M.A. Applied History and Public Humanities
The M.A. in Applied History and Public Humanities at The University of Akron combines h...
B.F.A. Graphic Design
Akron, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.F.A. in Graphic Design program at The University of Akron prepares students for careers in visual communication, digital media, and design. It emphasizes creative problem-solving, typography, branding, and user experience design. The program integrates theory with practice, equipping graduates with the skills to excel in a competitive design industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum includes courses in graphic design principles, digital imaging, typography, motion graphics, and interactive design. Students build proficiency in industry-standard software and techniques while exploring design history, visual communication theory, and ethical considerations in design practice. Advanced courses allow for specialization in areas such as web design, packaging design, and publication design.
Research Focus: The University of Akron's B.F.A. in Graphic Design encourages research in design innovation, user-centered design, and the impact of visual communication on society. Faculty engage in research that informs teaching practices and advances design knowledge, exploring topics such as sustainability in design, visual storytelling, and emerging technologies. Students have opportunities to participate in research projects, design competitions, and collaborative initiatives with industry partners.
Industry Engagement: The program fosters connections with local and national design firms, advertising agencies, and media companies. Guest lectures, portfolio reviews, and networking events provide students with insights into industry trends and professional practices. Internships, co-op experiences, and design workshops offer hands-on learning and career development opportunities in graphic design and related fields.
Global Perspective: With a focus on global design trends and cultural diversity, the B.F.A. in Graphic Design prepares students to work in a globalized design industry. Courses explore international design movements, cross-cultural design practices, and global perspectives on visual communication. Study abroad programs, international design conferences, and multicultural projects enrich students' understanding of global design issues and prepare them for careers in a diverse and interconnected world.
Location
Akron, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 20961
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
- SAT: Not required for undergraduate admissions.
The University of Akron (UA) offers a variety of scholarships to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate the cost of tuition and support academic excellence.
Merit Scholarships: Merit scholarships at UA are automatically considered for all incoming first-year students. These awards are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic transcripts, curriculum, and cumulative GPA.
Williams Honors College Scholarships: First-year, transfer, and continuing students who meet specific academic qualifications can apply for the Williams Honors College Scholarships. These scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,000 and require an application to the Williams Honors College, including an interview.
Provost’s Scholarships for Transfer Students: These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are available to students transferring from another regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students are automatically considered for these awards upon applying for admission.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: International students can also benefit from various specific scholarships offered by different departments and programs within the university. For instance, the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences offers numerous scholarships for students pursuing majors within their disciplines. These range from awards for academic merit to those supporting specific fields of study.
Graduates of the B.F.A. in Graphic Design from The University of Akron are well-equipped for a variety of exciting career paths in the field of visual communication and design.
Graphic Designer: Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
Art Director: Art directors are responsible for the visual style and imagery in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They oversee the work of other designers and artists to ensure that their artistic styles are compatible.
UX/UI Designer: UX/UI designers are responsible for creating functional and appealing features that meet the needs of users for digital products. They work on improving user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designs for websites, apps, and other digital interfaces.
Packaging Designer: Packaging designers create packaging that is both functional and appealing. They collaborate with marketing teams to develop packaging concepts that align with brand identity and appeal to target audiences.
Web Designer: Web designers create websites, focusing on the look, layout, and features. They are responsible for designing the aesthetics of a website and ensuring that it is both user-friendly and visually appealing.
Brand Identity Designer: Brand identity designers develop visual identities for brands, including logos, color schemes, and typography. They ensure that the brand's visual representation is consistent across all platforms and marketing materials.
Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated graphics and visual effects for film, television, video games, and digital media. They use animation, visual effects, and other cinematic techniques to bring creative concepts to life.
Freelance Designer: Freelance graphic designers work independently, offering design services to clients on a project-by-project basis. They have the flexibility to work on a variety of projects across different industries, ranging from branding and marketing to digital media and publication design.
