Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a professional degree that prepares graduates to enter the workforce as designers and/or art directors upon graduation. In addition to the liberal arts core, our program establishes a strong foundation in fundamental visual and technical skills, design theory, and graphic design history. This degree requires two-thirds of the credit hours completed at the university in the explicit design curriculum but does not require a minor or a foreign language.

Several more in-depth topics courses round out the curriculum, including typography, advertising, packaging, corporate identity, editorial, web, and interactive media. A creative internship is also required during the summer between junior and senior year. Our capstone classes, Portfolio & Marketing and Senior Thesis, divide their focus among research-based creative problem solving, finishing a competitive portfolio, and job-hunting methodology.

As a Texas Christian University (TCU) fine arts student, you’ll study under renowned professors and guest artists, perform in award-winning productions and ensembles, show your art and design in juried exhibitions and competitions and collaborate with other students in creative clusters. At the same time, you’ll develop your analytical thinking, clarity in written and spoken expression, collaboration, and creativity — skills that are valuable in any career — to adapt to whatever the future might bring. You’ll be prepared for any endeavor you pursue and for life as a globally-minded, creative world-changer.

Whatever you study in the arts, TCU is a place to discover and deepen your talents. You’ll interpret the world around you and gain a broader context for thinking creatively, understanding the big picture, and communicating effectively. And when you graduate, you’ll be happier in your job because of your time here — 75 percent of recent fine arts graduates and 82 percent of prior fine arts graduates are highly satisfied with their careers, according to a Strategic National Arts Alumni Project report.