Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
The accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program at LTU provides students with a comprehensive experience in the dynamic field of graphic design, ranging from print media to the latest innovations in interactive and time-based media.
The curriculum is designed to make our students professionally nimble, and emphasis is placed on helping students develop a distinctive point of view for their creative activities. The program culminates with a thesis project and public exhibition, where students develop an investigative body of work that focuses on their individual interests within the field. Internship opportunities further prepare students with the knowledge, skill set and experiences for professional practice.
The range of coursework encourages students to explore the connection between intellectual inquiry, creativity and hands-on making. Studies in literature, the sciences, philosophy, history and math build a cultural awareness that informs design decisions and creative expression.
Leah
Strayhorn
BFA in Graphic Design, 2020
Leah Strayhorn is a metro-Detroit area based art director, graphic designer, and printmaker. She is currently a part of the Studio Cadenza team based in Birmingham, MI, creating anything ranging from UI design, brand identities, social media graphics, podcast covers, you name it.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what you're doing now.
A: Studio Cadenza was one of two internships I gained during my time at LTU, and is where I currently work–now as an Art Director. We are a small studio working on various app, website, and branding projects. Our current projects include FanLabel, ShopLoyal, StartupNation, and NeedAnything, to name a few. On a normal day, I love exploring printmaking, painting, sewing, and any other creative outlet I can get my hands on.
Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?
A: I really appreciate smaller, more personal environments like LTU has to offer. It was great to see passionate professionals doing exactly what I was trying to do.
Q: For those who might be interested in Graphic Design, do you have any advice?
A: The best lessons learned are outside of your classrooms and studios. I always learned a lot from experiences such as lectures, AIGA events, internships, and design books.
Brendon
Seyka
BFA in Graphic Design, 2019
Brendan (he/him) is an Oak Park, MI-based graphic designer, maker, and musician making creative things for creative people. He uses design to create opportunities for clients to engage audiences, build relationships and impact communities with thoughtfully crafted branding, print, packaging and immersive experiences.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what you're doing now.
A: I recently started a new position as a Graphic Designer with Floyd, a Detroit-based design-forward furniture company committed to sustainability. Before that, I started doing freelance work while at LTU, working with a wide range of clients in culture & the arts, e-commerce, and more. Those projects encompassed print and packaging to digital marketing and UI design.
Q: What made you choose to attend Lawrence Tech?
A: I went to high school in a relatively small town close to Lansing, and toured LTU after attending a college fair. I appreciated the connection and proximity to Detroit, small class sizes, and the instructors who ended up being the most important and impactful part of my LTU experience.
Q: For those who might be interested in Graphic Design, do you have any advice?
A: The world of design is very diverse — don’t be afraid to learn and try as much as you can. Find the kind of work you’re most excited about, and seek out more of it. Find inspiration and make things for yourself that you want to see exist in the world!
Marilyn
Cannell
BFA in Graphic Design, 2016
Marilyn Cannell has been working professionally for over four years. During this time, she realized her passion for UI/UX design which has led her to work on various projects in the mobile, automotive and experiential space. Marilyn is passionate about the relationship between research and design. Uncovering problems and finding a solution through design-thinking is part of her daily life as a visual/product designer.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: I was born and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Growing up I kept very busy playing sports, an instrument and spending time with friends. My interest in design first appeared when I started obsessively watching DIY and home decoration shows as a child. My early interest in these shows developed a curiosity for architecture. In college I quickly realized architecture wasn't my passion, but I thoroughly enjoyed the basic design skills involved within the practice. I switched to graphic design and realized that was my "home" and where I was able to express myself creatively.
Q: Why did you choose to attend LTU?
A: Lawrence Tech was practically in my backyard and I didn't even know it! I learned about LTU at a high school college fair. What initially caught my attention was the small class sizes and knowing that I would immediately start specialized classes within my program on day one. My time at LTU was special, I was able to make genuine connections with professor and peers that I have kept to this day.
Q: For those who might be interested in the Graphic Design program, do you have any advice?
A: Learning and growing as a designer never stops. LTU set a strong foundation for my professional career, but I can easily say that I learn new things everyday as a professional. If you are considering a degree in design you can get ahead, start creating now! There is no right or wrong way to start exploring art and design. Start looking for inspiration in your daily life, collect images that excite you, find your voice as an artist and start making. If these things bring you joy, then the design field might be right for you.
1. E. Herrmann, Shower Vibes App Design // 2. Unknown // 3. N. Hyduk, Nature Unfiltered // 4. G. Gocheva, True Teas Packaging Design // 5. D. Bezeau, Comm-Unity // 6. M. Young, L. DiGiovanni, Everybody // 7. Z. Fardin, Glaze It // 8. D. Bezeau, Comm-Unity // 9. Mother's Pantry // 10. K. Dawkins, A. Bucciero, Freakshow // 11. A. Tillman, Know Your Privacy // 12. K. Dawkins, D. Bezeau, J. Cuschieri, Growing Pontiac // 13. N. Barrett, Metamorphosis
Admissions + Curriculum
Admission into the Graphic Design program follows the University’s admission criteria. Portfolios are not required for admission.
For specific Graphic Design program questions, contact the Chair of Design, Philip Plowright, at pplowrigh@ltu.edu or click on the links below.
For general questions about admissions, our programs or the college, please contact Lilian Crum at lcrum@ltu.edu.
Total Semester Credit Hours: 120
First Semester
First Semester
Second Semester
First Semester
Second Semester
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| BIO/PHY/CHM/GLG/FSC/PSC |
1000-4000 level Nat. Sci. Lecture |
3 |
| BIO/PHY/CHM/GLG/FSC/PSC |
1000-4000 level Nat. Sci. Lab |
1 |
| GRA 3323 |
Professional Practice |
3 |
| XXX3 |
CoAD Elective |
3 |
| GRA 3383 |
Web Design |
3 |
| DES 3623 |
Multi-disciplinary Design |
3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
| SUMMER | ||
| DES 4530 |
Internship |
0 |
First Semester
Second Semester
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| BIO/PHY/CHM/GLG/FSC/PSC |
1000-4000 level Nat. Sci. elective |
3 |
| GRA 4513 |
Graphic Design Thesis |
3 |
| GAM/GRA/ARC/ARI/IDD/ATD |
1000-4000 level CoAD elective |
3 |
| GAM/GRA/ARC/ARI/IDD/ATD |
1000-4000 level CoAD elective |
3 |
| 1000-4000 Level |
Open (University-wide) elective |
3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 |