Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Upper Iowa University is a dynam...
B.A. in Graphic Design
Fayette, Iowa
INTAKE: Jan, Aug & Oct
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Upper Iowa University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of visual communication and design principles. This program aims to develop students' creative and technical skills, preparing them for a variety of roles in the graphic design industry. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students learn to create effective visual solutions for various media and communication needs.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Graphic Design includes core courses that cover fundamental design principles, typography, color theory, and digital media. Students engage in coursework related to graphic design software, web design, and interactive media. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through projects that involve branding, advertising, and publication design. Elective courses offer opportunities for specialization in areas such as motion graphics, user interface design, and illustration. A capstone project or portfolio development course is often included to showcase students’ work and prepare them for the professional field.
Research Focus: Research in the Graphic Design program focuses on exploring contemporary design trends, visual communication theories, and the impact of design on user experience. Students are encouraged to conduct research on topics such as design aesthetics, digital media innovations, and the effectiveness of visual messaging. The program supports independent research projects as well as collaborative work with faculty, enabling students to investigate and address current challenges in the graphic design industry.
Industry Engagement: Upper Iowa University’s B.A. in Graphic Design program emphasizes industry engagement through internships, practicums, and partnerships with design professionals. Students gain practical experience by working on real-world design projects, participating in design contests, and collaborating with local businesses and organizations. The program includes networking opportunities, guest lectures, and workshops with industry experts, providing students with valuable insights into design trends and career opportunities.
Global Perspective: The Graphic Design program incorporates a global perspective by examining design practices and visual communication from an international viewpoint. Coursework includes studies on global design trends, cross-cultural design considerations, and international design standards. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs and international design projects, broadening their understanding of global design practices and preparing them for careers in a diverse and interconnected world.
Location
Fayette, Iowa
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19475
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 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 48 or higher.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 95 is required.
Upper Iowa University (UIU) is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, and it recognizes the importance of supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers various scholarships to help alleviate the financial burden for international students.
International Student Scholarships: UIU provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement.
Cultural Diversity Scholarship: UIU values cultural diversity and aims to create an inclusive environment on campus. The Cultural Diversity Scholarship is aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Eligibility criteria may include a promoting cultural awareness and involvement in multicultural activities.
Global Leaders Scholarship: Recognizing the importance of global leadership, UIU offers the Global Leaders Scholarship to international students who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. This scholarship aims to empower future leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the global society.
Community Engagement Scholarship: UIU encourages international students to actively engage with the local community. The Community Engagement Scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and civic involvement. Eligibility criteria may include volunteer experience and community engagement initiatives.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design program from Upper Iowa University have a wide array of career opportunities available to them in the creative and design industries. The program equips students with a strong foundation in visual communication, design principles, and digital media, preparing them for various roles where they can apply their skills creatively and professionally.
Graphic Designer: Graphic designers create visual content for print and digital media, including advertisements, brochures, websites, and social media graphics. They work with clients or design teams to develop compelling visuals that communicate messages effectively and align with brand identities.
Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual aspects of design projects, ensuring that the design meets the client’s vision and brand standards. They manage design teams, coordinate with other departments, and make decisions on design elements such as layouts, color schemes, and typography.
Web Designer: Web designers focus on designing the layout, visual appearance, and usability of websites. They work on creating user-friendly interfaces, ensuring that websites are visually appealing and functionally effective across various devices and platforms.
UX/UI Designer: UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) designers specialize in enhancing the usability and visual appeal of digital products. UX designers focus on user research and experience optimization, while UI designers concentrate on designing the visual elements of interfaces to improve user interaction and satisfaction.
Brand Designer: Brand designers develop and implement visual identities for brands, including logos, color palettes, and branding guidelines. They work on creating cohesive brand images that resonate with target audiences and strengthen brand recognition.
Illustrator: Illustrators create custom artwork for various media, including books, magazines, advertisements, and digital platforms. They use traditional or digital techniques to produce illustrations that enhance storytelling and visual communication.
Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated visuals and graphics for video content, including commercials, films, and online media. They combine graphic design skills with animation techniques to produce engaging and dynamic visual effects.
Packaging Designer: Packaging designers work on designing the packaging for products, ensuring that it is visually appealing, functional, and aligns with brand standards. They consider factors such as material, shape, and labeling to create effective and attractive packaging solutions.
Creative Director: Creative directors lead and manage the creative process within an organization or agency. They oversee design projects, develop creative strategies, and ensure that the visual output meets the overall vision and objectives of the organization.
Freelance Designer: Many graduates choose to work as freelance graphic designers, offering their services on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers have the flexibility to work with a variety of clients and industries, managing their own schedules and business operations.
