Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design - UTK College of Architecture + Design

In Fall 2019, Graphic Design moved from the School of Art to the College of Architecture and Design. This move better serves students across UT’s design disciplines who share the same objective of human-centered processes. Like all students in our college, graphic designers are also innovators, collaborators, entrepreneurs and makers looking to transform the world through design.

Four-Year Program Bachelor of Fine Arts

Graphic Design is a four-year program that provides an undergraduate education stressing creative and intellectual thinking, diverse problem-solving, innovative investigations and creative research in all forms of communication. Upon graduation, you are well-equipped to enter the design field.

Full Curriculum

Curriculum

: The curriculum is sequenced to provide you with the skills needed for singular, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects. Underscoring concept development, strategic thinking, and collaboration makes us stand out as an environment for encouraging designers to embrace a range of needs from the simple to the complex. Beginning with a Design-Centered Foundations program, you start from Day 1 looking at the world through the lens of design. Small faculty-to-student ratios in a studio setting create a dynamic and creative environment in which to learn.

Portfolio Review

Portfolio Review GRDS 200 (0): Portfolio Review is the benchmark review to gain access to upper-division courses and a BFA degree in Graphic Design. It provides a basic understanding of design, keeps class sizes small and ensures you have access to upper-division courses. Portfolio review takes place at the end of your first year.

Studio and More

When you pass portfolio review, you will work in a collaborative design studio and build a tight community across the upper-division courses. This space houses amenities any designer needs, like a small library, light table, and lighting equipment - and to which you will have 24/7 access.

A culminating project, including the creation of a website, is celebrated at the annual Senior Show.

Alumni and Faculty Meet our Alumni and Faculty

Our graduates compete on a national stage and gain employment at locations all around the country. We’ve listed some, and be sure to read the full list to date.

Great alumni don’t happen by chance. They are taught by engaged faculty. Meet the Graphic Design faculty: