Graphic + Interactive Design Track

Graphic design is one of the fastest changing fields in the arts industry today, and one with bounding career opportunities in today’s digital world. Join our growing and groundbreaking program in Graphic + Interactive Design to stay ahead of the competition.

Virtual Sessions – Department of Art

Interested in learning more about the Department of Art at Youngstown State University? The Department of Art is hosting virtual information sessions to allow students and families to learn more about the outstanding programs offered at YSU.  Current available sessions are below: 

Monday, October 19 at 6:00 PM - Graphic + Interactive Design
Monday, November 16 at 6:00 PM - General Art Session
Tuesday, December 8 at 6:00 PM - Digital Media/Photography

Students and families will have the opportunity to meet with a faculty member and have their questions answered!

Register Today

Campus Visit Opportunity

Schedule a campus visit.

For question, please call Danielle Lorenzi at 330-941-2346 or E-Mail at djlorenzi@ysu.edu

What You'll Study

The Graphic + Interactive Design track within the Studio Art major gives you a foundation of critical and creative design processes to prepare you for the profession of graphic and interface design—including careers in identity systems, package design, web design and art direction.

The program investigates new ways of solving complex visual problems, using both print and interactive designs as solutions. Faculty routinely update courses to stay current with industry standards. And art facilities are equally up-to-date. You’ll have access to a state-of-the-art graphic design lab, Mac labs, the full Adobe Creative Suite and other current software. In classes, you’ll work on real-world, client-based assignments every semester and operate a student-run design agency, preparing you for a successful design career.

Finally, you'll have opportunities for internships in the surrounding Youngstown, Pittsburgh and Cleveland design arenas and can find student art communities and professional organizations on campus.

Major

Minors

  • Graphic Design Minor

    With the Graphic Design minor, you'll be able to add a unique component to your degree. You'll learn the foundational principles, as well as lessons in typography and press production. The minor can be completed in six classes, totaling 18 credit hours.

    Course Listing

  • Graphic Design Minor for Non-Art Majors

    Not majoring in art, but still interested in adding that creative component to your degree?

    Adding this minor to your degree gives you the unique ability to help businesses and organizations bring more life to their advertisements, print publications or websites. You will take seven courses that give you an understanding of digital imaging, graphic design, typography, 2D design and publication design.

    Course Listing

  • Interactive Design Minor

    You can add skills in digital imaging, graphic design, typography and a focus of communication of media with the Interactive Design minor. It can be completed in 18 semester hours.

    Course Listing

  • Interactive Design Minor for Non-Art Majors

    Having a degree in something other than art doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the creative opportunities YSU has to offer.

    Gain an understanding of the collaborative and meaningful communication of media between people and technology. You'll examine how to find simple and clear goals through the coursework. The minor is comprised of seven courses, developing an understanding for 2D design, graphic design, typography, interactive design and digital imaging. It can be completed in 21 credit hours.

    Course Listing

Internships and Jobs

OUR GRADUATES WORK FOR:

  • WRL Advertising
  • Talon International
  • Clearview Architectural Products

One More Thing

The Graphic and Interactive Design curriculum at YSU places a lot of emphasis on creating real-world work for projects and connecting students with freelance clients. Some of my class work has been implemented by actual businesses, and the connections I've made through the program have led to two internships and multiple side jobs."

David Tamulonis, Class of 2016