Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Whether you have pen or computer mouse in hand, your handiwork reflects your creativity, values and response to God’s world. Northwestern’s graphic design major will teach you the principles of print and web design, helping you become an expert in industry-leading design programs. You’ll also have opportunities to practice your trade through internships and freelance marketing projects in collaboration with campus departments.
Why NWC?
As a graphic design major, you’ll gain a strong foundation in traditional fine arts media, which will inform your digital creations in Adobe Creative Suite. Our faculty of professional artists will mentor you by providing constructive, encouraging feedback—plus you’ll observe their own practice and create alongside them in the studio.
Major course offerings include layout and design, writing and design for the web, and video production. If you hope to pursue work with a marketing and communications firm—or to start a freelance business—minors in arts administration, entrepreneurship or public relations would be a boost to your business savvy. An art minor and K-12 art education endorsement are also available.
Department Chair
Outcomes
The graphic design field involves a wide variety of positions, including work in advertising, public relations, marketing, print media, website creation, branding and more. Nearly 24,000 job openings are projected each year, with the median annual wage for designers averaging $50,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Join our standout alumni in roles such as:
#RaidersStandOut
Experience
The Korver Visual Arts Center is fully equipped to help you experiment with new mediums, expand your portfolio, and present your work in a professional gallery setting. You’ll have access to studios, including:
- Ceramics room with 17 wheels and 4 kilns
- Drawing studio with 17 drafting tables
- Mac lab with 21 computers set up with Adobe Suite
- Painting studio for oil, acrylic and watercolors
- Darkroom for processing film photography
- Sculpture lab with professional-grade power tools
- Printmaking studio with 4 presses
Te Paske Gallery in the Korver Visual Arts Center hosts four or more art showings each year, featuring the work of both professional and student artists.
Our students present design proposals to actual clients and lend their skills to local organizations and nonprofits. Past clients have included Vi Bella Jewelry, RISE Ministries for teens, Bon Croix Vineyards, and Love INC, a resource ministry for families in need.
The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences with leading graphic design firms, marketing agencies, and newspapers. Past internship placements have included Lawrence and Schiller in Sioux Falls and TriNorth Communications in London.
Study abroad opportunities will introduce you to another country’s art and culture. Recent students have studied art, history and philosophy at the University of Oxford, taken courses in fashion in Italy, and analyzed theatre productions on London’s West End.
The Korver Visual Arts Center is fully equipped to help you experiment with new mediums, expand your portfolio, and present your work in a professional gallery setting. You’ll have access to studios, including:
- Ceramics room with 17 wheels and 4 kilns
- Drawing studio with 17 drafting tables
- Mac lab with 21 computers set up with Adobe Suite
- Painting studio for oil, acrylic and watercolors
- Darkroom for processing film photography
- Sculpture lab with professional-grade power tools
- Printmaking studio with 4 presses
Te Paske Gallery in the Korver Visual Arts Center hosts four or more art showings each year, featuring the work of both professional and student artists.
Our students present design proposals to actual clients and lend their skills to local organizations and nonprofits. Past clients have included Vi Bella Jewelry, RISE Ministries for teens, Bon Croix Vineyards, and Love INC, a resource ministry for families in need.
The Compass Center for Career & Calling will connect you with internship experiences with leading graphic design firms, marketing agencies, and newspapers. Past internship placements have included Lawrence and Schiller in Sioux Falls and TriNorth Communications in London.
Study abroad opportunities will introduce you to another country’s art and culture. Recent students have studied art, history and philosophy at the University of Oxford, taken courses in fashion in Italy, and analyzed theatre productions on London’s West End.
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Faculty
Brilliant scholars. Committed Christians. Invested in you. That’s Northwestern’s faculty.
Meghan (Flynn) Charbonneau
Assistant Professor of Art
Annette Vander Kooi Minnick ’88
Associate Professor of Communications; PR Program Director
Dr. Mjumo Mzyece
Professor of Management
Drew Schmidt ’05
Associate Professor of Theatre; Coordinator of Worship Arts
Phil Scorza
Professor of Art and Design; Department Chair
Dr. Erica Vonk ’00
Associate Professor of Business
Dr. Kali Jo Wacker '16
Assistant Professor of English
