Art & Design - Graphic Design, B.A.

Why major in graphic design at Whitworth?

• Gain the hard skills needed to succeed in the industry, such as web design and computer software proficiency, and soft skills needed for any industry, such as communication and critical thinking.
• Take courses in a variety of areas, from studio art to art history to digital design.
• Connect your faith or worldview to your learning. Explore the fundamental connections between art and faith, and participate in discussions of ethics related to careers in design.
• Draw inspiration from the vibrant Lied Center for the Visual Arts. This beautiful, modern center houses six studios, two gallery spaces and a state-of-the-art computer lab with Apple iMacs.
• Join a tight-knit community of students and alumni that provides networking and support as you move into a career.
• Travel the world through amazing off-campus study programs led by your professors.
• Partner with faculty as a teaching assistant.
• Easily double major in a studio art track, which requires the same core courses.
• Become who you're meant to be.

Ask our faculty

Our graphic design grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Many of our graduates go into graphic design and/or marketing. They are also equipped for careers in illustration, newspapers and magazines, advertising, web design, application development, television and book publishing, among other areas. Because they are critical thinkers, Whitworth graphic design graduates may also pursue careers outside of graphic design such as teaching, editing and project management.

Recent job placements include:

• Brooke Levine, founder & creative director, Averson Creative, Spokane
• Jeff Skaggs, web designer, Legwork PRM, Wenatchee, Wash.
• Olivia Newman, graphic designer, Yakima Valley Hops, Yakima, Wash.
• Carly Hirai, graphic designer, web designer and owner, Panda Pacific Designs, Spokane

Opportunities outside the classroom

• Join Whitworth's student-run public-relations agency, Beyond the Pines, and use your graphic design skills to serve local nonprofits.
• Document campus life and build your skills on the staff of The Whitworthian.
• Visit local design, advertising, photography, film and printing agencies and connect with internship opportunities.
• Display your work in the junior and senior exhibitions.
• Attend rotating professional art exhibits at Whitworth's Bryan Oliver Gallery.
• Join the art department club, the Artists' Cooperative.

Pack your bags!

Whitworth faculty members lead off-campus study programs around the country and the world that provide life-changing experiences with art, including exposure to significant museum collections. Programs that visit major destinations in Europe include British Culture through the Arts, Power & Politics of Art, History & Art in Rome, and Early Christian Sites in Greece. Or experience world-class art closer to home through the Art & Architecture in Chicago program.

Tracks

In addition to the graphic design track, the Whitworth art & design major offers tracks in two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art and art education.

What related majors can I explore?

• Marketing
• Front-End Design Development
• Art & Design: Two-Dimensional Track or Three-Dimensional Track
• Communication
• Psychology