Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 124
Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.3
Minimum number of credits to complete the major: 52
School: School of Arts and Sciences and the Girard School of Business
Departments: Visual and Performing Arts and Business Administration
Learn more about the program
Entrepreneurs and graphic designers are people who use their creativity and technical skills to build businesses. They do this with professional knowledge of branding, marketing, advertising, and financial funding mechanisms. Overall, they are people who think outside the box.
Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design provides you with the ability to strengthen your graphic design skills while learning how to advocate for yourself in the professional world and how to showcase your skill set to potential employers.
As an entrepreneurship and graphic design major, you’ll be part of the combination of two dynamic programs here at Merrimack College. You will take courses in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as the Girard School of Business. You will have the opportunity to apply your business knowledge in a creative environment.
The Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design Major
As an Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design major, you will develop a portfolio of design and business projects while learning the best practices for the industry you wish to enter.
As an entrepreneurship and graphic design major, you will:
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Understand and perform various types of industry-related research
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Craft your idea into a viable business plan and learn how to determine your market, then market your idea and manage your new venture.
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Develop the capacity to collaborate successfully, both online and in-person
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Motivate yourself and manage creative projects
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Develop ideas that stand the test of critical analysis
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Deliver effective oral presentations to students, professors and outside clients
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Brand and market yourself by creating a professional identity and portfolio
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Become proficient in relevant industry software, hardware and social media
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Be accountable, responsible and ethical in your work
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Develop your core competencies in financial stewardship, such as finding funding and investors, skills you need as a new business owner to keep track of your business’s financial health.
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Learn to manage your business and corporate strategy, allowing you to feel confident about entering a competitive business landscape after graduation.
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Learn how to sell your idea to investors through your understanding of the market and supply chain and show its profitability through pro forma financial statements and a business plan.
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Develop a wide range of skills in time management, strategic thinking, money management, financing, budgeting, leadership, networking and more.
Technology Requirements for the Graphic Design Program
Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design majors are required to have an Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription and a professional level laptop at the start of their sophomore year. Inquiries about technical requirements are always welcome.
Transfer Students to the Graphic Design Program
If you’re transferring into the program, the transfer of studio courses and level of placement in the Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design program will be determined by the Graphic Design faculty. Upon application to Merrimack College, you’re 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 your studio skills, as well as the courses to be transferred toward the degree requirements. Faculty will compare your level of accomplishment with the Graphic Design Program’s expectations to determine where you’re qualified for placement into the program.
Portfolios can be submitted in-person or digitally.
Major Requirements
The Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design major requires the completion of a minimum of thirteen courses. Students start with foundational courses, add a history course, complete interdisciplinary advanced courses, then finish with senior level courses.