
Rebecca McMillen, Ph.D.
School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences
Explore Graphic Design, B.A.
Graphic design is about visual communication – bringing concepts to life visually.
As a graphic design major at Fresno Pacific University, you’ll become fluent in the visual language of today’s top marketing agencies.
You’ll learn how to think about and execute effective design with courses in color exploration, typography, web design and mixed media. Explore strategic marketing strategies and unleash your digital artistic expression with real-world application.
Through the study of graphic design, you’ll be equipped with the skills and industry knowledge to enter the job market with a professional, market-ready portfolio.
Program Director: Rebecca McMillen, Ph.D.
Students of the graphic design major will become fluent in the visual language of today's top marketing strategists and agencies. Students will learn how to think about, and execute, effective design with courses in color exploration, typography and mixed-media. The courses in this program provide opportunities to learn about strategic marketing, expanding creative innovation, digital artistic expression and real-world application. Students who choose to major in graphic design will leave the program with the skills, knowledge, and an award-winning portfolio that will make them valuable in the graphic design and marketing industries.
Main Campus Fresno
Graphic Design, B.A. Four Year Pathway
Graphic Design, B.A. Three Year Pathway
Graphic Design, B.A. ADT Pathway
This academic program is available as a 3-year bachelor's degree or as a standard 4-year bachelor’s degree. View more information about the 3-year option.
Below is a sample curriculum map for this program. This map serves as an example of how courses are set up to ensure completion of the degree in 3 years. The course listing is based on a sample year and follows a fall, spring and summer academic year. Some courses are only offered on odd or even years. An advisor will work with you to create a curriculum map that is unique to you.
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIB-100 | Jesus and the Christian Community | 3 |
HIST-120 | Ancient Civilizations | 4 |
COM-110 | Written Communication | 3 |
ART-140 | Drawing I | 3 |
ART-130 | Typography I | 3 |
CP-152 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
Total units: 17
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
HIST-130 | Medieval and Early Modern Civilization | 4 |
COM-120 | Oral Communication | 3 |
SPAN-105 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
ART-150 | Principles of Design | 3 |
COM-390 | UI/UX Web Design | 3 |
CP-152 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
Total units: 18
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
HIST-140 | Modern Civilizations | 4 |
PHYS-106 | Physical Science | 3 |
BLIT | 3 |
Total units: 10
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MATH-120 | Principles of Mathematics | 4 |
KIN-120 | Concepts of Wellness | 3 |
ART-350 | History of Western Art I | 3 |
ART-230 | Basic Graphic Design | 3 |
ART-330 | Art and Religion | 3 |
Total units: 16
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL-100 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
Social Science | 3 | |
ART-355 | History of Western Art II | 3 |
ART-430 | Advanced Graphic Design | 3 |
ART-365 | Color Theory | 3 |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 |
Total units: 19
Summer
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Social Science | 3 | |
PE-146 | Backpacking | 1 |
ART-482 | Internship in Art | 3 |
ART-335 | Intermediate Graphic Design | 3 |
Total units: 10
Fall
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ART-370 | Life by Design | 3 |
ART-475 | Art Careers | 3 |
THEO-400 | Theologies of the Christian Imagination | 3 |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 | |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 |
Total units: 15
Spring
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ART-450 | Project in Art | 3 |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 | |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 | |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 | |
Graphic Design Elective | 3 |
Total units: 15
Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.
Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.
All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:
Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu
1. Art History (AA-T) to Graphic Design, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
2. Studio Arts (AA-T) to Graphic Design, B.A.
BA courses fulfilled through ADT:
ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.
For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:
Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:
Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:
Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.
Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.
This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.
FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.
Total Cost Item | Amount |
---|---|
12-18 units (full time) per year | $34,960 |
Student body fee | $598 |
Total Tuition and Fees | $35,548 |
Room | $5,018 |
Board | $5,130 |
Total Tuition, Fees & Board | $45,696 |
Per-Unit Costs | Amount |
---|---|
Per unit / Overload | $1,248 |
Summer Session | $500 |
Private Music Instruction | $400 |
Total Cost Item | Amount |
---|---|
12-18 units (full time) per year | $33,614 |
Student body fee | $574 |
Total Tuition and Fees | $34,188 |
Room and Board | $8,884 |
Total Tuition, Fees & Board | $43,072 |
Per-Unit Costs | Amount |
---|---|
Per unit / Overload | $1,218 |
Summer Session | $400 |
Private Music Instruction | $400 |
Total Cost Item | Amount |
---|---|
12-18 units (full time) per year | $32,954 |
Student body fee | $498 |
Total Tuition and Fees | $33,452 |
Room and Board | $8,710 |
Total Tuition, Fees & Board | $42,162 |
Per-Unit Costs | Amount |
---|---|
Per unit / Overload | $1,177 |
Summer Session | $300 |
Private Music Instruction | $400 |
Module* | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
Modules | $4,313 | $4,313 |
Jost Modules | $4,619 | $4,619 |
* Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)
Suites & Houses | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
Room only | $2,068 | $2,068 |
Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) | $2,719 | $2,719 |
Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) | $3,276 | $3,276 |
Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) | $4,400 | $4,400 |
Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
Apartment - Room only | $2,694 | $2,694 |
Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) | $3,345 | $3,345 |
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) | $3,902 | $3,902 |
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) | $5,026 | $5,026 |
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall Apartments: 3 Person | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
Apartments - Room only | $3,306 | $3,306 |
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) | $3,958 | $3,958 |
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) | $4,514 | $4,514 |
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) | $5,639 | $5,639 |
Stand-Alone Meal Plans | Fall | Spring |
---|---|---|
70 Block | $651 | $651 |
140 Block | $1,208 | $1,208 |
Full Access Meal Plan | $2,332 | $2,332 |
* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.
Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Paragon | Full Tuition | |
President's | 4.00 GPA and above | $18,000 |
Dean's | 3.75-3.99 GPA | $15,000 |
Heritage | 3.50-3.75 GPA | $14,000 |
Faculty | 3.25-3.49 GPA | $12,000 |
Founder's | Below a 3.0 GPA | $8,000 |
To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.
Name | GPA | Amount |
---|---|---|
Transfer Scholar | 3.50 GPA and above | $14,000 |
Transfer Achievement | 3.0-3.49 GPA | $10,000 |
Transfer Academic | 2.40-2.99 GPA | $7,500 |
Transfer Partnership | Below a 2.4 GPA | $6,000 |
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Athletic | $500 to Full Tuition |
Music | $400 to $10,000 |
Theatre Arts | $500 to $4,000 |
Art/Design | $500 to $4,000 |
Name | Amount |
---|---|
FPU Possibilities Scholarship | Full Tuition |
Church Match | $500 to $1,500 |
International Scholarship | up to $6,000 |
Mennonite Brethren Award | $4,000 |
Out of State Student Scholarship | $4,000 |
Other Awards | $100 to $10,000 |
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Cal Grant A | $9,358 |
Cal Grant B | $1,648 |
Pell Grants | $750 to $7,395 |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | $1,000 |
Name | Amount |
---|---|
Federal Direct | $3,500 to $7,500 |
PLUS Loan | Up to remaining cost |
Workstudy | Contingent on employment |
Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.
Alexandra Green
The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.
Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.
Within the field of design, you'll find diverse careers: from work in web design, production artistry, art development, marketing, and various multimedia sectors. Creative thinkers are highly sought after in virtually any career and our program allows flexibility to add a double major or a minor to expand your options. The program also encourages you to take up to three internship units, which count towards your degree.
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.