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Graphic Design and Illustration: Studio Art, B.F.A.

College of Arts and Sciences

Build skills for graphic design and illustration through professional practice, entrepreneurship, design research and strategy, and rigorous studies.

The program puts experiential learning first as our students work with real clients with real graphic design needs. You will learn practical skills valued by many industries and take part in award-winning work that gives you a competitive edge in finding jobs.

Program Highlights

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    NASAD Accreditation

    Work alongside high-achieving scholars, and enhance your professional development through designer visits and workshops.

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    Experiential Learning

    Enhance your education through internships and our student-led Design Studio, funded by the College of Arts and Sciences.

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    An Internationally Recognized Faculty

    Be mentored by a faculty that delivers consistent feedback through competitive portfolio reviews throughout the program.

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    Flexibility

    Embrace your own interests, and work on projects that encourage and support the exploration of your ideas.

What You’ll Study

Some of the most popular courses include Visual Verbal Interaction, Interaction Design, Structures, Illustration and Portfolio Studio. Our facility includes three studios with Mac desktop computers, a design print lab with printers, large plotters, and a Glowforge for product and laser cutting.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Graphic Design

    Creating visual content to communicate messages effectively

    Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

    Creativity

    Thinking imaginatively, generating original ideas and expressing unique perspectives through art and innovation

  • Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Problem Solving

    Identifying, analyzing and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Advertising Designer
  • Brand Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Project Manager
  • Visual Designer

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Creative Director
  • Multimedia Visualization Specialist
  • Lead Cartoonist
  • Shop Manager / Tattoo Apprentice
  • UX Designer
  • Marketing Coordinator

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $66,398

Workplace Settings

  • Magazines
  • Sports
  • Animation
  • Special Organizations
  • Technology
  • Mobile Apps

Employers of Alumni

  • Google
  • Nike
  • Richland Library
  • Hubbell Incorporated
  • University of South Carolina
  • Gupta Media

The graphic design program truly did lay a foundation for success in my design principles, communicating, defending my work and time management. I practically lived at the art school, and the ability to have access to that space was a huge part of my success.

Benjamin Mitchell
Portrait of Benjamin Mitchell
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