Also known as: Graphic Design, Advertising Design, Visual Communication
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media. Includes instruction in concept design, layout, paste-up, and
Your week kicks off with 'Graphic Design Principles.' Today, Professor Davies introduces Gestalt theory, showing examples of how proximity and similarity influence visual perception. Later, in the computer lab, you begin a basic logo project in Illustrator, experimenting with shapes and lines. A peer helps you troubleshoot a pesky alignment issue. You grab a quick lunch with friends before heading to a campus marketing club meeting, discussing ideas for their next promotional campaign. You feel energized by the blend of theory and hands-on work, already sketching new concepts for your logo project in your notebook.
High School Preparation
Required Subjects
ArtEnglishComputer ScienceMarketing/Business
Recommended GPA
2.7-3.5
Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)
AP Art and Design (2D)
AP Computer Science Principles
IB Visual Arts
Core Subjects
Click on "i" to learn more about each subject
Career Prospects
Growing Study Prospects
Graduates can pursue roles as graphic designers, illustrators, art directors, digital marketing specialists, or advertising creatives. They work in agencies, corporate marketing departments, or as freelance artists, creating visual content for campaigns, websites, and publications.
Impact of AI on this Study
AI is transforming commercial art by automating repetitive design tasks, generating preliminary concepts, and enhancing personalization in advertising. Professionals will increasingly use AI tools for efficiency, focusing on creative strategy, ethical considerations, and refining AI-generated outputs.