Graphic Design

What you will learn in Graphic Design at Southern Miss.

Course work focuses on visual literacy; development of conceptual, aesthetic, and visualization skills; and creative problem solving. Students will learn Graphic Design skills and principles for identity design, type design, collateral design, editorial design, package design, poster design, information design, storyboarding, advertising design, and, interactive (web) design.

• Instruction is supported by art studio and academic courses related to the design profession.
• Classroom experiences may be broadened through job internships in design firms, advertising agencies or corporate design studios.
• Numerous field trips, visiting artist presentations and work on actual, real world projects also expand the classroom experience.

In the initial graphic design courses, students are exposed to design theory, methodologies, and tools of visual communication. Conceptual, technical and presentation skills, based on commercial expectations and professional practices, are developed.

Later course work emphasizes communication skills, technical and production skills, and the understanding of marketing and promotion.

At the completion of the senior year, students produce an extensive senior project, combining an area of personal vision with their professional goals. Successful completion of the program provides a professional portfolio and the skills necessary to enter the field.

Make sure to check out our student work located in our virtual galleries:

Career Options

The program enjoys an exceptional placement rate, with graduates working in corporate art studios, advertising agencies, design studios, printing and publishing firms, and the expanding electronic publishing and digital art fields throughout the United States.