Graphic Design

Why Major in Graphic Design?

Students majoring in art with an emphasis in graphic design learn to create powerful, compelling design work that meets the needs of clients. Faculty ensure students learn the fundamentals of art and graduate with a diverse portfolio to use skills and tools in different aspects. Students get experience creating an idea-driven visual and create new ways to give a message that helps to educate and inform an audience.

Graphic design majors work closely with professionals and are actively involved in Northwest programs. Student engagement provides many opportunities for experimental learning including internships on the Northwest campus.

Career Ready. Day One.

Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Mary's story »

Career Opportunities

93%
placement rate

93% of art majors find employment or continue their education within six months after graduation. Below is a list of job titles related to this major:

Graphic designer
Creative Designer
Print designer
Web Designer

*Based on self-reported data.

Profession-based experiences

Knacktive

Knacktive combines six disciplines (computer science, English, graphic design, marketing, mass communications and public relations) into a one-semester interactive and collaborative course. The student-led teams conduct market research, analyze data, write creative strategies, and developed an integrated, digital marketing communication campaign and promotional materials for a real-world client.

At the end of each course, the team makes a formal presentation or client pitch in an attempt to convince the client to use their project. This experience aligns with the digital marketing and advertising agencies competing for clients.

The following organizations have been clients of Knacktive:

2011 – Cincinnati-based LasikPlus Vision
2012 – Science City, located in Kansas City at the Union Station
2013 – Tri-State Ford
2014 – Horace Mann Laboratory School
2015 – DecisionFx, located in Kansas City
2016 – Hy-Vee Market, located in Des Moines, IA
2017 – Velocitie, located in Kansas City, MO
2018 – American Royal, located in Kansas City, MO
2019 – Maryville Tourism

For a full list of student organizations with in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts »

Study Abroad

Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.

The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.

For more information about study abroad opportunities »

The Northwest Difference

Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.

The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.