Graphic Design Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Make Form and Function Your Future

Video: Learn Graphic Design at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
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Graphic design combines art and business to become the visual fabric embedded into our daily lives. Blending imagery and language, it’s the art of balancing intuitive functionality and inspired visuals. It not only communicates, but it solves problems and serves as a powerful tool beyond its expansive, multidisciplinary field. Learn to take your artistic talents and apply them to the field of design with a graphic design degree from RMCAD.

Graphic Design Program Overview

As a Graphic Design student at RMCAD, you’ll learn to take your artistic talent and apply it to the field of design. Graphic Design students learn to evaluate research and understand design problems by creating processes for design solutions that can be used throughout their careers. You’ll learn branding, advertising, user-experience, and more—all while building a professional portfolio to prepare for life after you graduate.

Within the Graphic Design Program, outside design professionals are brought in for workshops, presentations, and advanced teaching engagements throughout the program and deliver hands-on experiences with real projects. Annual award shows are used as class assignments and many graduates have been recognized with design excellence awards worldwide. International instructors and visiting faculty bring a broader exposure to students throughout their time at RMCAD.

Graphic designer going through the process of designing a new logo, from sketches and variations to the final product.
A graphic designer using a tablet and holding a color matching book, surrounded by Photoshop UI elements and colorful geometric shapes.
Graphic Design program overview icon

Graphic Design Program Highlights

Typography

Students demonstrate an understanding of the proper use of typography and its various applications.

Ui/UX

Students demonstrate the ability to prototype, test, and evaluate outcomes.

Visual Storytelling

Students demonstrate the ability to understand the principles of visual organization/composition, hierarchy and symbolic representation.

Real-World Clients

Students demonstrate the ability to determine, react, and respond to market expectations that drive communication solutions recognizing physical, cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social human factors.

Written + Verbal PResentations

Students demonstrate proficiency in research, analysis, and generation of alternative solutions.

Design Software

Students demonstrate an understanding of tools and technology used in the creation and distribution of visual messages. 

Liberal Arts

The Liberal Arts curriculum is an exciting part of every student’s academic and creative journey at RMCAD. These courses provide the opportunity for students to engage with complex questions and ideas to develop critical thinking skills, a global consciousness, and awareness of art historical foundations that are essential for their intellectual, creative, and personal growth.

Global Consciousness

The curious engagement with communities, perspectives, and narratives that do not match our own offers the opportunity to see one’s personal and creative role in our local, national, and global communities. 

Critical Awareness

The willingness to ask questions and resist easy answers & simplistic dualities offers the opportunity to more clearly understand the complexity and multifaceted reality of history, creativity, and human communities. 

Information Literacy

The ability to read closely, critique freely, and seek additional verifiable information offers the opportunity to more holistically discern the veracity of the information that inundates our lives.

Credits pie chart for the Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts program. 51 credits in graphic design, 30 credits in liberal arts, 18 credits in foundations, 15 credits in art history, and 9 credits in studio electives for a total of 123 credits.

Graphic Design Degree Requirements

At RMCAD, one of Colorado’s renowned colleges for graphic design, we believe in offering students a well-rounded education. That means students stepping outside of their comfort zone and turning a passion for art into a future in design.

Want to be successful in the world of art and design? First, you’ve got to know the basics. That’s why our Liberal Arts Department teaches a comprehensive curriculum including history, literature, the humanities, and social and physical sciences.

* RMCAD offers classes year-round in both on-campus and online delivery formats. At RMCAD, we believe that online learning is an important part of the overall college learning experience. To provide students multiple scheduling options, diverse learning modalities, and experience in the virtual environment, all on-campus students are required to take part in online education.

Tech + Tools

Our Graphic Design classes combine innovative thinking with industry technology to give you the experience you need:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe XD
  • Digital SLR Camera
stylus
Professional DSLR camera with telescopic lens

Graphic Design Careers

Where do you see yourself after you graduate? At RMCAD, we help prepare our alumni to take on the world. With a Graphic Design Degree in hand and a highly specialized background, graduates are equipped to launch their career in a variety of design fields, including: 

Potential Career Paths

Student Work + Success

Stories @ RMCAD

Graphic Design Faculty

Take the lead from people you can trust. From exhibition art to film to commercial marketing, our faculty has the insight, experience, and perspective to guide you.

Graphic Design Events

Check out what’s happening around you and be part of the action.

 
 

Ready to Design Your Creativity?

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