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Graphic Design
College of Arts & Sciences
GRAPHIC DESIGN is the art of using design elements – typography, images and symbols – to convey information or ideas, making messages come alive.
school of business Contact
College of Arts & Sciences
Brian Merriman
about the program
Our graphic design program is based on real-world applications and experience. 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.
You WIll Learn
- work on projects for local companies
- present to real clients
- 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
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
We’re also in a great location—MNU is just 20 miles from the heart of Kansas City, one of the most vibrant creative cities in the Midwest. Kansas City is home to corporations, advertising agencies, printers, publishers and interactive design businesses, and our graduates are surrounded by a variety of job opportunities.
Graduates walk away with a robust and matured portfolio, as part of a senior seminar assignment.
Graphic Design majors will be provided a new iPad to increase their learning experience.
Potential Careers
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Video Game Designer
- Web Designer
- Layout Artist
- Animator
- Digital Media Manager
Sample Schedule
Freshman Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAP | 2203 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 |
| ART | 1103 | Drawing | 3 |
| BLIT | 1103 | Discovering the Old Testament | 3 |
| ENGL | 1503 | English Composition I | 3 |
| COMM | 1303 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| FRST | 1101 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
Freshman Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 1403 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| COMM | 2001 | Multi-Media Workshop | 3 |
| BLIT | 1203 | New Testament | 3 |
| MATH | 1223 | College Algebra | 3 |
| PSYC | 1103 | Psychology Gen Ed | 3 |
| ENGL | 1703 | Comp II: Writing & Research | 3 |
Sophomore Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 1503 | Mass Media & Society | 3 |
| COMM | 2001 | Multimedia Workshop | 1 |
| COMM | 3603 | Intercultural Communication | 3 |
| PHED | Physical Education Gen Ed | 2 | |
| HIST | 1203 | History Gen Ed | 3 |
| 1101 | ELECTIVE | 3 |
Sophomore Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 2803 | Communicating in the Digital World | 3 |
| COMM | 2001 | Multimedia Workshop | 1 |
| PHIL | Philosophy Gen Ed | 3 | |
| SCI LIT 1 | Physical Science Gen Ed | 3 | |
| THEO | 2003 | Christian Beliefs | 3 |
| FRST | ELECTIVE | 3 |
Junior Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 2303 | Interpersonal & Social Communication | 3 |
| COMM | 3703 | Persuasive Communication & Ethics | 3 |
| COMM | 4001 | Advanced Multimedia Workshop | 1 |
| STATS | Statistic Gen Ed | 3 | |
| ELECTIVE | 3 | ||
| ELECTIVE | 3 |
Junior Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 3403 | Decision Making in Small Groups | 3 |
| COMM | 3803 | Intro to Public Relations | 3 |
| SCI LIT 2 | 4001 | Advanced Multimedia Workshop | 1 |
| Biological Science Gen Ed | 3 | ||
| ELECTIVE | 3 | ||
| FRST | ELECTIVE | 3 |
Senior Year - First Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 4001 | Advanced Multimedia Workshop | 1 |
| COMM | 4883 | Internship | 3 |
| ELECTIVES | 12 | ||
| Freshman Seminar | 3 |
Senior Year - Second Semester
| Course | # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM | 4603 | Communicating in Organizations | 3 |
| COMM | 4903 | Senior Capstone in Research | 3 |
| ELECTIVES | 9 | ||
Career Earnings
$52,833
average annual
$2,271,833
career average
$46k
Graphic Designer
$65k
Art Director
$50k
Video Game Designer
$38k
Layout Artist
$49k
Animator
$69k
Digital Media Manager
Related Majors
Wired Wednesday
Developed specifically for Traditional Undergraduate Students, MNU launched a new schedule in 2020. Semester-long courses are now held on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday for 75 minutes each.
Business Administration continues to be a highly sought out degree by students and employers alike. It provides an excellent and thorough foundation in skills necessary for success in today’s business world. These degrees will also prepare students for graduate study in management, law or other business specialties.
Yorton Clark
Dean, School of Professional and Graduate Studies Chair, Professional and Graduate Studies in Business Professor
BRIAN MERRIMAN
"I love that we teach skills that you’ll really use in the workplace. These skills are in high demand. You’ll learn current programs and software all while developing a great work ethic."
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
success stories
As an MNU student, you’ll encounter not only academic growth and career preparation but you’ll also transform through spiritual growth and time spent in service and mission. We think that’s a
recipe for success in today’s global world.
