Overview

The Graphic Design programme at Central Michigan University offers an immersive educational experience for aspiring visual communicators. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances the history of the craft with contemporary design practices and emerging digital trends.

The course structure focuses on strengthening technical proficiency while fostering creative problem-solving. Learners explore the intersection of image-making and language, developing the ability to produce work that resonates across diverse platforms, including print, web, and interactive media.

Instruction covers essential research techniques, process management, and the execution of complex communication strategies.

Why Graphic Design at Central Michigan University?

Students benefit from an intimate learning environment where graphic design classes are limited to just 20 participants. This small class size ensures that expert faculty members can provide personalised mentorship and get to know each student as an individual designer.

The institution provides access to high-end facilities, including dedicated Mac labs, a letterpress shop, and a specialised print lab. Students can also utilise 2D and 3D printing resources to bring their creative visions to life using industry-standard equipment.

The department is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, ensuring high academic standards. Faculty members bring global expertise to the classroom, with many holding prestigious accolades such as Webby Awards and Fulbright fellowships.

Beyond the classroom, the active design student community organises workshops, guest speaker sessions, and annual trips to professional studios. Students also have opportunities to showcase their creative work within the University Art Gallery to gain public recognition.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22200 per year
National fee: USD 13248 per year
Local fee: USD 13248 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Logo and Identity Design
Typography
Professional Design Practices
Motion Graphics
User Experience (UX)
User Interface (UI)
Time-based Graphics

Careers with Graphic Design

Graduates are prepared for versatile roles across the creative industries, including positions in editorial design, advertising, and web development. The programme develops the skills necessary to thrive in both traditional print media and modern interactive fields.

Alumni from the university have secured employment at high-profile organisations such as Amazon, Calvin Klein, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Others have found success at major agencies including Campbell Ewald Advertising and Frost Burn Studios.

Common career paths for graduates include roles as art directors, illustrators, and graphic designers. The training also supports careers in specialised areas such as industrial design, video production, branding, and special effects animation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drawing

Contemporary ISSUes in Art

Design Foundations

Digital Design

Western Art

Digital Fabrication

Animation: Traditional Media

Ceramics

Figure Drawing

Painting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National Fall start : Rolling admission

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

If your GPA is at least 2.8, we will accept your application using the GPA you provide when you apply.
If your GPA is below 2.8, a transcript is required.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

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

We take several things into consideration when evaluating applications for admission, including GPA, test scores (optional) and academic improvement over time.

As part of the online application, you’ll need to pay a $40 application fee. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, speak to your high school guidance counselor to see whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application, or ask your school counselor to submit your official transcript. We can provide an admission decision and merit scholarship with either one. Keep us updated with new transcripts at the end of each semester. It may mean an upgrade in your scholarship.

You don’t have to submit a test score in order to be admitted and earn a merit award.

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

22200 USD / year

≈ 22200 USD / year
Out-of-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year

Additional Details

Lower level (less than 56 credit hours) tuition: For U.S. residents: $11,976 per year, for International students: $21,000 per year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

United States

1000 - 1500 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

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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