Graphic designers create images, publications, environments, and experiences that help shape our culture. We see graphic design all around in the books we read, the media we consume, and the products we buy. Design helps us move through the world. 

The graphic design concentration at Cal Poly is part of an accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that prepares students for careers in a wide range of creative industries. Students in the graphic design concentration study a variety of subjects relevant to the field, including: typography, identity design, UX/UI design, illustration, publication design, packaging design, and design history. Our curriculum emphasizes research, inclusive thinking, sustainable design, and diverse cultural perspectives in design practice. We encourage students to explore a wide range of media and creative approaches, as they tackle complex problems and discover their own potential as designers. 

All graphic design students are required to create a senior portfolio project tailored to their interests and career goals. Each spring, seniors have their portfolios reviewed by design professionals—many of whom graduated from our program—to help them prepare for successful entry into the creative field. Graduates in the graphic design area obtain competitive positions in design studios, creative agencies, in-house creative departments, and in the entertainment and tech industries. We have a wonderful network of design alumni who provide mentorship to our students and ongoing support for our program.

The Graphic Design concentration in the Department of Art and Design is distinct from the Design Reproduction Technology concentration in the Graphic Communication Department, which focuses on the technical and electronic aspects of preparing design pieces for reproduction in various media. In contrast, the emphasis of the Graphic Design Concentration is on creating original designs for a wide range of industries and applications.