Graphic Design at LTU prepares you for the future of visual communication, where branding, motion, UX/UI, and digital product design shape how people experience information and interact with the world. Grounded in practice and connected to industry, the program blends creative exploration with hands-on projects, studio-based learning, and opportunities to work on impactful design challenges.
You’ll design across screens, spaces, and emerging media using a MacBook Pro through LTU’s laptop program, equipped with professional software for advanced digital, interactive, and motion-based workflows. Throughout your coursework, you’ll explore emerging tools and platforms, discovering how they can expand your practice and open new possibilities for communication. At the same time, you’ll build strong foundations in typography, layout, digital tools, conceptual thinking, and storytelling, learning to blend craft and strategy with purposeful experimentation.
As you progress, you’ll develop a future-ready portfolio that reflects both creative range and industry relevance, preparing you for careers in digital and interactive design, UX/UI, branding, motion graphics, and beyond.
LTU Graphic Design students and alumni are employed at a range of local and national studios, agencies, tech companies, and creative teams, including: Campbell Ewald, Clearwater Analytics, Detroit Pistons, Doner, Detroit Red Wings, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Hobbes, Huge, Icon incar, Mammoth Digital, MCCI Integrated Marketing, Microsoft, Rocket Companies, Zoom.
Admission follows standard University requirements. Portfolios are not required.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 120
The information below is based on the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Progression Flowchart for the 2025 – 26 academic year (last updated March 27, 2025). View our Course Catalog page for more information about our individual courses.
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.
COM1103
3
An introduction to the fundamental issues shared by all design disciplines: design as process, visual literacy, how design communicates, ordering systems, principles of composition, global design cultures, and design ethics. Examples for study and discussion are drawn from a broad range of designed media: architecture, transportation, literature, graphics, games, music, cinema, common consumer objects, cultural artifacts, and dance.
DES1022
2
This course is an introduction to digital media and technology used in Graphic Design, Game art, including all design and media related curricula. Emphasis is placed on industry-standard practices, workflow, organization, design systems, media integration, and appropriate terminology.
GRA2813
3
An introduction to formal and process principles that underlie all design disciplines. The course explores both fundamentals of visual interpretation as well as conceptual processes and tactics that are involved in building more complex methodologies. The focus of the course is on visual literacy, formal principles and the identification of relevancies as building blocks in design project significance and meaning.
DES1213
3
Drawing is an essential skill for visual communication and ideation. This course focuses on the development of skill, confidence, and exploration of thinking through the practice of drawing. The principles of drawing that are covered include line, shape, value, texture, space, perspective, composition, and observation. Subject matter includes the nude human figure, still life, and landscape.
GRA2113
3
Total Credits:
14
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1213
3
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1223
3
This course introduces students to foundational typographic principles, ranging from the anatomy of the letterform, grid systems, typesetting, hierarchy, as well as the formal terminology related to type. Through project work and critiques, students gain an understanding of how typography can enhance verbal, visual, and conceptual meaning.
GRA2413
3
Advanced application of basic principles in dynamic situations that include multiple disciplinary interests and priorities. Students are introduced to working methodologies that are used in design contexts practice to ideate, generate, explore, propose, and finalize works of design. Disciplinary-specific contexts are introduced within larger project-based delivery. (Studio)
DES1223
3
A rigorous look into symmetry, tiling, perspective and surfaces using tools from Euclidean Geometry and other mathematical principles to further the understanding of limits, areas under curves, slopes and tangent lines. Topics covered include Fibonacci numbers, the Golden Ratio, Platonic and Archimedean solids, rigid motions, rosette, frieze and wallpapers groups and their commonalities in Art, Engineering and Computer Science.
MCS1254
4
Total Credits:
16
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3
This course addresses the relationship between sight, knowledge, and power to consider the aesthetic and cultural value of images. Students learn to
analyze the production, reception, and circulation of images to understand their visual meaning as well as social and cultural impact. Coursework addresses the visual world as manifested in design, art, architecture, popular media, and more, and draws from a variety of fields, including art and design history, media studies, critical theory, and philosophy.
GRA2223
3
This course builds on the typographic principles covered in Typography 1. Students explore various aspects of typography including historical background of the inventions of writing and alphabets, the impact of typography on the origins of printing, the development of typeface design, books and other complex typographic systems, and the transformation of typography to digital and time-based media.
