Graphic Design

Bachelor of Arts

Our graphic design program is based on real-world applications and experience, current trends, and skills you will use in the future.

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Fast Facts

Meets on-site in Olathe

126 credit hours

We Prepare You

Graphic design is the art of using design elements – typography, images and symbols – to convey information or ideas, making messages come alive.

Our first priority is to provide you instruction based on the needs of the professional world. Because our professors are plugged into this industry, they know what current trends and skills students should be learning.

Program Overview

You’ll work on projects for local companies, present to real clients and complete an in-depth design project as part of a marketing research project paired with an MNU student marketing team you’ll get first-hand experience with the relationship between designers and marketers. You will explore topics from a Christian worldview and learn how to use graphic design to benefit the business world in a positive way. You’ll also be accustomed to presenting and taking constructive criticism for your work during in-class critiques.

Graduates walk away with a robust and matured portfolio, as part of a senior seminar assignment.

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Cost & Value

A degree from MNU is a competitively priced, affordable option designed for students with a busy schedule. We’re here to help you find the best options to assist you as you work toward earning your degree.

Credit Hours:

General Education: 42-50

Major Requirements: 41

Emphasis: 11-12

Electives: 25-32

Total: 126

Financial Aid Available

The Federal Direct Student Loan Program is an additional payment option. MNU School Code: 007032. Information and applications may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Services Office at 913.971.3298 or finaid@mnu.edu.

Pioneer Pledge

Concern about paying back student loans is common. That’s why we provide the Pioneer Pledge, our loan repayment assistance program. If your income is modest after graduation, Pioneer Pledge assists with your educational loan repayments. Learn more on our financial aid pages.

MNU Scholarships

Your education is one of the most important investments you will ever make. At MNU nearly 100% of new students qualify for financial assistance that greatly reduces the actual cost of an MNU education.

Payment Options

Your degree is an investment in your future. We have a variety of different payment options available, so you can choose the option or combination of options, that best fits your situation. The total cost will be calculated based on your program and can be divided into multiple payments.

Application Process

Fall 2025 Start

Now accepting applications from seniors in high school or college transfers who are interested in starting at MNU in Fall of 2025.

APPLY FOR FALL 2025 NOW

Fall 2026 Start

Now accepting early action application from juniors in high school! Applicants with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.75 (weighted or unweighted) will be considered for provisional admission with priority consideration for our honors program and performing arts scholarships.

APPLY FOR FALL 2026 NOW

*Some exceptions made on case by case basis

Prospective students will need to provide:

Complete an MNU application

Submit all transcripts

Complete a FAFSA. MNU code: 007032

Technology

New students in English, Music, Theatre, Graphic Design, Kinesiology, Biology, Chem, Physical Education, Math, Physics, and Math Education majors will be provided a new iPads to increase their learning experience.

The iPad Pro provided to students is the latest model from Apple and includes a keyboard and digital pen. If students graduate from MNU, they can keep the equipment for a significantly reduced fee which is prorated based on the length of their enrollment.

FAQ

Will I have to pay in one lump sum up front or distributed over 4-years?
- The cost of the iPad is paid over 8 semesters of attending MNU. When you graduate, you get to keep the iPad! If you transfer to MNU, you will pay a similar fee each semester. Because you haven’t been at MNU for 8 semesters, you may have to pay
Do I HAVE to participate, or can I opt out?
- If you have an iPad with the right specs, you may be eligible to opt out but you’ll still need to link your iPad to our system so we can push apps out to your iPad. Without this, you won’t be able to fully participate in class. Think of this like a textbook purchase. If you purchase the 5^th edition of a textbook when the class is using the 8^th edition, you will fall behind. We need the iPad to be current and high functioning to run the apps we’ll use in class.
What if I change my major?
- You have the option to pay the balance of the iPad and take it with you or return the iPad to the department.
What happens if it breaks?
- Our support services will help assess the problem and determine how to fix the iPad. In the meantime, you may be given a loaner iPad to use so you don’t fall behind in class. If the break isn’t covered by warranty, you’ll need to pay $100 to cover damages. You will receive instructions when we give you the iPad.
What happens if it is lost or stolen?
- Lost iPads are the responsibility of the student to replace. If it is stolen, you’ll need to file a police report. We will help you get a replacement. MNU has the ability to turn off any stolen iPad, rendering it useless. You will receive instructions when we give you the iPad.
Will technical support be available if I have problems?
- Absolutely! We have student techs in the library ready to help. Stop by Mabee Learning Commons for more information.
What happens at graduation?
- Congratulations! We check to make sure your account is paid, and you completed all your degree requirements. Once this is done, the iPad is yours to keep. Remember, transfer students can return the device or may have a fee to pay in order to keep the device.
What other accessories are provided?
- You receive a charging block and cord, Apple keyboard case, and Apple Pencil with your iPad. We encourage you to purchase a “slip-cover” case that has room for the Apple keyboard case to remain attached to the iPad. It will help prevent damage to the iPad or accessories.
Do I take it home over breaks?
- Definitely!
How do I get the apps I need for classes?
- We will put the apps for class on the iPad. If you want to add apps, you can do so but will need to pay for this directly.
Are my textbooks on the iPad?
- All students have the options to pick the textbook format best suited to them. If a book used in class is available in an e-format, you can purchase it and have it on your iPad. If you prefer, you can purchase a hard copy of the book.
Am I allowed to put my personal music and apps on the iPad?
- Yes! While we are providing these devices to enhance learning, instruction, and student engagement, we encourage you to also use them for personal use…just not during class!

