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B.A. in Graphic Design, Pathway - 2 Semesters

Washington, D.C.

 

INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design program at American University in Washington D.C. offers students a comprehensive education in visual communication, design principles, and digital media. The B.A. in Graphic Design program at American University offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to visual communication, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, branding firms, publishing houses, digital media companies, and beyond. With a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, the program equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed in today's competitive design industry.

Curriculum:

  1. Core Curriculum: The B.A. in Graphic Design curriculum encompasses a diverse range of coursework designed to build essential skills and knowledge in the field. Students explore topics such as typography, layout design, color theory, illustration, digital imaging, and user experience (UX) design. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and encourages students to develop a strong conceptual foundation alongside technical proficiency.

  2. Studio Environment: The program fosters a collaborative and creative studio environment where students engage in projects, critiques, and discussions under the guidance of experienced faculty members and industry professionals. Through studio courses, workshops, and guest lectures, students have the opportunity to refine their design skills, experiment with various mediums, and explore innovative approaches to visual communication.

  3. Technology Integration: In today's digital age, proficiency in design software and technology is essential for graphic designers. The B.A. in Graphic Design program at American University integrates industry-standard software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign) and other relevant digital platforms. Students learn how to leverage these tools effectively to create compelling visual designs across print, web, mobile, and interactive media.

  4. Portfolio Development: Throughout the program, students build a professional portfolio showcasing their best work, creative process, and design solutions. The portfolio serves as a valuable tool for securing internships, freelance opportunities, and entry-level positions in the graphic design industry. Faculty members provide guidance and feedback to help students refine their portfolio and prepare for career advancement.

  5. Industry Connections: American University's location in the vibrant cultural and creative hub of Washington D.C. provides students with unique opportunities to engage with the local design community, attend industry events, and network with professionals. The university's strong alumni network and partnerships with design firms, agencies, and organizations offer students access to internships, mentorship programs, and job placement assistance.

  6. Creative Projects and Exhibitions: The program encourages students to participate in design competitions, exhibitions, and community-based projects to showcase their talents and gain real-world experience. Whether collaborating with local businesses, nonprofits, or campus organizations, students have the chance to apply their skills to meaningful projects that make a positive impact on society.

  7. Capstone Experience: In their final year, students complete a capstone project that integrates their design skills, creative vision, and professional aspirations. This culminating project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of design concepts, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking. The capstone experience prepares students to transition seamlessly from academia to the professional design field.

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Location

Washington, D.C.

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 6

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Tuition Fee

USD 57300

Entry requirements for Undergraduate programs

  1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students must demonstrate strong academic qualifications to be considered for admission to American University. While specific requirements may vary by program, applicants typically need to have completed secondary education or its equivalent with a satisfactory academic record. The academic qualifications requirement generally falls within the range of 75% to 86%, depending on the program and the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

  2. English Language Proficiency:  

    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 6 is required with no band less than 5.5.
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The minimum TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) score requirement is 74 with no band less than 15.
    • PTE (Pearson Test of English): The minimum PTE Academic score requirement  is 50 with no band less than 46.
    • DET (Duolingo English Test): The minimum DET score requirement is 100.

American University (AU) in Washington D.C., USA, is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing financial assistance to international students through various scholarship programs. These scholarships are designed to attract top talent from around the world and make an American University education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.  

Global Leader Scholarship: The Global Leader Scholarship at American University is a merit-based award offered to international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

International Peace Scholarship: The International Peace Scholarship is awarded to international students who have a strong academic record and a demonstrated commitment to promoting peace, justice, and social change. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible students enrolled in undergraduate programs at American University.

AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship: The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is awarded to outstanding international students who have overcome significant obstacles and challenges to pursue their education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to serving their communities. This scholarship covers full tuition, room, and board for the duration of the student's undergraduate studies at AU.

AU International Merit Scholarship: The AU International Merit Scholarship is awarded to international students with exceptional academic achievements and strong leadership qualities. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students enrolled at American University.

AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students: The AU Dean's Scholarship for International Students is awarded to academically talented international students who demonstrate financial need and have a strong commitment to academic excellence. This scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate students at AU.

AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students: The AU Transfer Merit Scholarship for International Students is awarded to outstanding transfer students from international institutions who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition support to eligible undergraduate transfer students at American University.

AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students: The AU Presidential Scholarship for International Students is awarded to top-performing international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, leadership abilities, and a commitment to service. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition for eligible undergraduate students at AU.

These scholarships for international students at American University reflect the university's commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and global engagement. By providing financial assistance and support to talented and deserving students from around the world, American University seeks to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community and prepare students to become global leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. International students interested in applying for scholarships at American University should review the eligibility criteria and application requirements on the university's official website and contact the Office of Admissions for further assistance.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design program at American University in Washington D.C. are well-prepared to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the dynamic field of graphic design. The B.A. in Graphic Design program at American University equips graduates with the creative skills, technical expertise, and professional portfolio necessary to thrive in the competitive field of graphic design. Whether pursuing traditional roles in graphic design agencies or exploring emerging opportunities in digital media and user experience design, graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the visual communication landscape.

  1. Graphic Designer: Many B.A. in Graphic Design graduates begin their careers as graphic designers, creating visual concepts and designs for a variety of print and digital media. They may work for design agencies, advertising firms, in-house design departments, or as freelance designers. Responsibilities typically include designing logos, branding materials, advertisements, packaging, websites, social media graphics, and more.

  2. Art Director: With experience and a strong portfolio, graduates may advance to roles as art directors, overseeing the visual style and artistic direction of projects. Art directors collaborate with clients, creative teams, and other stakeholders to develop concepts, establish design standards, and ensure that visual elements align with brand identities and marketing objectives.

  3. User Experience (UX) Designer: The growing importance of user-centered design has led to increased demand for UX designers who focus on creating intuitive and engaging digital experiences for users. B.A. in Graphic Design graduates with skills in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing may pursue roles as UX designers, working on websites, mobile apps, software interfaces, and interactive media projects.

  4. Web Designer/Developer: With expertise in web design principles and proficiency in HTML, CSS, and other web technologies, graduates may pursue careers as web designers or front-end developers. They create visually appealing and user-friendly websites, ensuring that designs are responsive, accessible, and optimized for performance across different devices and browsers.

  5. Motion Graphics Designer: As digital media continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for motion graphics designers who specialize in creating animated visuals, videos, and multimedia content. Graduates with skills in animation, video editing, and motion graphics software such as Adobe After Effects may find opportunities in film, television, advertising, gaming, and digital marketing.

  6. Brand Identity Specialist: Some graduates may specialize in brand identity design, focusing on developing cohesive visual identities for organizations, products, or services. Brand identity specialists create logos, color palettes, typography systems, and brand guidelines that communicate the essence and values of a brand across various touchpoints.

  7. Illustrator/Visual Artist: Those with a passion for illustration and visual arts may pursue careers as illustrators, creating original artwork for publications, editorial content, children's books, advertising campaigns, and digital media. They may also work as concept artists, storyboard artists, or character designers in industries such as animation, gaming, and entertainment.

  8. Entrepreneur/Freelancer: Some graduates choose to start their own design businesses or work as independent freelancers, offering a wide range of design services to clients across industries. Entrepreneurial-minded individuals may establish design studios, creative agencies, or online platforms to showcase their work and attract clients locally or globally.

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