Graphic Design (BA/BS)

Design isn’t just what you see,  it’s how ideas move, connect, and influence. The BA in Graphic Design gives you the tools to craft compelling digital experiences, striking visual identities, and strategic brand communications. You’ll focus on core design principles, digital creativity, and design thinking, learning to communicate visually across media and platforms.

This program is built for flexibility and versatility. You can complete it entirely online, combine it with another major or minor, and customize your studies through stackable micro-credentials in areas like branding, interactive media, and photography… all while developing skills that stand out in any professional context.

By the time you finish, you’ll have the confidence, creativity, and practical know-how to bring ideas to life, solve real-world challenges, and make your work matter… whether you’re building a career in marketing, digital media, or blending design with another discipline.

To design like a professional, you need the tools professionals use. At Missouri Valley College, we’ve removed course fees for Graphic Design classes and use textbooks only when absolutely necessary…lowering costs so you can invest in what truly matters: your creative toolkit. Students should have access to a device capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud and an active subscription to the software suite. This approach ensures you’re not just completing assignments; you’re building the skills, experience, and tools you’ll carry into your creative career.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate mastery of core design principles, color theory, typography, composition, and visual storytelling, producing work that communicates effectively and purposefully across multiple media and platforms.
• Students will proficiently use industry-standard software, tools, and emerging technologies to create professional-quality work, solve design challenges, and adapt to evolving creative contexts.
• Students will apply research, user and audience analysis, experimentation, and iterative design processes to generate, refine, and evaluate innovative solutions that address real-world needs and client or project goals.
• Students will demonstrate professionalism, ethical practices, collaboration, and effective project management, while curating a cohesive portfolio that reflects their creative voice, technical skill, and readiness for professional practice or further study.