TCNJ Home / Explore Programs / Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Degree
BFA in Visual Arts
School
Department
At a Glance
Gain the conceptual, theoretical, and technical skills to excel in the competitive design profession. Our dynamic curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach that’s rooted in the fine arts, with coursework exploring both print and digital media. You’ll grow as a creative, collaborative, and critical design contributor — and you’ll graduate ready to pursue a range of opportunities in publishing, advertising, branding, information design, digital design, and more.
Undergraduate Program Options
MAJOR
Graphic Design Specialization
within visual arts
MINOR
Graphic Design Minor
(available only to students in other majors)
You’ll Benefit From:
- Engaging classes and experiential learning in a creative, collaborative community
- Specialized courses designed to articulate with related academic programs
- Cutting-edge facilities equipped with industry-grade technology and tools
- Contemporary curriculum, local project work, and internship opportunities
- Exhibitions, student-led events, guest lectures, and on-campus employment
- First-rate instruction and strong mentorship from dedicated, talented faculty
- Connections with a strong alumni network for internships and employment
Careers
You’ll graduate with the expertise, insight, and experience to become a creative force for community change in your career or to pursue graduate studies. Our students have forged successful careers locally and nationally as branding directors, creative directors, digital designers, product designers, UX designers, and web designers. Tap into our deep network of accomplished alumni for industry introductions and employment opportunities.
Recent Employers
- Merck
- Oxford Communications
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Princeton Partners
One of New Jersey’s top schools for graphic design
— Animation Career Review, 2024
Course Sequence
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts degree with a specialization in graphic design teaches conceptual, theoretical, and technical problem-solving skills in the context of visual communication. You’ll learn to be creative, collaborative, and critical to succeed in the competitive design profession. We utilize an interdisciplinary, cross-media approach that will inspire you to be a creator and interpreter of your environment, to develop your personal vision, and to cultivate an awareness of social responsibility through artistic contribution.
By specializing in graphic design, you’ll explore both print and digital media. The curriculum also includes coursework in typography, image-making, theory and history, web design, multimedia, interface design, research, and portfolio development.
Sophomore-level graphic design courses (Design Fundamentals, Typography, Web I, Conceptual Image, and History of Graphic Design) foster critical problem-solving skills, a wide range of design knowledge, and versatile technical skills.
The third-year curriculum (Identity, 3D Graphic Design, Advanced Typography, Motion Graphics, UI/UX, and Web 2) prepares students to become design practitioners by advancing their conceptual and technical abilities.
The final three capstone courses allow you to explore your unique design interests through highly individualized and rigorous assignments.
This program takes advantage of the college’s proximity to major museums, galleries, and collections in New York City; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C., and exposes students to current trends and traditional concepts and techniques.
State-of-the-art facilities
TCNJ’s state-of-the-art facilities, venues, and equipment are a huge advantage to graphic design students. Access to the latest and most advanced technology ensures you’ll be well-prepared to hit the ground running upon graduation.
