About Graphic Design

Group of students sharing graphic design work with each other and a faculty member

Graphic design at the University of Minnesota will challenge you to set the pace in a field where global definitions of research, creative production, and practice are rapidly evolving. As a graphic design student, you will learn how humans perceive, interpret, and communicate and will be exposed to a wide variety of creative opportunities.

Degree Options

Regardless of degree, our graphic design program and graduate track emphasize innovative thought, professional portfolio development, and strategic approaches to problem-solving that reflect your creative talent and career goals. Our curriculum supports a rich variety of topics like typography, color theory, screenprinting, packaging, and web design so that you can build competency in a range of design techniques. Through studio courses and project work, you will build a well-rounded selection of portfolio samples while learning to make informed decisions about your future career path.

A group of students using a letterpress machine to print posters
What Students Say

“I like working with people who have real life experience, like having part-time instructors who are actively practicing.” 

—Olivia Anizor (BFA, Graphic Design)

“The Ph.D. in Design at the University of Minnesota is a transdisciplinary program that offers multiple opportunities to learn diverse research methods. All faculty provide valuable and constructive mentorship that support broad thinking. Beyond methodology, the program also offers strong training in theory, which is and will be critical for the development of the field.”

 —G. Mauricio Mejia (Ph.D., Graphic Design Track)

Career Possibilities
Research and Creative Scholarship

Our faculty have a wealth of experience in both traditional and innovative ways of making and researching from exploring user experience design and creativity to screenprinting, etching, and typography. No matter their professional background, our faculty use innovation and education to address emerging issues, identify problems, frame creative approaches, generate solutions, and to ultimately improve people’s quality of life.

Graphic Design in the Twin Cities

Ingenuity and industry connections

A progressive metropolitan area recognized for its appreciation of design and culture, the Twin Cities has a consistently high demand for talented, well-educated designers. 

During your graphic design studies, you will connect with members of the local design industry through faculty relationships with firms, class projects, studio tours, and our College of Design Mentor Program. Access to a variety of Fortune 500 companies as well as internationally recognized institutions like the Walker Art Center and Weisman Art Museum gives you an impressive array of employment and internship opportunities while benefiting from ongoing mentoring relationships with alumni.

Meet Our Faculty and Staff

Our faculty have a wealth of experience in both traditional and innovative ways of making and researching from exploring user experience design and creativity to screenprinting, etching, and typography.

Student drawing McNeal Hall and faculty critiquing work