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Study Graphic Design

Create community, start conversations, and spark action through visual communication. Combine real-world experience with hands-on experimentation in PNCA's graphic design degree.

Program Snapshot

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major, Minor

121

4 Years

PNCA Campus

Students working on a magazine layout.

Our Graphic Design Major & Minor

Create designs that inspire and connect with people. Experiment with different mediums, modes, and ideas to prepare for a rapidly evolving field. Our graphic design major and minor prepare students for success in visual communication.

Why choose Graphic Design at Pacific Northwest College of Art?

  • Experience a direct path to real-world connections. On top of classes developed by working industry creatives to build your portfolio, participate in our Center for Design: a student-driven professional design studio embedded in the design department. Work with client partners like adidas, Pendleton, and Mercy Corps to get results you can feel proud of.
  • Make lasting connections in the design world. Through our Design Lecture Series, students can meet designers from around the world. PNCA also offers workshops, lectures, panels, and First Thursday community events.
  • Create change through creativity. We push the boundaries of traditional graphic design. We ask "why" at every turn, focusing on what designers want their work to achieve.

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Student Work

Demonstrate strong concepts and storytelling through poster designs, brand identity, packaging, motion graphics, and environmental design.

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Graphic Design Faculty

Our graphic design professors have successful careers asart 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.

  • Meet Kristin Rogers Brown

    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.

    Headshot of Kristin L Rogers Brown
  • Meet Danielle McCoy

    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.

    Headshot of Danielle McCoy
  • Meet Bijan Berahimi

    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.

    Headshot of Bijan Berahimi

Curriculum

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.

  • GD445 Center for Design

    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.

  • GD345 Design Studio II: Rhetoric & Persuasion

    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.

Program Requirements

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.

Students discussing a wall of graphic designs with a professor.
Admissions Information

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.

A student working on a graphic design project on a laptop
Financial Aid & Scholarships

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.

Students working on a logo on a computer.

FAQs

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Graphic Design