Graphic Design A.A.

Degree Overview

This program of study lays a solid foundation in visual arts and graphic design with a digital focus. You will learn to develop and communicate creative ideas in a variety of media, while working with current software to create print and web-ready graphics, digital designs and interactive art projects. Students at USF enjoy the merging of Christian faith, service and the visual arts. 

This program will prepare you for further study or careers that involve visual expression and creativity. The goals of the Associate of Arts in Graphic Design are to provide basic knowledge in the core areas of graphic design and to serve as a base for further study in a four-year program. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Analyze, evaluate and interpret visual art in a clear and concise manner appropriate for a specific audience.
  2. Communicate ideas satisfactorily in a variety of media and attain proficiency in at least one medium, as well as demonstrate design sensibilities and original expression in that medium.
  3. Examine commonalities of visual arts evident across time and among cultural groups.
  4. Prepare for additional study or careers that involve visual expression and creativity.

Outcomes

Graphic design offers a diverse array of career paths, ranging from traditional roles like graphic designer and art director to more specialized positions such as web designer, UI/UX designer and illustrator.

Career Outlook

  • Average Salary: $66,209
  • Job Postings: 6,181

Average salary is based on a 2024 NACE Salary Survey. Job posting data is for graphic designer positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.

A classroom filled with students sitting at desks, facing forward. Two young women in the foreground are focused on their laptops. Bookshelves filled with colorful books line the back wall. Overhead lights illuminate the room.

Courses

Required Major Core Courses

Complete the following courses.

ART181

Digital Photography

(3.0 s.h)

ART101

Drawing I

(3.0 s.h)

ART425

Graphic Design: Advanced Study

(3.0 s.h)

ART331

Graphic Design: Brand Identity

(3.0 s.h)

ART221

Graphic Design: Layout

(3.0 s.h)

ART220

Graphic Design: Typography

(3.0 s.h)
Loading

Elective(s) in Major

Complete two of the following courses.

ART372

2D/3D Motion Graphics

(3.0 s.h)

MED304

Advanced Media and Visual Arts

(3.0 s.h)

ART294

Art & Cultural Travel

(3.0 s.h)

ART121

Design II

(3.0 s.h)

ART281

Digital Photography II

(3.0 s.h)

ART381

Digital Photography III

(3.0 s.h)
Loading

Visit Campus

The best way to get to know USF is through a visit! Take a virtual tour or sign up for an in-person visit to understand what it's like to be a University of Sioux Falls student.

Visit Options
A group of six young adults, dressed casually, walks outside on a sunny day. They laugh and chat amongst themselves. Trees with sparse autumn leaves and campus buildings are visible in the background.
B.A.

Art

A bachelor's degree in art is designed to nurture creativity, enhance artistic skills and provide a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the visual arts.

Learn More »
Minor

Art

An art minor at USF provides students with the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and understanding of visual culture alongside their major field of study.

Learn More »
B.A.

Media Studies

A Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies offers a comprehensive exploration of media forms, their histories and their cultural impacts.

Learn More »