Graphic Design

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

School of the Arts

Program description

Graphic design is a creative and analytical process that integrates art and technology to communicate ideas and information. The goal of the Department of Graphic Design at VCU is to educate students to become innovators and leaders in three related areas of professional practice: print design, sequential design and interaction design.

Career opportunities

Graphic Designer, Web Designer/Developer, Art Director, Exhibit Designer, User Interface Designer

Change of major requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.

Students are required to submit their application and required portfolio here.

Typical application deadlines are November 1 (for spring applicants) and April 1 (for fall applicants).

Bachelor-level job titles

Brand Strategist
Communication Strategist
Digital Content Creator
Exhibit Designer
Graphic Designer
Marketing Communicator
Motion Graphics Designer
Packaging Design
Print Designer
User Interface Design
Visual Designer
Web Designer

Graduate and professional level job titles

Art Director
Communications Director
Marketing Manager
Producer

Professional associations and resources

Degree requirements in Bulletin

Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Plan of study in Bulletin

Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

Requirements

Highest level of math required

Quantitative Foundations requirement only

Science required

Natural Sciences requirement only

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

2.5+ cumulative GPA to declare

Transfer Maps

View Transfer Maps for this major

Contact information

Department name:

Department of Graphic Design

Building/room location:

Pollak Building, Room 332

Phone:

(804) 828-1709

Email:

gdes@vcu.edu

http://arts.vcu.edu/graphicdesign/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

Year 1

Explore

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives.
Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center.
Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills.
Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help.
Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals.
Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community Carefully consider your major choice by attending departmental events, reviewing program learning outcomes in the Bulletin.
Enroll in Art Foundation Project Courses to test a major that you may be interested in.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.)
Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests.
Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
Consider applying to the Honors College.
Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community.
Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities.
Apply for the Fall Undergraduate Juried Student Exhibition at the Anderson.
Subscribe to the Lamp Post to get a weekly newsletter of visiting artists, grants, scholarships, internship opportunities and more!

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
Attend a documentation workshop to prepare for the creation of your digital portfolio.
Participate in Spukhaüs and the Annual AFO Juried Student Show.
Understand VCUarts research and grant opportunities.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study.
Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
Create a digital portfolio or website for the Major Declaration. Attend a portfolio building workshop hosted by Art Foundation and the Workshop. Registration is on Handshake.
Research VCUarts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
Thoughtfully write about your major and career goals for the Major Declaration.

Year 2

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures.
Keep all your Graphic Design project work for end of the year Sophomore Portfolio Review.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project.
Seek out volunteer work/projects, with an emphasis on graphic design.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Year 3

Experience

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
Prepare for Junior Review. All work from your Junior year should be kept for consideration.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Design a community-engaged research project.
Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
Update your ePortfolio.
Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project.
Prepare for or take an internship for credit (GPA 3.0 or higher).

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year.
Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Attend GDES and Depot workshops hosted by VCUarts alumni.
Seek out projects with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.

Year 4

Excel

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING

Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures.
Carefully consider which electives will help you be marketable in your desired career path. Electives from Graphic Design, Arts Cross Disciplinary and Innovate can add to your skill sets in a meaningful way.
Study Abroad is not allowed during the Fall or Spring of your Senior year.

EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY

Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office.
Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.

EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps.
Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
Seek out project opportunities and jobs with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
Follow up on all job opportunities shared on the gdes-all listserv. Attend alumni events and job fairs offered during Senior Studio.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2026-2027

Graphic Design

School of the Arts

		MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING	EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY	EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS	PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore	Year 1	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to start goal planning, and choose electives. Sharpen your study skills in Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) at the Campus Learning Center. Meet with a writing consultant to hone your writing skills. Take a virtual library tour to learn about library spaces, services, and research help. Map out a 4-year course plan in DegreeWorks' Student Educational Planner. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community around your interests and goals. Enroll in a student success course to connect with campus advisors and build community Carefully consider your major choice by attending departmental events, reviewing program learning outcomes in the Bulletin. Enroll in Art Foundation Project Courses to test a major that you may be interested in.	Get involved and meet new friends through the Student Government Association or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations (BSPS Student club, Chemistry, etc.) Create a profile on RamsConnect to explore student organizations and get involved, meet people, and develop your interests. Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks. Consider applying to the Honors College. Apply to live in a program-in-residence or a living-learning community. Connect with the Global Education Office to explore leadership and intercultural communication skill-building programs and review resources such as Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets and Rams Abroad 101 to explore studying abroad opportunities and other global learning opportunities. Apply for the Fall Undergraduate Juried Student Exhibition at the Anderson. Subscribe to the Lamp Post to get a weekly newsletter of visiting artists, grants, scholarships, internship opportunities and more!	Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones. Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists. Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake. Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services. Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage. Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app. Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader. Attend a documentation workshop to prepare for the creation of your digital portfolio. Participate in Spukhaüs and the Annual AFO Juried Student Show. Understand VCUarts research and grant opportunities.	Explore What Can I Do With This Major? to learn about career paths, employers, and strategies for building experience related to your field of study. Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page. Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future. Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor. Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni. Create a digital portfolio or website for the Major Declaration. Attend a portfolio building workshop hosted by Art Foundation and the Workshop. Registration is on Handshake. Research VCUarts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities. Thoughtfully write about your major and career goals for the Major Declaration.
Experience	Year 2	Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience. Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures. Keep all your Graphic Design project work for end of the year Sophomore Portfolio Review.	Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty. Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit. Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities. Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship. Register for the VCU Globe Program and begin tracking your global leadership growth!	Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field. Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work. Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake. Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events. Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value. Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project. Seek out volunteer work/projects, with an emphasis on graphic design.	Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships. Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest. Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation. Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Experience	Year 3	Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning. Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning. Prepare for Junior Review. All work from your Junior year should be kept for consideration.	Design a community-engaged research project. Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions. Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU. Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning. Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.	Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor. Update your ePortfolio. Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience. Collaborate with students from other Arts disciplines on a project. Prepare for or take an internship for credit (GPA 3.0 or higher).	Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship. Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center. Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility. Attend GDES and Depot workshops hosted by VCUarts alumni. Seek out projects with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.
Excel	Year 4	Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met. Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree. Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree. Attend Objects+Methods, SOtA, and University lectures. Carefully consider which electives will help you be marketable in your desired career path. Electives from Graphic Design, Arts Cross Disciplinary and Innovate can add to your skill sets in a meaningful way. Study Abroad is not allowed during the Fall or Spring of your Senior year.	Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization. Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships. Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners. Consider Peace Corps Prep, or scholarship opportunities through the National Scholarship Office. Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.	Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers. Apply for post-graduation programs like Peace Corps, Literacy Lab, or AmeriCorps. Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. Seek out project opportunities and jobs with an emphasis on work that will translate as graphic design.	Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities. Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation. Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter. Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey. Follow up on all job opportunities shared on the gdes-all listserv. Attend alumni events and job fairs offered during Senior Studio.