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Graphic Design

Art, Architecture and Design

About Our Program

If you’re a creative thinker with a passion for design, our Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design is designed to help you turn your talent into a meaningful career. Rooted in Christian values, our program equips students with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive as creative professionals and positively impact the world.

Our curriculum includes 77 hours of design, history, software, portfolio-building and art courses that guide students from foundational skills to advanced, real-world applications. Students explore branding, typography, motion design, photography and illustration and have 12 hours to further personalize their learning in courses such as entrepreneurship, marketing, computer science and advanced levels of studio courses.

We believe in learning by doing. Every student is required to complete a professional internship, and many take part in our departmental trips to design hubs like Chicago during the year or our international travel in the summer semesters. Students also compete in regional and national design competitions, including the Annual National Student Show and Conference in Dallas. These experiences help students build strong portfolios and industry connections before graduation.

Your professors are more than instructors — they’re mentors. Our faculty teach from a Christ-centered perspective, offering personal support, creative guidance, and career preparation in and out of the classroom. With small class sizes, one-on-one advising and opportunities to study abroad, students receive the attention and encouragement they need to grow.

Students are encouraged to join Studio 1924, a student-led club and studio that hosts guest speakers, fun events, service projects and freelance opportunities outside of class. Many of our students also attend design events with regional AIGA and AAF chapters.

Whether you dream of working at a top design firm or launching your own creative business, our program will prepare you to lead, serve and create purposefully. We are proud to offer a program that combines artistic excellence with spiritual growth and real-world experience.

Graphic Design program

Graphic Design

At Harding, graphic design students gain real-world experience through hands-on class projects, professional internships and involvement with the student chapters of professional organizations. From branding and editorial design to interactive and packaging design, students build a strong portfolio reflecting creativity and integrity.

Curriculum emphasizes ethical design and service, blending studio and art history courses with carefully selected electives from communications and business. This well-rounded approach prepares students to thrive in today’s fast-changing creative industries and lead with purpose and professionalism.

Harding’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design is a 124-hour professional degree designed to prepare students for meaningful careers. The program includes 77 credit hours of specialized coursework in design, art history, software and studio practice. Students learn to create practical and ethical design solutions across various disciplines, including branding, typography, editorial, packaging and interactive media. The curriculum is further enriched with illustration, animation, photography, marketing, business and entrepreneurship electives, allowing students to tailor their education to match their interests and career goals.

All graphic design majors must pass the Sophomore Portfolio Review in ART 2900 after completing 12–15 credit hours of core art and design courses. This milestone helps evaluate each student’s artistic progress and readiness for upper-level coursework. To qualify for the review, students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA within the major. Passing the review is necessary to enroll in junior- and senior-level design courses.

In addition to the major requirements, students complete Harding’s 47-hour Core curriculum, which helps develop well-rounded thinkers and communicators. Several liberal arts components are fulfilled through courses within the major, including three credit hours in Aesthetics and the Creative Spirit, three credit hours in Self and Society, and three credit hours in Bible.

Creative Excellence and Christian Values

Harding’s program emphasizes creative excellence and Christian values, combining technical training with a commitment to ethical design, cultural engagement and community service. With access to small class sizes, faculty mentorship, internships, study abroad opportunities and student organizations, students are fully supported as they prepare to enter the professional world.

Contact Information


Art, Architecture and Design
501-279-4426
art@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Art, Architecture and Design
HU 12253
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

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At Harding University, you'll have the opportunity to be transformed academically, relationally and spiritually so you're prepared to change the world.

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