Overview

The Graphic Design curricular sequence from University of Tennessee Knoxville engages students in a design practice that is both broad and deep. Beginning with a design-centered foundations program, students will view the world through the lens of design from day one. This exploratory year includes four required courses that delve into typography, imagery, and systems through both 2D and 3D media. Students work towards admission into the program through a portfolio review.

Key facts

After the review, they become part of a tighter cohort, enhancing their creative capacity while exploring more complex concepts. Subsequent years will focus on refining a personal process, building capacity across tools and media, distinguish how the application of research methodologies and critical thinking support design decisions, and exploring information design and data visualization. In the final year, students hone their professional practices in branding and identity, culminating in a capstone project and a professional practice course that guides them in developing their websites and portfolios in preparation for the job market upon graduation.

Required coursework is supplemented by internships, opportunities to pursue a minor, and options to take courses in a wide range of influential subjects, such as art, cognitive psychology, advertising, and many others.

After completing the Foundations year, students are eligible to apply to continue in upper-division coursework towards the BFA degree in Graphic Design. The entrance process, known as Portfolio Review (GRDS 200), requires students to complete a written component, submit a specified number of works from their foundational year, and participate in a brief interview. Through a structured review process, applicants are assessed by the faculty teaching within the foundations program for engagement, growth, potential, and the professionalism needed for advanced coursework in the program. Throughout the year students are supported by their individual advisor to ensure on track progression for the 2nd year whichever direction is undertaken.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Typography

Interaction Design

The Idea of Design

Costume Construction

Costume Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Knoxville, United States

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 610 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Those applying will be admitted into the art program in rank order of cumulative average as space allows. The overall record will be evaluated for quality and seriousness of purpose. Excessive absences, withdrawals, incompletes or repeated courses may result in denial of progression. Progression into the School of Art does not guarantee progression into the graphic design major. Progression into the graphic design major will follow successful completion of the graphic design Portfolio Review.

Required

Go Vols (formerly VIP) application or the Common Application
$50 application fee
Official transcript(s)

English proficiency
One required essay—choose one of seven prompts

Optional

Recommendation letters (academic, professional, or personal)
Supporting statement
Standardized test scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30704 USD / year

≈ 30704 USD / year
Out-of-State

30704 USD / year

≈ 30704 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11560 USD / year

≈ 11560 USD / year

Living costs

Knoxville

United States

885 - 1454 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Graphic Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Knoxville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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