Oakland University
Art and Art History
310 Wilson Hall
Rochester ,
MI
48309
(location map)
phone: (248) 370-3375
fax: (248) 370-3377

Graphic Design
Design is omnipresent, vital, and, intrinsic to our daily lives. Centered in visual culture and problem solving, our graphic design degree prepares students to inspire and activate consumers. Our students, grounded in the relationship between image, typography, and visual communication, develop professional transferable skills preparing them for a wide variety of opportunities in the design field. Under expert direction, our graduates develop dynamic, engaging portfolios and the attuned business acumen to succeed. The degree covers design theory and history, materials and processes, and graphic design studio/professional industry standards and practices.
Admittance into the Graphic Design Program is based on Oakland University GPA admittance policy. There are no current portfolio requirements. Incoming freshman should declare a Pre-major Graphic Design status. DES 1130 - Foundations of Graphic Design will be your first graphic design course. Students must earn a minimum of a 2.8 in both Foundation courses (ART 1002 and ART 1004) in order to be admitted into DES 1130.
Community Design
Juniors and seniors work in graphic design studio pitching ideas, developing designs and following projects through to production for local non-profit organizations. The class, Community Design, gives students professional experience. Please visit goodcommunitydesign.com to learn more.
Senior Thesis
All graphic design majors complete a senior thesis, a directed individual study requiring development of a coherent package of advanced graphic design work, culminating in a thesis paper and juried a thesis exhibition.
Gallery Events
All students are required to attend at least one lecture or event at the Oakland University Art Gallery (OUAG) sponsored either by the OUAG or Department of Art and Art History. Check with your instructor for details.
Program OverviewMajor RequirementsMinor Requirements