Graphic Design

Graphic design accordian artwork

The Department of Art, Art History and Design offers a graphic design minor, as well as a BFA in graphic design that emphasizes hands-on design approaches, while critical analysis, theory, research and application will be explored. Students will become well-versed in graphic design competencies that will directly relate to marketplace requirements for hiring.

Graphic design program

The graphic design program emphasizes hands-on design approaches, while critical analysis, theory, research and application will be explored. Students will become well-versed in graphic design competencies that will directly relate to marketplace requirements for hiring. The curriculum will focus on formal graphic design language, while exploring other media and studio art practices (3D, 4D, motion, virtual reality).

Students may declare graphic design upon entering the University. Continuance in the graphic design BFA beyond the second year is contingent upon a 3.0 major GPA, completion of required courses and a passing a portfolio review in spring of the second year. Students must receive a passing grade in the portfolio course to enroll in advanced BFA coursework. Students who do not meet these requirements must withdraw from the graphic design BFA and must declare another major (but will still be allowed to declare the graphic design minor).

The BFA graphic design portfolio review takes place in the spring semester of the second year in March. Students will be required to enroll in the zero-credit portfolio review class to submit their materials. The submission is digital and includes 10 samples of graphic design work (showcasing work done while enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno), an application form, along with a one-page written statement describing their intention and future goals participating the BFA program and in graphic design as a career choice. Students will receive either a "pass" or "fail" for the portfolio course. Portfolio results will be made available before fall advising begins, so students will have plenty of time to meet with their advisor before registering in appropriate courses.

A laptop is recommended for the program along with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite software.

For more information

  • If interested in enrolling in the graphic design minor, or BFA, contact the College of Liberal Arts Student Center at (775) 682-8745.
  • For detailed information about the graphic design minor or BFA program coursework, visit the general catalog.
  • For more information about the specifics of the program, please contact Monica Maccaux, the director of the graphic design program.