Graphic Design
At Montana State University we offer a professional BFA degree in Graphic Design. The emphasis is upon the development of professional design skills for employment within the creative industries. Over the past 30 years the BFA Graphic Design program at MSU has offered job placement for its graduates at the nation’s top advertising agencies, design firms and in-house departments.
BFA Degree in Four Years
During the freshman year Graphic Design students begin with several foundations courses along with art history and core classes. Then in the sophomore year students are introduced to Graphic Design and Adobe CC basics. To maintain excellence each sophomore is required to purchase and use a MacBook Pro laptop in their Graphic Design courses. Sophomore students must pass a portfolio review at the end of the second year to advance into upper-division Graphic Design courses. During the third year students select from several Graphic Design electives to explore the scope of the profession. Both juniors and seniors may participate in professional internship opportunities at local, regional and national businesses. Finally the fourth year students develop a self-authored senior research project and create a capstone portfolio along with learning professional job-finding skills.
Careers in Graphic Design
With a BFA degree in Graphic Design from MSU graduates have the opportunity to work in advertising, publishing, marketing, public relations, user interaction and a wide range of creative based industries. Here is a list of some of the jobs related to this exciting profession:
- Advertising
- Animation
- Apparel Design
- Art Director
- Branding
- Creative Direction
- Gaming Graphics
- Industrial Design
- Illustration
- Letterpress
- Logo Design
- Media Coordination
- Multi Media Design
- Marketing
- Package Design
- Photography
- Preproduction Coordination
- Production Design
- Screenprinting
- User Interation
- User Experience
- Video Production
- Web Design
BFA-4 year Graphic Design Curriculum
View the class and credit requirements for the Graphic Design major.
Facility List and Student Resources
- 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
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12 Tables with Rolling Casters
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24 Computer desk chairs with adjustable height and on rolling wheels
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Teaching podium with iMac
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Digital projector with large display screen, automatic raise and lower
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Storage cabinet with access to Neenah Astrobright colored paper
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5 pull- down power cords with two outlets per cord
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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
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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
Laptop Requirements
To ensure student success the graphic design program at Montana State University is now requiring that students in the graphic design BFA option must purchase a MacBook Pro laptop prior their sophomore level courses. Students will specifically need these laptops for their first day in GDSN 223 Design Principles in fall semester. Click here to view the laptop requirement PDF that outlines specifics for purchasing.
Student Achievements
MSU Student, Josephine Brown's Veteran Challenge Coin Designed to Be Minted in Montana
Alumni Stories
Alumni of the School of Art go on to have exciting careers in a variety of design related fields. Below are just a few examples of recent alumni stories who share their current position, experience while at MSU, and advice for future and current students in the program.
Current Graphic Design Student Work
Click on an image to view as a slideshow.
Letterpress at MSU
The Graphic Design program at MSU is proud to offer courses in Letterpress printing including an introductory 1-credit class and a 5-credit Junior Block course. The letterpress studio has two cylinder presses, 1 platen press, and almost 400 cases of metal type. This craft has an important connection to typography, composition, and layout design which help create a robust and well-rounded education in Graphic Design. Read more about the letterpress facility on the Letterpress MSU page.
Graphic Design Faculty
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.
