Program Overview
The design degree at the University of Kansas provides students with a comprehensive education in visual communication, digital media, and human-centered design. This design degree prepares students to think critically, communicate visually, and solve complex problems through creative practice across print, digital, and interactive platforms. Graduates develop both conceptual and technical skills that support careers in graphic design, illustration, user experience (UX) design, and related creative fields.
The design major emphasizes a balance of creative exploration, professional practice, and strategic thinking. Students learn to translate ideas into compelling visual systems while building fluency in industry-standard tools and workflows. The program offers five distinct concentrations that allow students to tailor their studies to specific creative interests while building a strong shared foundation in design thinking and visual communication:
- Animation: focuses on time-based visual storytelling, motion, and animated media for digital and experiential platforms
- Illustration: emphasizes image-making, narrative development, and expressive visual communication across analog and digital formats
- Industrial Design: centers on human-centered product design, form development, and the relationship between objects, users, and environments
- Interaction Design: explores user experience, interaction systems, and digital interface design grounded in research and usability
- Visual Communication Design: focuses on graphic design, typography, branding, and visual systems for print and digital communication
Students in the graphic design degree work with both traditional and emerging design methods, ensuring they are well prepared for contemporary professional environments. Real-world projects, interdisciplinary collaboration, and portfolio development are core components of the curriculum, supporting a smooth transition from academic study to professional practice.
The design degree fosters problem-solving, adaptability, and innovation—skills that are increasingly essential across creative industries. Whether graduates pursue roles in branding, digital media, illustration, or experience design, they complete the program with a polished portfolio, professional confidence, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to design-driven organizations.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Design, BFASchool of Architecture and Design
The Bachelor’s in Design is part of the School of Architecture and Design, where students are driven to meet challenges through relentless creativity and solutions-based design.Bachelor’s in Design Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the design major will be able to:
- Apply principles of visual communication, composition, and storytelling across multiple media
- Use industry-standard tools and technologies to produce professional design work
- Integrate research, strategy, and creative thinking into design solutions
- Develop a professional portfolio that reflects conceptual depth and technical skill
What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Design?
A graphic design degree prepares graduates for a wide range of creative and design-focused careers. According to Lightcast, professionals working in design-related occupations earn a median annual salary of approximately $57,000, with higher earning potential in specialized areas such as UX design, branding, and digital media.
Common career paths include:
- Graphic Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Web Designer
- Art Director
- Brand Strategist
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options for students pursuing a design degree. Scholarships, grants, and loans are available to eligible students. For more information, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
Admission to the design degree program at KU requires meeting general university freshman and transfer admission standards. This includes:
Freshmen
- Apply by Nov. 1 for guaranteed admission
- Transcript demonstrating at least 1 high school art, design, or drawing class with grade of B or higher
- 3.8+ GPA on a 4.0 scale OR
- 3.5 – 3.79 GPA on a 4.0 scale and ACT 24+/SAT 1160+
Transfers
- 3.5+ cumulative GPA over 2 semesters of full-time enrollment
Applicants to Animation, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, or Visual Communication Design who do not meet guaranteed criteria must submit a portfolio. Portfolios should be submitted in PDF format via email to arcd@ku.edu.
For detailed admission criteria and audition requirements, visit the School of Architecture & Design.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the design degree program engage in a vibrant creative community that supports learning beyond the classroom. Opportunities include:
- Student-led design organizations and professional networking events
- Guest lectures and workshops led by practicing designers
- Portfolio reviews and critiques with faculty and visiting professionals
- Exhibitions and showcases highlighting student work
Bachelor’s in Design Sample Courses
KU’s bachelor’s degree in design curriculum includes a range of courses covering digital and print media, branding, and interactive design. Sample courses include:
- Typography
- Design Thinking and Making
- Drawing for Design
- Principles of Graphic Design
- History of Industrial Design
For a full list of degree requirements, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Design Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.