The essence of design is storytelling, a powerful mode of communication that can inform, inspire, persuade, and empower social change.

In an age when information comes from every imaginable source, it is the graphic designer’s job to create meaningful visual concepts that give order to information and communicate ideas that inspire and inform their audience. At Emmanuel, you will find a department rich in experience, creative vision and dedicated staff; a program that develops skill through research, problem-solving and practical application; and a thriving local art scene.

A First-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

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Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

Senior Thesis Art Show

Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023 on their senior thesis presentations.

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.F.A. in Graphic Design

  • ART1204 History of Western Art (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART1401 Drawing I (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART1407 Visual Language for Design and Communication (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2215 Modern Art (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2402 Drawing II (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2403 Design and Composition (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2411 Introduction to Printmaking (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2432 Poster and Information Design
  • ART2433 3D Form Studies (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2443 Digital Photography I: New Technologies in Photography
  • ART3402 Interactive Design
  • ART3403 Drawing III: Advanced Projects 
  • ART3431 Motion Graphics and Digital Animation 
  • ART3432 Package and Publication Design
  • ART3433 Open Projects
  • ART4432 UI/UX for Mobile
  • ART4194/ART4195 Internship I or II
  • Non-credit B.F.A. thesis project and exhibition

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Minor in Graphic Design

  • ART1401 Drawing I (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART1407 Visual Language for Design and Communication (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2403 Design and Composition (AI-A) (VCI)
  • ART2432 Poster and Information Design*

And two of the following:

  • ART2443 Digital Photography I: New Technologies in Photography
  • ART3402 Interactive Design
  • ART3431 Motion Graphics and Digital Animation
  • ART3432 Package and Publication Design

* Graphic design minors are not required to take ART2402 Drawing II

Students enrolled in the graphic design program will be trained in:

  • Problem solving through visual communication
  • Visualizing complex information
  • Typography for both screen and print
  • Designing for print, interactive and time-based media
  • Mastery of both contemporary technology and traditional craft skills in communication design
  • Developing professional and critical language used in critiquing their own work and the work of others

What can I do with a degree in graphic design?

A major in graphic design design can open up a variety of career paths in the creative industry. Here are some common career paths for graphic design majors:

  • Graphic Designer: As a graphic designer, you will create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. You can work for design firms, advertising agencies, or as a freelance designer.
  • Art Director: Art directors are responsible for the overall visual style and direction of a project or campaign. They supervise a team of designers and collaborate with writers, photographers, and other artists. They typically work in advertising agencies, design firms, or in-house design departments.
  • User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers create the overall experience of a product or service, from the user interface to the interaction design. They work to make products and services easy to use, efficient, and enjoyable for users. They can work for software development companies, startups, or design firms.
  • Web Designer: Web designers create and maintain websites, including the layout, visual appearance, and usability. They work closely with developers to ensure that the website functions properly. They can work for web design firms, advertising agencies, or in-house web design departments.
  • Packaging Designer: Packaging designers create packaging for products, including boxes, bags, and bottles. They work to make products visually appealing and functional. They can work for packaging design firms, advertising agencies, or in-house design departments.
  • Brand Identity Designer: Brand identity designers create the visual identity for a brand, including logos, color palettes, and typography. They work to establish a brand's visual identity and ensure that it is consistent across all touchpoints. They can work for branding agencies, design firms, or in-house design departments.
  • Creativity: Graphic designers must be able to think creatively and develop original design concepts.
  • Communication skills: Graphic designers need to be able to communicate their ideas effectively to clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
  • Technical proficiency: Graphic designers should have strong technical skills in design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, and a solid understanding of design principles.
  • Attention to detail: Graphic designers need to be able to work with precision and pay close attention to details, such as typography, color, and layout.
  • Problem-solving skills: Graphic designers need to be able to identify and solve design problems, and work within project constraints, such as time and budget.
  • Collaboration skills: Graphic designers often work in teams, and must be able to collaborate effectively with other designers, developers, and clients.
  • Adaptability: Graphic designers should be able to adapt to new design trends, technologies, and project requirements.
  • Time management: Graphic designers need to be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines.
Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Students from the Art Department intern at nearby cultural organizations such as the Museum of Fine Arts, in graphic, product and user experience design at top companies such as Converse, 47 Brands, PUMA and area design agencies, and in art therapy departments at area medical institutions.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

In addition to their senior thesis, which explores topics ranging from user experience in app development, issues in two- and three-dimensional design or standard practice in the field of art therapy, they must also take part in the senior exhibition, through which their work is presented to a panel of art faculty.