Four layered phone screens showing an app with a green backgroundThe cover of a bunch of books arranged into lines. The one in the middle is green and says The New YorkerFour mockups of a spa productA group of people holding snowboardsFour mockups of green DuoLingo advertising on airport signageNeon pink, black, and white lights making a display on a screen with a person sitting beside itA large classroom of people sitting in desks surrounding a speaker in the middleA book app on a phone screen placed on top of a book with a bookmark beside itA group of people at a table looking at laptops and a paper with designs on itTwo books opened to stylized recipe pages for salsa. The pages are yellow, green and red on a black backgroundA grid of open books showing different magazine-like articlesFour people standing with a projector shining on them displaying wordsA grid of phone screens showing a book logging appA projector screen showing a student's yellow and black backpack designA group of people standing shoulder to shoulder with tall buildings behind themThree soda cans with different vibrant designs on them. From left to right: red and pink checkerboard, green and pink wave lines, orange citrus and swirl shapesA group of people standing around a table with poster designs on itA poster for free hygiene products with black stylized text and yellow objects in the background

Click on an image to view as a slideshow.

 

Graphic Design B.F.A.

The Graphic Design B.F.A. prepares students to become thoughtful, skilled, and adaptable visual communicators. Through a studio-based curriculum, students learn to work across storytelling, typography, image, branding, publication, motion, interaction, and digital media while developing a professional portfolio.

At MSU, graphic design is a practice of shaping communication and experience. Students learn how visual systems help people read, navigate, understand, and respond to information. The program emphasizes concept, process, craft, critique, and professional preparation, helping students create work that is visually strong, conceptually clear, and responsive to contemporary design practice.

Careers and Alums

Graduates pursue careers in design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams, publishing, marketing, branding, UX/UI, motion graphics, packaging, and related creative fields. Possible career paths include graphic designer, brand designer, publication designer, motion designer, UX/UI designer, packaging designer, art director, web designer, freelance designer, and creative director. Successful alumni stories, internships, senior portfolios, and professional projects help show how MSU students move from the studio into creative careers.

Design Future

The future of graphic design is about human creativity—it is about amplifying it through thoughtful, human-centered problem solving, big-picture thinking, and compelling storytelling. As AI becomes an increasingly powerful, designers will be challenged to think more strategically, ask better questions, and use technology mindfully to transform complex ideas into meaningful visual experiences.

Curriculum Overview

The Graphic Design BFA degree sequentially builds and develops across four years of intentional, layered development, with each program year building upon critical skills in both visual thinking and professional practice.

Year 1

Design Foundations - Students build skills in visual language, creative process, digital tools, image-making and art history.

Year 2

Core Design Skills - Students study typography, form, content, design process, and complete a portfolio review before advancing in the program.

Year 3

Advanced Studios - Students explore areas such as identity systems, digital marketing, publication design, motion graphics, UX/UI, package design, design for society, and design history.

Year 4

Professional Preparation - Students complete advanced studio work, internship opportunities, and senior portfolio development in preparation for job finding and professional practice.

BFA Curriculum Map

BFA in Graphic Design

Laptop Requirement

To ensure professional success, the Graphic Design BFA program requires that students purchase a MacBook Pro laptop prior to their sophomore level courses. View the sheet that outlines specifics.

Facilities

  • Computer lab is accessible 24/7 for registered School of Art students through Cat Card swipe
  • 18 iMac Computers
  • Adobe CC Cloud is installed on all computers with access to the latest Adobe software including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
  • 2, 8.5 x 11 Black and White Printers
  • 1, 11 x 17 Black and White Printer

  • Recently renovated classroom

  • 12 Tables with Rolling Casters

  • 24 Computer desk chairs with adjustable height and on rolling wheels

  • Teaching podium with iMac

  • Digital projector with large display screen, automatic raise and lower

  • Storage cabinet with access to Neenah Astrobright colored paper

  • 5 pull- down power cords with two outlets per cord

  • Large pin-up wall space for critique and magnetic board for pin-up and writing

  • 34 Student total seating capacity
  • 10 Tables with rolling casters
  • 3 Standing tables that serve as a cutting and assembly station
  • 20 desk chairs with adjustable height and on rolling wheels
  • 1 Digital projector and screen
  • 1 Teaching podium with iMac and speakers
  • Bookshelf with recent and relevant design textbooks
  • Storage shelf with access to Neenah Astrobright colored paper
  • Large pin-up wall space for critique

  • Recently renovated classroom and building 

  • 10 Tables with rolling casters
  • Storage area with access to making materials like scissors, glue, collage, cutting mats, rulers, cardboard, matte board, and writing utensils 
  • 20 chairs on rolling wheels
  • 1 Digital projector and screen
  • 2 iMac stations with Adobe CC Cloud installed with access to the latest programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign 
  • Cricut Cutter
  • Large pin-up wall space for critique and a magnetic board for pin-up and writing 

 

 

Connect Further + Apply

Connect with us through social media on Facebook and Instagram. You can also request more information or apply today to start your exciting journey at Montana State University. 

 

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