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Northwest Missouri State University


Graphic Design Major

Graphic Design

The Northwest Difference

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 »

Mary is Career ready. Day One.

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

*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

Student Organizations

Big Shoe Graphics is a work-for-profit student-run advertising agency. Clients present their needs to the students, and teams submit concepts for review and selected concepts are paid by the client. Once a client is satisfied with the layout proposal, advanced students act as freelancers creating work under the director's guidance. The tag line for Big Shoe Graphics is “An experience you can profit from,” and over the years they have created logos for hospitals, start-up companies, children’s books, brochures, websites, animations, interactive tutorials, textile designs and creative writing magazines.

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

Study Abroad

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

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.