Potential Careers

Graphic Designer
Art Director
Video Game Designer
Web Designer
Layout Artist
Animator
Digital Media Manager

Navigate Your Business Journey

Find the program that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.

Dr. Jon North

President

EdD; Ethical Leadership, Olivet Nazarene University
MBA; MidAmerica Nazarene University
BA in International Development, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Dr. Jon D. North was elected the sixth president of MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2025 and is the first alumnus of MNU to hold this position.

Before he was elected president, Dr. North served MNU as the senior vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the MNU Foundation. Over the past 15 years, his leadership has elevated the university’s landscape. Under his direction, the MNU Foundation’s assets quadrupled, laying a strong financial foundation for the future.

He also spent 17 years with Heart to Heart International, a global humanitarian aid organization based in the Kansas City metro. As an active member of the Kansas City community, Dr. North serves on various non-profit and community boards.

Dr. North and his wife, Faith, are both MNU graduates, as are their four adult children and two daughters-in-law. The Norths live in Olathe and are active members of Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas.

Darrel Anderson

Vice President for Finance

Master of Accountancy, University of Missouri
BA in Business Administration, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Darrel Anderson brings a wealth of strategic finance, budget development and cash flow management to his role as MNU’s Vice President for Finance. Anderson has more than 30 years of public and private experience. He has held the CFO position at a variety of companies, including his position as the CFO for the State of Indiana’s Department of Revenue. Anderson’s interest in finance began at MNU, where he earned his undergraduate degree in business administration.

He and his wife reside in Olathe.

Lisa Hood

Vice President for Strategic Expansion

MLA; Psychology, Baker University, 2015

Lisa Hood has been with MNU since 2015, previously serving as School of Professional and Graduate Studies director of business partnerships and community relations.

As vice president, Hood provides leadership for the SPGS strategic growth initiatives and recruitment along with student services and support systems.

Her career prior to MNU includes positions at two other universities. She served at the Institute for Professional Development and Helix Education assigned to Baker University and worked as associate director of admissions at both Avila University and Baker University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Emporia State and a Master of Liberal Arts with a concentration in psychology from Baker University. In addition to her current responsibilities, Hood teaches sociology courses at MNU.

Hood and her husband, Joe, live in Olathe. They have two college-aged daughters.

Mr. G. Todd Garrett

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

MEd; MidAmerica Nazarene University
BA; Physical & Health Education, MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Mr. G. Todd Garrett serves as the Vice President for University Advancement & Athletics. Mr. Garrett has served MidAmerica Nazarene University with distinction for nearly three decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Christian mission and remarkable success across multiple roles.

As a 1994 MNU graduate, Mr. Garrett began his professional journey as an educator in the Olathe Public Schools before returning to MNU as the Head Baseball Coach from 1998 to 2006. His career has progressed through increasing levels of responsibility, including Director of Athletic Development, Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships, and, most recently, Director of Athletics since January 2017.

Todd and his wife, Karen, are both MNU graduates, as are their two adult children and their daughter-in-law. The Garretts live in Gardner, Kansas and attend Life Church of Overland Park, Kansas.

Daniel Rincones

Vice President for Student Development

MA, LPC, SATP MA; Counseling, 2015, MidAmerica Nazarene University
Post-graduate Certificate; Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider, 2017, MidAmerica Nazarene University
BA; Bible, Theology and Religion, 2009, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Daniel began his career in student development as a resident educator and assistant chaplain at MNU. He also served as youth pastor at Christ Community Church of the Nazarene in Olathe from 2008 to 2013.

Daniel served as director of residential life beginning in 2015 and transitioned to dean of students in 2020 before being named vice president in 2021. He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Counselor Education at MNU and serves local clients as a licensed professional counselor.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to continue my work with MNU students,” Daniel says. “Our mission of creating a transformational experience in the lives of today’s students is more important than ever as they navigate young adulthood and societal issues while they earn their education.”

Rincones and his wife, Kylee, a licensed professional counselor employed by the Olathe School District, reside in Olathe.

Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.