Department ofGraphic Design
Verbal + visual
The Department of Graphic Design focuses on the development of students’ skills and abilities in problem solving, and on expanding their expertise and proficiency in the use and application of digital technologies and electronic media. The curriculum anticipates an evolving context for professional practice through innovative problem-solving at different scales – from objects to systems – engaging with people-centered research and theory, ethical practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
With small class sizes, students enjoy individualized attention from faculty bringing extensive design experience in diverse settings. Design studies are blended with a range of liberal arts, communications, and business courses, thus ensuring graduates are ready for the next step.
Graphic Design offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Design degree and a minor as well as supporting a Master of Fine Arts degree in conjunction with the Penn State School of Visual Arts.
Contact + Connect
Computing cluster + lab remote access guides
Degree
Offerings
B.Des. in Graphic Design
The B.Des. in Graphic Design empowers students to become innovators that meet the growing demand for branding, storytelling, visualizing information, user experience, and user interface designs.
Graphic Design Minor
The Graphic Design minor is intended for students interested in augmenting their academic major with the physical, technological, aesthetic, and conceptual skills associated with a design discipline.
M.F.A. in Art
The Penn State M.F.A. in Art offers concentrations in ceramics, drawing and painting, graphic design, new media, photography, and sculpture – all to elevate your art and impact.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Brian Kappel
B.A. in Art 1998Brian is a Portland, Oregon-based artist, graphic designer and a self-described “tinkerer.” After a more than 15-year career with Nike, he founded Space Monkey Designs, a firm that is responsible for numerous high-profile designs including VIP event space for ESPN, set design for the Dew Tour and the College Football Playoff suites.
Instagram
spacemonkeydesigns
DArt Design Studio
The DArt Design Studio computer and peripheral labs are available 24 hours a day to the entire DArt community, and are primarily for student Learn More
DigiFab
The digiFAB lab is the home for digital fabrication equipment that is used for design and research projects by faculty and students in Stuckeman Learn More
Rouse Gallery
Located in the main entryway of the Stuckeman Family Building, the Willard G. Rouse gallery houses special exhibits by leaders in the fields of Learn More
Stuckeman Shop
The Stuckeman Shop – primarily supporting architecture, landscape architecture, and graphic design students – provides an excellent opportunity for motivated students to develop their ideas Learn More
Faculty Spotlight
Ryan Russell
Associate Professor of Graphic Design
The Bienal del Cartel Bolivia BICeBé – a biennial elite international design event in Bolivia – attracts the best designs from Latin America and around the world while promoting a humanistic approach to design. Two posters designed by Ryan Russell, associate professor of graphic design, were accepted into the 2019 BICeBé. Russell’s poster for “Deconstructing Symbols of Hate in America” was selected in the cultural category. His other selected poster, this time in the advertising category, was for an immersive augmented reality exhibition called “TOUCH.”
Jan 21
Bach's Lunch: Voice Jury Honors
CSED All Faith ChapelVoice Jury Honors Voice students with superlative performances at their end-of-semester performance final sing a program of best songs and arias. Several voice students present
Events
Go. Explore.Bach's Lunch: Voice Jury Recognition
Zoom
Together, Alone
https://sites.psu.edu/togetheralone
NOMAS Stuckeman Game Night & Social
Zoom
News from A&A
Graphic design professor earns gold in Graphis photography competition
Taylor Shipton, assistant teaching professor of graphic design, earned a gold award in the Graphis Photography Annual 2021 for her work that examines the history of rape.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Taylor Shipton, assistant teaching professor of graphic design, earned a gold award in the Graphis Photography Annual 2021 competition for her work that examines the history
Architecture lab invited to exhibit work at Seoul Biennial this fall
The work of the Department of Architecture’s Autonomous Builders Collective using waste cardboard to develop resilient, low-cost housing has been accepted into the Seoul Biennial. Read More
Graphic design professor receives honorable mention in international competition
Ryan Russell, associate professor of graphic design, was awarded an honorable mention in the Ecuador Poster Bienal 2020 for his animated social campaign titled "Release. Reform." Read More