Graphic Design (BFA) | �鶹��Ƶ

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Graphic Design (BFA) | �鶹��Ƶ

Master the art of creative design. Develop skills in visual communication, digital media, and design principles, preparing for a successful career in graphic design and the visual arts industry.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Graphic Design

Visualize ideas. Amplify their impact.

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Is This Program for Me?

The graphic design major is an art-based degree for students who want to create meaningful visual work for real clients—using creativity and strategy to communicate messages clearly and effectively to specific audiences.

This program may be a good fit if you:

Want to explore a proven career in the visual arts
Enjoy visual problem-solving and creative thinking
Are interested in branding, typography, digital media or user experience
Like working with both the development and execution of visual concepts
Want hands-on, practical design experience
Want a rigorous program that prepares you for creative careers

What Will I Learn?

Students in the graphic design program develop a broad foundation in design theory, professional practice and technical application. Coursework emphasizes concept development, iterative visual systems, technical production and communication strategy.

You Will Learn

Create and communicate ideas visually using imagery, typography, color and layout
Create and work with branding and identity systems
Create designs for print, web and digital media
Apply UX principles and interface design fundamentals
Develop motion graphics and time-based media for a variety of applications
Understand design history and contemporary practice
Prepare production-ready files for print and digital delivery
Build a professional portfolio in print, web and PDF formats
Students complete a comprehensive senior capstone project during their final year.

What Makes Us Different?

Samford’s graphic design program is a professional Bachelor of Fine Arts that blends creative exploration, technical training and career preparation in a close knit academic community.

Portfolio Requirements

Studio-Based, Practical Coursework

Graphic design courses are hands-on and project-driven, emphasizing strong conceptual and technical foundations aligned with real-world professional standards.

Portfolio-Focused Experience

Over the course of the program, students develop a cohesive body of work that brings their creative voice to life and reflects their growing skills and confidence as designers.

Faculty and Community Support

Students benefit from close faculty mentorship made possible by a low student‑to‑faculty ratio, a professionally experienced faculty and access to visiting designers, events and professional organizations.

Strong Connections to the Design Profession

Through strong connections to the local professional design community, Samford prepares capable designers with high placement rates in internships and post‑graduate positions.

Career Preparation

Graphic design is a versatile career that merges creativity, strategy and visual problem-solving. Samford’s program prepares students for professional environments by emphasizing communication, adaptability and design thinking.

Prepare to Succeed

Students who complete the graphic design major are prepared to:

Think critically and solve visual communication problems
Work independently and collaboratively
Work with print and production providers
Adapt to evolving design tools and technologies
Communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders
Enter creative industries with confidence and professional readiness

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the graphic design program pursue careers such as:

Graphic designer
Branding and identity designer
UX/UI designer
Web or interface designer
Art Director or Creative Director
Motion graphics designer
Publication or magazine designer
Book cover designer
Packaging designer
Social media or digital content designer
Advertising designer
Environmental or wayfinding designer
In-house corporate designer

Internships & Professional Development Events

Through internships and professional development events, students can connect with industry organizations and gain exposure to professional pathways. The program encourages students to engage with the wider creative and interactive media community through conferences, networking, guest speakers, critiques, mentorship, portfolio-building and professional portfolio review opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As design technologies continue to evolve, questions often arise about the long-term relevance of a graphic design degree. At Samford, the focus is on developing adaptable designers and thoughtful visual communicators rather than training students on a single tool or software platform. The program emphasizes creative reasoning, systems thinking, collaboration, ethics, production literacy and responsible design practice.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of the professional landscape in graphic design, branding, advertising and digital media. Students are prepared to work with AI as a tool—not compete with it. While AI may support aspects of ideation, iteration and production, it cannot replace artistic vision, creative authorship, visual judgment or design intentionality.

The most valuable skills remain deeply human: critical thinking, storytelling, ethics, adaptability, technical fluency and creative direction. At Samford, students engage emerging technologies within a framework that prioritizes design intent, authorship and human-centered communication. AI is viewed as a tool that can enhance creative work and design thinking, not replace the designer.

“My graphic design cohort was uniquely small, consisting of only seven students. Sharing classes, projects, and long hours in the design building brought us together quickly. Those shared experiences turned even the most demanding days into meaningful ones.”—Anna Baldwin ’26, Graphic Design

Application Information

Freshman applications for next fall are open.

Freshman Early Action applications close November 1st.

The freshman first scholarship deadline is December 1st.

Transfer applications for the spring semester close Dec. 15.

Freshman FAFSA priority and scholarship deadlines are Feb. 15.

Decision day is coming! Freshman applications for fall enrollment close May 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment close July 1st.

Freshman applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open August 1st.

Transfer applications for fall enrollment are closed. Applications for next year open September 1st.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there prerequisite courses to apply?

Yes. Students complete ART 101, 102, 110, 120, 222, 230 and 270 before the required portfolio review. More details are available in the Samford catalog.

Do I need a minimum GPA to enter the major?

Students must maintain an overall minimum GPA of 2.50 and a minimum GPA of 2.50 in the major to remain in the program.

Can I study abroad as part of this program?

Yes. Study-abroad opportunities are available during May term and summer.

Can I customize the program or choose concentrations?

No formal concentrations are offered, but students can specialize through coursework, electives, internships and portfolio direction.

What careers do graduates pursue?

Career options include branding and identity designer, graphic designer, UX designer, web designer, publication or magazine designer, motion graphics designer, packaging designer, social media content designer, advertising designer, environmental or wayfinding designer and in-house corporate designer.

Is this program accredited?

Yes. All Art & Design majors are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).

Is a portfolio required?

A portfolio is not required for admission, although it is encouraged and used for scholarship consideration.

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