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Home / Academics /

Bachelor of Science
Graphic Design

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  • 3-Year Degree
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In this section

Designing with Purpose

If you love to create visually captivating illustrations and dream of inspiring others through your work — this is the place for you. You can pursue your passion for graphic design in the heart of the Creative Capital in Rhode Island. Providence earned this nickname for its colorful landscape of murals, numerous galleries and museums, large population of artists, and a thriving job market for creative professions. The best part is, Johnson & Wales University can put you in the middle of it all.

In our specialized design labs and studios, you’ll learn to solve visual communication problems using design and digital tools, including current design software and hardware. You’ll narrow your studies after the first two years by choosing to focus on either print or user experience design. It’s how we help you find your career path. 

“If I can put one word on my general experience, it would definitely be holistic,” says Noah Fye '23, a recent graduate of the Graphic Design program. “Everything about the design department is designed to get you to be a professional. Everything comes in and it's all focused on making you the best designer you can be.” 

Ready to become the best graphic designer you can be? Keep scrolling to discover how you can do it at JWU Providence.

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New! Choose a Three-Year or Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree

You now have the option to earn your Graphic Design bachelor’s degree in either three or four years. Our new Career-Focused Degree Program lets you complete your degree in just three years with a streamlined, 90-credit curriculum. This option allows you to enter the workforce sooner and save on tuition while still receiving the same quality education and hands-on experiences JWU is known for. If you prefer a more traditional pace, the four-year degree path is also available, offering the same rigorous preparation for your future career.

 View the Three-Year Graphic Design Degree


Experiential Education

At JWU, we’re all about putting your learning into action and offering you the opportunity to work on real projects that go beyond the classroom. Whether you design for clients in the community on Design Team or collaborate with other JWU programs on exciting projects in a Directed Experiential Education course, you’ll be creating work that makes a difference and that many people will get to see and enjoy.

Why Study Graphic Design at JWU?

  • You’ll build a portfolio of increasingly sophisticated design work.
  • Develop a focused identity that carries through all your presented materials, and identifies you as an independent graphic designer.
  • Hone your graphic design skills by creating, editing and presenting visual collateral that includes the design of branding, logos, packages, publications, photography, video, typography, websites and user interface experiences.
  • Gain industry experience by creating, managing and presenting design projects to actual clients from community-based organizations in the greater Providence area.
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Design Labs and Classrooms

The Bowen Gallery

Student work is displayed year-round in this beautiful gallery space in the John J. Bowen Center for Science & Innovation, the same building where you will also take your design courses.

The Innovation Lab

This unique lab is open to students from any major and includes everything from scanners to the latest fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, laser engravers, micro mills, and vinyl cutters. It’s a great place for Graphic Design students to bring their ideas to life!

Launch Graphic Design Gallery

Explore The Bowen Gallery



Sample Courses 

  • Brand Identity Design & Development
  • Design Thinking & Creative Process
  • Editorial & Publication Design
  • Package Design
  • Typography
  • User Experience & Content Design I & II
  • Vector Drawing & Image Editing
  • Wayfinding & Environmental Graphics

In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits. Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:

Providence

Career Possibilities

  • Creative Director
  • Creative Design Specialist
  • Editorial Designer
  • Package Designer
  • Visual Designer
  • User Interface/Experience (UI/UX) Designer
  • Web Designer

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.


Powered by Purpose: Ally Buckley ’24

“When I leave JWU, I will be prepared for whatever comes next — I will leave with a portfolio and a personal brand,” says Graphic Design student Ally Buckley '24. The recent graduate shares what she loves about the program and her excitement to continue exploring visual communication.

Featured Faculty

Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.

Associate Professor Deana Marzocchi
Deana Marzocchi

Associate Professor

My specialty is the experiential ed courses that we offer students. They meet with clients, develop project briefs, and go through all the phases of design creating logos, print design, web design and video.

Associate Professor Jonathan Harris, MID, LEED-AP
Jonathan Harris

Jonathan Harris

Harris has worked his professional life to create walkable and bikeable cities. He teaches the process, management and tools of design.

JWU Associate Professor Karyn Jimenez - Elliott
Karyn Jimenez-Elliott

Associate Professor

Jimenez-Elliott is a project-based teacher who brings her industry experience to life in the classroom through her teaching style and assigned projects. She is passionate about design for social impact.

Related Programs

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Media & Communication

Whether your passion is film, music, television, news, photography, or any aspect of the media landscape, you’ll explore the power media has to shape the way we live through this program.

Digital Marketing & Social Media

Learn how to develop effective social and digital marketing strategies and reach audiences with content that generates interactions on platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube.

Marketing & Advertising

Improve your communication skills, gain a deep understanding of consumer behavior and dive into the world of marketing campaigns and strategies. In this program, you’ll learn marketing foundations, copywriting, art direction and more.

Visit JWU

Explore where you’ll live, learn, and enjoy all campus has to offer.

Schedule an In-Person Tour

Faculty Contact

Providence

Deana Marzocchi
401-598-2514
Email


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