Department ofGraphic Design
Verbal + visual
The Department of Graphic Design in the Stuckeman School 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.
The Stuckeman School offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Design degree in Graphic Design and a minor, as well as supporting a Master of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in graphic design in conjunction with the Penn State School of Visual Arts.
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Departmental Resources
Stuckeman School Resources
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
Digital Fabrication Lab
The Digital Fabrication Lab (digiFAB lab) is the home for digital fabrication equipment that is used for design and research projects by faculty and 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.”
News from A&A
Interim architecture department head to retire after 35 years at Penn State
Dan Willis, interim department head and professor of architecture in the College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School, is retiring June 30 after 35 years at Penn State.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A strong drive to always learn more has been one of the defining elements of Dan Willis’ career at Penn State. Willis, interim department head and
Architecture IUG student named undergraduate thesis award winner
Holly Zimmerman was named the winner of the Department of Architecture’s 2023 Paul M. Kossman Design Thesis Award for her project that focuses on designing the walls of a building Read More
School of Visual Arts shop staff create special award for students who bat it out of the park
Each semester for almost ten years, Matt Olson and Mark Rizzo have designed a special award for students who excel in their work in the School of Visual Arts shop. Read More