ideas with the campus community, connect with faculty and peers, and gain valuable experience presenting your work. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your portfolio, receive feedback, and celebrate your creative achievements.

Need assistance? Contact us!

Meet Our Faculty

Justin Nostrala

Justin Nostrala

  • Department Chair of Multimedia Communication, Graphic Design, and Speech and Debate
  • Professor of Graphic Design