Program Overview
DO YOU LOVE TO CREATE visually captivating illustrations? Are you passionate about designing either by hand or using computer software? Do you dream of inspiring others through your work? JWU Graphic design students in the heart of the Creative Capital in Rhode Island are doing this and more every day.
In our specialized design labs and studios, you’ll learn to solve visual communication problems using design and digital tools, including current design software and hardware. And during your junior year, you’ll narrow your studies by choosing to focus in either print or web. It’s how we help you find your career path.
Before You Graduate
You’ll have a portfolio full of your increasingly sophisticated design work. Not to mention the ability to develop a focused identity that carries through all of your presented materials — and identifies you as an independent graphic designer. You’ll hone your graphic design skills by creating, editing and presenting visual collateral that includes the design of branding/logos, packages, publications, photography/video, typography, websites and user interface experiences.
During Your Senior Year
Gain industry experience by creating, managing and presenting design projects to actual clients from community-based organizations based in the greater Providence area.
Graphic Design Lab
Take a tour of where graphic design students put their learning to work.
REVEAL Design Senior Showcase
Each spring, JWU Graphic Design and Product Design seniors celebrate the success of their time at JWU by showing off their incredible work to the JWU community and the public at the REVEAL Senior Showcase.
In this video, students Noah Fye, Emma Jones and Dayna Brown (all '23) take you on a tour of the Bowen Center Gallery and share some of their favorite graphics, branding and packaging designs from an impressive group of senior designers:
You can also explore senior design portfolios on the JWU.DESIGN site:
Explore JWU Senior Design Portfolios
For an explanation of the career outcomes rate and other information, visit JWU Student Consumer Information.
Sample Graphic Design Courses
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Special Event: Open House
Campus is open for you! Take a student-led walking tour and meet with Admissions, Student Financial Services, Faculty, Residential Life and more. Learn more about academics and meet professors and the college dean, too.