Create community, start conversations, and spark action through visual communication. Combine real-world experience with hands-on experimentation in PNCA's graphic design degree.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Major, Minor
121
4 Years
PNCA Campus
Demonstrate strong concepts and storytelling through poster designs, brand identity, packaging, motion graphics, and environmental design.
Our alumni go on to pursue successful careers at Wieden+Kennedy, Instrument, Nike, and Microsoft. Some have also launched their own creative agencies. Our graduates are also working for game-changing brands to impact social change and design initiatives that can change the world.
Nathan Galvan BFA’23 credits mentors at PNCA for helping him find success as a graphic design professional
Now a successful graphic designer working as a Digital Design Specialist for the Portland Trail Blazers' G-League team, Nathan Galvan credits PNCA mentors and experiences for shaping his creative and professional journey.
Meet a designer making a name for himself with major brands
Steven Xue BFA'19, a graphic designer for brands like Nike, Adobe, and international design agency AKQA, attributes his career success to PNCA's cross-disciplinary curriculum, influential mentors, and valuable internships.
Art Director shares her talent across suite of NBC digital platforms
Kara Haupt is the Senior Art Director at NBC News Digital, where she manages the design teams for nbcnews.com, today.com, and msnbc.com. Prior to NBC News, she art directed for The New Yorker online and was a Design Lead on the 2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.
Our graphic design professors have successful careers as art directors, creative directors, interactive designers, UX/UI professionals, and entrepreneurs. Whether you major or minor in Graphic Design, you'll also get to connect with visiting artists and community leaders. Make connections and get inspired by our acclaimed design faculty.
Kristin L Rogers Brown, Associate Professor and Chair of Graphic Design at PNCA, brings a wealth of experience as a creative director and designer. With a background spanning print, web, and brand development, she is passionate about infusing values-driven work into her design projects.
Danielle McCoy, part-time faculty in Graphic Design and mentor in Visual Studies, is an Antiguan-born graphic designer. With a focus on brand identity and editorial design, she believes in design's power to enhance both utility and aesthetics.
Bijan Berahimi, part-time faculty in Graphic Design, is the founder of FISK, a Portland-based studio and gallery, and JOON Magazine. His work embraces diverse voices and communities, reflecting his Iranian-American background.
While graphic design students learn fundamentals like type and composition, they also learn to push the boundaries of what design can be and do in the world. Through independent and collaborative projects, you will develop research, critical thinking, and creative practice skills. Learn about the design process, build photo editing skills, and get familiar with graphic design software.
Dive into the dynamics of a working design studio, where you’ll tackle client projects within a supportive educational environment. Build your portfolio with professional work, and work with non-profits and values-driven initiatives. Gain hands-on experience in design, art direction, and project management, and build real-world professional networks.
Explore the powerful impact of graphic design in shaping culture. Learn to craft compelling visual stories while becoming a perceptive interpreter. Create cohesive design systems that resonate, using web design, social media, billboards, apparel, brand campaigns, and designed spaces. You'll sharpen your design skills to convince audiences of a clear and unique point of view.
Our Graphic Design major requires 121 credits to complete the degree. This includes: 76 in studio, 30 in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and 15 in Art History. Of the studio credits, 16 are required courses in the Foundation program, at least 36 are the required courses in the studio major, and the remainder are available for studio electives. A minimum two-year residency at the College is required.
Our Graphic Design program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about PNCA’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.
Most students receive financial aid, ranging from scholarship opportunities to federal work study and need-based grants and loans. PNCA also considers graphic design students for full tuition scholarships.
PNCA is committed to a better future by providing fair and equitable admission processes. The BFA program automatically considers all students applying for merit-based scholarships. In addition, we also offer BFA Equity Scholarships, Juried Scholarships, Pre-College Scholarships, International Scholarships and Community College Transfer Partner/Transfer Agreement Scholarships.
Willamette University