Graphic Design Major

This dynamic program, which blends art and design history, provides a rich and strong foundation that encompasses design thinking, theory, process, and practice, along with a background in the liberal arts.

Merrimack’s multifaceted graphic design curriculum combines research, critical questioning, problem analysis, interdisciplinarity, and the methodologies of the design industry. As a student in this program, you’ll sharpen your conceptual and critical-thinking abilities and develop a practical, in-depth understanding of current industry-standard technical skills. You will incorporate interactive technology into your learning.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll complete introductory to advanced level courses requiring you to look, think, question, make, critique, and evaluate art and design. Interdisciplinary coursework challenges you to explore connections to other fields of study. Graphic Design History, with an additional art history course of your choosing, will help you understand your major within the context of world culture. In your senior level coursework you’ll dive into design research, enabling you to produce a professionally designed senior capstone project. Through courses of increasing complexity, as well as internships and opportunities for real-world design practice, you’ll learn to:

• Understand and perform various types of industry-related research
• Understand your field in relation to other disciplines
• Write for a broad range of applications
• Develop the capacity to collaborate successfully, both online and in person
• Motivate yourself and manage creative projects
• Develop ideas that stand the test of critical analysis
• Deliver effective oral presentations to students, professors and outside clients
• Brand and market yourself by creating a professional identity and portfolio
• Become proficient in relevant industry software, hardware and social media
• Be accountable, responsible and ethical in your work

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. Inquiries about technical requirements are always welcome; contact the Director of the Graphic Design program, by email: [email protected]

Career Options

Graphic designers work in web and interactive design, print and e-publishing, and identity and branding design. As a graduate, you will be confident and prepared for employment in these fields and have the knowledge and skills to pursue careers at advertising and marketing agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations and institutions along with many more.

Recent graduates are working at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston University, Century 21, Commodity Fragrances, Cool Gear International, Green International Affiliates, MFS Investment Management, MindEdge Learning, Northeastern University, Tencent Games, The Paper Store, Trans World Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Discovery as a(n) 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, and Technical Publishing Specialist.

This major can also serve as a foundation for creative work in the fine arts, or further study in a graduate program.

Transfer Students

If you’re transferring into the program, the transfer of studio courses and level of placement in the Graphic Design program will be determined by the Graphic Design faculty. Upon application to Merrimack College, you’re required to submit a portfolio to the Department of Visual and Performing Arts for review.

During the portfolio review, the Graphic Design faculty will assess your studio skills, as well as the courses to be transferred toward the degree requirements. Faculty will compare your level of accomplishment with the Graphic Design Program’s expectations to determine where you’re qualified for placement into the program.

Portfolios can be submitted in-person or digitally. To submit a portfolio, or ask questions about the process, contact the Director of the Graphic Design program, by email: [email protected]