Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design

Learn how to develop design concepts, create images, work with typography and master a wide range of new and traditional media with the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design in 51动漫鈥檚 . This STEM-certified, 126-credit program combines a deep understanding of design fundamentals coupled with the latest digital technologies, offering students the skills to excel across a wide range of platforms鈥攆rom branding and typography to motion design, augmented reality and interactive media.

examples of designs on drink cans.
Work by Graphic and Interactive Design BFA students

Why study graphic and interactive design at Tyler?

  • Interdisciplinary curriculum: The Graphic and Interactive Design program is rooted in traditional design principles, such as composition, typography and color theory, while embracing digital innovations like motion design, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and multimedia storytelling. Students develop both the creative and technical skills necessary to navigate today鈥檚 design challenges, with a focus on problem-solving and adaptability. Learn more about the Graphic and Interactive Design Major curriculum.听
  • Entrepreneurship in design: Throughout the curriculum, students explore how to create captivating visual work while also developing an entrepreneurial approach to design. Courses emphasize strategic thinking and creative problem-solving, preparing students to innovate within the design industry or build their own ventures. For those seeking additional business expertise, Tyler offers a certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship through a partnership with 51动漫鈥檚 Fox School of Business.
  • Faculty mentorship and real-world experience: With small class sizes and personalized mentorship from experienced faculty, students receive focused guidance to help them refine their skills and navigate real-world design problems. The program provides hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to work on projects that simulate industry challenges and preparing them for the competitive job market.
  • State-of-the-art facilities: Students benefit from the extensive facilities and resources of 51动漫, a top public research institution. The program emphasizes hands-on practice, with dedicated studio time for developing design skills across both traditional and digital mediums. Students have access to the latest software and equipment for graphic and interactive design, supported by coursework in typography, branding, motion design, and digital media. 罢测濒别谤鈥檚 Digital Fabrication Studio gives students access to many tools including laser cutting, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery and specialized digital output. Read about the innovative facilities and studios you will use as a student at Tyler.
image of posters of event speakers on a wall.
Work by Graphic and Interactive Design BFA students

Student Outcomes

Graduates from the Graphic and Interactive Design program enter the workforce with a well-rounded portfolio and the skills to tackle diverse design roles. Whether working in branding, digital media, UX/UI design or motion graphics, students are equipped to lead in a variety of creative fields. Alumni have gone on to work at renowned companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Chronicle Books, Google, Hallmark, MTV, The New York Times, Nickelodeon, Pentagram, the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Simon and Schuster, Spotify, Urban Outfitters and Vanguard, among others. Many also launch successful freelance careers or pursue graduate studies.

Student Life

As a student at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you鈥檒l be part of a community that advances creativity and prioritizes you and how you engage in the world, in and out of the studio.听Learn how听Tyler empowers you to realize your vision, grow and make your mark.

Superbowl logo.
Work by Graphic and Interactive Design BFA students

Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories,听established principles and practices,听and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives鈥攆rom the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor鈥檚 degree听program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

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designs on coffee ground bags.
Work by Graphic and Interactive Design BFA students

Classes & Curriculum

As a student in the graphic and interactive design program, you鈥檒l work closely with faculty to understand the fundamental concepts of design, master design software and other tools, as well as find your unique voice and wield it in ways that address complex social challenges. A few courses you can anticipate taking include the following.

  • Advanced Graphic Design
  • Digital Narratives
  • Illustration
  • Interactive Design
  • Typography
  • Web Design

鈥嬧�婰earn more about the program curriculum.

Minor in Graphic and Interactive Design听

The Minor in Graphic and Interactive Design offers non-majors at 51动漫 and Tyler an opportunity to build a strong foundation in design principles while honing their digital tool proficiency. Through courses that emphasize typography, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy, students gain practical skills in visual communication and creative problem-solving. The program also introduces students to brand identity and interactive design, with a focus on user-centered solutions. Collaborative projects throughout the curriculum prepare students for professional communication and teamwork, adding a valuable dimension to their academic experience and complementing their major coursework. This minor is only available for students outside of the Design and Illustration Department. For more information about the minor, please contact听Kelly Holohan, professor and program head of graphic and听interactive design, at听kholohan@temple.edu.

Concentrations

You can focus on Graphic and Interactive Design or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Art Education

    Prepare to qualify for the Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in art, kindergarten through 12th grade. Students complete the BFA requirements along with 32 credit hours in art education, education and specified liberal arts courses. Education-related studies begin in students鈥� second year. Students generally take five听years to fulfill all requirements or the 155-credit degree.

Related Undergraduate Degree

Related Graduate Degree

Related Minors听

  • Illustration and Emerging Media Minor
  • User Experience and User Interface Design Minor

Related Certificates听听

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.听You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident:听$25,848.00听per year
Out-of-state: $43,032.00听per year

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Additional Program Information

Available as a minor.

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