Graphic Design Major

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design

Get a competitive edge in the job market with an internship at nonprofit organizations, media companies, museums and more.

Dive into the latest tools and cutting-edge techniques, mastering both the art and technology behind powerful visual storytelling. From print to digital, you’ll create bold and interactive designs that make an impact and push boundaries.

Graphic Design Degree at a Glance

Program Type

Major

Mode of Study

On Campus

Co-Op

Guaranteed

Est. Time

4 Years

Start Terms

Fall, Spring

Accreditation

NECHE

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Spring OH

Spring Open House

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 
from 1:00 pm 
to 4:00 pm

At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.

The Graphic Design Major

Merrimack’s graphic design major combines the art and science of visual communication by teaching students to create engaging designs for print, digital and interactive media. The program blends design theory, critical thinking and technical skills while preparing you to thrive in a fast-evolving field. Our curriculum emphasizes research, problem-solving and real-world design methodologies to develop both practical and conceptual expertise. 

What You'll Study

Our curriculum offers a mix of foundational and advanced design courses that challenge students to think critically, create and evaluate art and design. Prepare to gain proficiency in the tools and technologies shaping today’s design industry while refining your critical thinking skills. Our interdisciplinary coursework allows you to explore how graphic design intersects with other fields, and an art history elective provides a deeper understanding of global culture and design evolution.

As you approach senior year, you’ll dive deep into design research and apply what you’ve learned to create a professional senior capstone project. With every class building on the last plus real-world internships and hands-on design practice you’ll learn:

Visual Storytelling
History of Graphic Design
Art & Material Culture
Visual Web Design
Narrative Design
Brand Strategy
Design Research
Feedback Reception & Critique
Portfolio Creation
Motion Design

Skills You'll Learn

Gain a diverse set of skills that blend creativity, technical proficiency and critical thinking. These skills are essential for creating compelling effective designs across a variety of media – from print to digital platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the key skills you’ll develop as a graphic design major at Merrimack:

Concept Development
UX and UI Design
Software Proficiency
Collaboration and Networking
Human-Centered & Accessibility Design
Web/Digital Development
Written and Oral Communication
Content Strategy

STUDENT WORK

Motivate Fitness
Motivate

Motivate Movement, a barre and strength fitness studio in Amesbury, asked students to create a mural for their studio.

Austin Hall Chapel banners
Austin Hall Chapel

Merrimack’s students designed new artwork for the Austin Hall Chapel, creating work that represents the Merrimack experience. 

AIGA Graphic Design Contest
AIGA

AIGA’s (The Professional Association for Design) Get Out to Vote 2020 campaign was designed by two undergraduate students.

Transfer Students

If you’re transferring into the Graphic Design program, your placement and transfer of studio credits will be determined by our faculty. When you apply to Merrimack College you’ll need to submit a portfolio to the Department of Visual and Performing Arts for review.

During the review, our Graphic Design faculty will evaluate your studio skills and look at the courses you’ve taken to decide how they fit into the degree requirements. We’ll assess your work to make sure it aligns with the program’s standards and determine the right placement for you.

You can submit your portfolio either in-person or digitally. If you have any questions or need help with the process, reach out to the Director of the Graphic Design program.

Technology Requirements

Students majoring in Graphic Design are required to have an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription and a professional level laptop at the start of their sophomore year.

Graphic Design Courses You'll Take

visual
web design

DES 3830

Through multiple design projects students learn and employ principles of graphic design, information architecture, user experience design and user interface design. 

practice
and identity

vpa 2900

This hybrid course focuses on recognizing and articulating a student’s own unique artistic identity and the individualized processes associated with their practice.

Advanced
Brand Design

DES 3880

Conceptual thinking, image development, typographic design, and design systems are the focus as students develop larger, multi-part projects for print and digital media individually and in groups.

See All Courses & Options Available to Graphic Design Majors

Graphic Design Major Requirements

General Education Requirements

In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
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Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide

Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.

Graphic Design Students In the Classroom & Beyond

When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.

Career Outlook: Where Can a Graphic Design Degree Take You?

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Career Outcomes Rate

94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.

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Experiential Learning

90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack 

Graduate School

Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.

Jobs with a Graphic Design Degree

Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in graphic design and related disciplines. Graphic design major jobs have a diverse range of career options. Positions may include:

  • Social Media and Marketing Coordinator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Digital Media Coordinator
  • Art Director
  • Graphic Designer
  • Video Editor
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Game UX Lead
  • Technical Publishing Specialist

Where Merrimack Graphic Design Graduates Work & Intern

52 Launch

Graphic Designer & Web Designer

Goodwill

Retail Marketing & Communication Specialist

Commodity Fragrances

Art Director & Head Graphic Designer

TripAdvisor

Brand Design Intern

RetroPlanet

Graphic Production Artist

'47 Brand

Headwear Production Artist

Brooks Automation

Multimedia Intern

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

Senior Graphic Designer

Beyond the Classroom

See for Yourself

Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)

At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!

Upcoming Events

four students sitting in a cafe around a laptop

Info Session & Campus Tour

Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays

Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.

Merrimack College Awards & Recognition

U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)

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