Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program at Western Kentucky University prepares students to thrive as creatives in a fast-changing design industry. From your first studio class to your senior portfolio, you’ll sharpen your ability to solve problems, think conceptually, and deliver high-quality work that stands out.
Our program blends the best of traditional design foundations with cutting-edge digital practices, equipping you with the skills to design across print, web, interactive media, and emerging platforms. You’ll graduate with a portfolio that not only showcases your talent but also demonstrates the strategic thinking employers and clients are looking for in new hires.
Our Programs
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design at Western Kentucky University is built for students who want to transform creativity into a professional career. While you’ll gain valuable skills in every course, the BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design is the full professional track—designed to prepare you with the depth of experience, portfolio, and confidence needed to enter today’s competitive design field.
The BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Major in Visual Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design requires 79 Credit Hours
Program Code: 514
Students who began the Graphic Design concentration before Fall 2021 should refer to the previous catalog requirements.
The AB (Bachelor of Arts) Major in Visual Studies is a liberal arts degree requiring 49 Credit Hours - You may take graphic design courses to help fulfill your program requirements.
Program Code: 509
The certificate in Graphic Design requires 18 Credit Hours
Required Courses - 15 hours:
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ART 130 Design OR ART 140 Drawing
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ART 231 Graphic Design I: Typography
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ART 243 Digital Media
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ART 330 Graphic Design II: Layout & Information Design
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ART 430 Graphic Design III: Advanced Graphic Design
Restricted Electives - 6 hours (pick two):
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UX 300 User Experience Strategy & Content Creation
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ART 331 Visual Thinking
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ART 334 Survey of Graphic Design
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ART 399/AR T499 Professional Work Career Experience in Art
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ART 430 Graphic Design
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ART 431 Illustration
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ART 433 Package Design
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ART 436 Digital Illustration
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ART 438 Advanced Media Design
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DES 498 Special Topics in Graphic Design
Suggested Course Progression:
- The Graphic Design Certificate takes at least three semesters to complete.
- Courses must be completed in person (this is not an online program).
- View course prerequisite here.
| Semester 1 |
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| Semester 2 |
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For additional information or questions, email our Graphic Design Certificate Program Coordinator, Kara Glenn, at kara.williamsglenn@wku.edu.
Nationally Recognized Student Work
Compete and Win
Graphic Design students regularly compete in collegiate and professional competitions.
Student-Powered Agency
Our students can gain professional experience through Imagewest, WKU's award-winning student-run agency serving local, national, and international clients.
Learn from the Pros
Students work directly with faculty and professionals from leading agencies, including WKU's partnership with Doe-Anderson.
With a strong network of alumni, dedicated faculty mentors, and hands-on opportunities at every stage, WKU’s Graphic Design program sets you on the path to a successful career in design, whether your goal is working in an agency, freelancing, launching your own business, or continuing to graduate study.
Student Class Work
Graphic Design and Computer Animation lab are located in rooms 252, 254, 417, 419, 438, and 454 of the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. Currently there are three full-time professors who are supported by adjunct instructors as needed. Our proximity to Nashville provides opportunities to invite professionals to engage with design students through lectures and portfolio reviews.
All classrooms and stations are online and Wi-Fi connected. Enrolled design students
have 24-hour access to a computer lab on campus, with the exception of University
holidays.
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