Overview

The Graphic Design programme at Western Kentucky University offers a professional pathway for students aiming to excel in the modern creative industries. By blending traditional artistic foundations with advanced digital practices, the curriculum ensures graduates are prepared for the complexities of the visual communications sector.

Students enrolled in this course benefit from a rigorous studio-based environment where they develop conceptual thinking and problem-solving abilities. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of media, including print, web, and interactive platforms, ensuring a versatile skill set. This approach allows learners to produce high-quality work that meets the strategic demands of contemporary clients and employers.

Why Graphic Design at Western Kentucky University?

One of the most distinctive features of this programme is the opportunity to gain real-world agency experience through Imagewest. This award-winning, student-run advertising and design agency allows participants to work with local, national, and international clients. Such hands-on exposure is invaluable for building professional confidence and a competitive resume before graduation.

The university's proximity to Nashville provides a unique advantage, enabling regular engagement with industry professionals through guest lectures and portfolio reviews. Additionally, students can showcase their creative growth in juried shows, exhibitions, and competitions. Study abroad programmes are also available, offering global perspectives that can deeply inform and strengthen a student's design practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 29030 per year
National fee: USD 27000 per year
Local fee: USD 12072 per year

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

Syllabus

The B.F.A. in Visual Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design requires 79 credit hours of study. Modules may include:

Design
Drawing
Digital Media
Graphic Design
Graphic Design Survey
Visual Thinking
Illustration
Package Design
Electronic Illustration
Advanced Media Design

Careers with Graphic Design

Graduates from Western Kentucky University are well-prepared to enter a variety of professional roles within the creative sector. The programme's focus on strategic thinking and technical proficiency opens doors to careers in advertising agencies, design firms, and corporate marketing departments. Many alumni also find success as freelance designers or by launching their own creative businesses.

The robust network of alumni and industry links provides a strong foundation for entering the workforce. Beyond immediate employment, the depth of the B.F.A. curriculum also prepares students for further academic pursuits, such as graduate study in fine arts or specialised design disciplines. Common industries for graduates include publishing, web development, branding, and interactive media.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Two-Dimensional Design
Drawing
History of Art to 1300
History of Art Since 1300
Visual Thinking
Survey of Graphic Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 609 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements: Freshmen: 2.5 GPA / Transfer:* 2.0 GPA
*Students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit
English proficiency requirements
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
Students transferring from within the US will need to fill out the Transfer-In Form

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

29030 USD / year

≈ 29030 USD / year
Out-of-State

27000 USD / year

≈ 27000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12072 USD / year

≈ 12072 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 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

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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