GRA3413
3
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the study of visual communication. Projects develop visual communication techniques that explore the relationship between type and image, information graphics (infographics), composition, sequencing, and design systems. Students develop a vocabulary to engage with project workflow, as well as a working process that is rooted in design thinking.
GRA2523
3
Course not found.
ART3023
3
Total Credits:
15
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3
This course focuses on designing digital and physical user experiences and interfaces. Content will address concept ideation, user journeys, and information architecture, and will stress workflow, testing assumptions, and prototyping.
IDD3823
3
This course teaches students how to create professional motion graphics using Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Students will learn animation, typography, and compositing techniques to enhance their digital media skills.
Key Learning Outcomes:
GRA2623
3
This course expands on one’s understanding of visual communication, exploring the influences of technology, history and theory. Projects emphasize divergence and experimentation as part of the design process.
GRA3513
3
The course is a one-time portfolio submittal during the second semester of the sophomore year. It is administered by the Directors of the respective programs. Used for advising, faculty from the programs will review the contents of the portfolio to guide students towards a successful completion of their chosen degree path. Students will be provided a template to inform the content of their portfolios.
DES2020
0
Prerequisite: None. Introduction to the study of motives at work in human behavior; understanding of perception, reasoning, memory, consciousness, intelligence, psychopathology, and individual differences. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
PSY1213
3
Total Credits:
15
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
3
The exploration of how graphic design is affected by, and also influences, social, cultural and political world events. This course will encompass all aspects of graphic communication from the inventions of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, the influences of world art movements, and the revolution of computer graphics. Through a series of lecture and assignments, students will experience the universal development of graphic design through its history.
GRA3563
3
This course focuses on end-to-end processes of designing innovative digital products that influence the way we live. Students will identify product needs, prototype solutions, and conduct user testing to arrive at designs that are functional and visually sophisticated. Topics include usability, human-centered design, user experience design (UX), and user interface design (UI).
GRA3343
3
This course focuses on visual communication as a means for social innovation at a local as well as a global level. Emphasis is placed on research methods, design thinking, information management, and design systems. Design solutions are informed by research, guided by critique, and magnified by dissemination.
GRA3523
3
This course introduces students to video and time-based media as communication tools. Critical approaches to issues in video are explored, including sequencing, editing, narrative, sound, lighting, and movement. The history of cinema and art helps students develop a critical foundation from which to work. Project work integrates 2D, 3D, and 4D methods.
GRA3043
3
Total Credits:
15
Natural Science Elective
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX3
3
Natural Science Elective Lab
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX1
1
Building from user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, this course covers visual, theoretical, and technical elements of web development.
Topics focus on web design standards, HTML/CSS/Javascript, and network-driven concepts and technology.
GRA3383
3
Course not found.
DES3623
3
This course explores various models for professional practice, from corporate to entrepreneurial, and from traditional to innovative. Studies are supported by visiting professionals, firm tours, portfolio development, interview skills and different modes of self-promotion. Emphasis is placed on visual and verbal presentation techniques, ethics, job search skills and professional etiquette.
GRA3323
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
16
Humanities Elective
LLT, PSY, or SSC
3/4XX3
3
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.
DES4112
2
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
This course is profession-focused and operates as a real-world design studio. Students work with professionals who act as clients, providing feedback and guidance throughout the project work. Team-work, research, presentation techniques, and industry-standard processes and practices are emphasized.
GRA3533
3
Elective
MGT, MKT, ACC, INT, or HRM
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
14
Natural Science Elective
BIO, CHM, GLG, FSC, PHY, or PSC
XXX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Students develop a self-directed, investigative body of work under the guidance of faculty, visiting critics, and peers. The semester culminates in a public exhibition of student projects. Research, innovation, and dissemination are emphasized.
GRA4513
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
General Elective
XXX3
3
Total Credits:
15
Alissa Kline
Editorial Director & Strategist
Thinkso Creative
Amy Schwartz
Owner, Head of Design
Radialinear Studio
Former Design Director, Cards Against Humanity
Blake Almstead
Principal UI/UX Designer Mobility
Huemen, HARMAN International
Christie Ennis-Kloute
Experience Design Director
Augusto Digital
Marilyn Cannell
Visual Design Lead
General Motors
