Graphic Design Major
The Graphic Design Major at Merrimack College offers students a rich blend of art and design history, together with diverse opportunities to develop their artistic and creative expression in both design and the studio arts. Students receive a strong foundation in design thinking, theory, process and practice, along with a background in the Liberal Arts. The program challenges students to learn through research, critical questioning, problem analysis, and the methodologies of the design industry. Students also develop an understanding and working knowledge of current industry-standard technical skills.
The Graphic Design curriculum helps students build their knowledge, year by year, through courses of increasing complexity, as well as internships and opportunities for real-world design practice. In addition, students develop important life skills that will serve them well in any setting including writing, listening, collaboration, self-management, how to make an oral presentation, as well as accountability and responsibility. To satisfy the Major, seniors are required to complete classes in Graphic Design Portfolio, Methodologies of Scholarship in the Visual and Performing Arts, and a Senior capstone project.
The Graphic Design major requires the completion of a minimum of 64 credits and a minimum of 16 courses, as specified below.
Transfer Students to the Graphic Design Program
For students transferring into the program, the transfer of studio courses and level of placement in the Graphic Design program will be determined by the Graphic Design Faculty. Students wishing to major in Graphic Design are required to submit a portfolio to the Department of Visual and Performing Arts for review.
During the portfolio review, the Graphic Design Faculty will assess the student’s studio skills, as well as the courses to be transferred toward the degree requirements. Faculty will compare the student’s level of accomplishment with the Graphic Design Program’s expectations to determine where the student is qualified for placement into the program.
Portfolios can be submitted in-person or digitally.
To submit a portfolio, or ask questions about the process, please contact Nancy Wynn, Director of the Graphic Design program, by email: wynnn@merrimack.edu
Graphic Design majors are automatically enrolled in the Warriors at Work program. This program will build professional skills with each year building to on and off campus internships.