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
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Graphic Design Major
"*" indicates required fields
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
Motivate Movement, a barre and strength fitness studio in Amesbury, asked students to create a mural for their studio.
Austin Hall Chapel
Merrimack’s students designed new artwork for the Austin Hall Chapel, creating work that represents the Merrimack experience.
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.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
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.
Graphic Design Major
Graphic Design Major
Career Outlook: Where Can a Graphic Design Degree Take You?
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.
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
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Graphic Design Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
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
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)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Graphic Design Major
"*" indicates required fields
