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Graphic Design, B.A.

School of Arts and Sciences

A Program Built for Your Future in a Visual World

You want a creative career where your ideas matter.

Whether you dream of designing brands, building engaging digital experiences or creating visuals that connect people, our B.A. in Graphic Design prepares you to succeed in a world shaped by visual communication.

Our program helps you go from creative thinker to creative professional—with the tools, confidence and real-world experience employers look for.

At FPU, you’ll gain creative confidence and technical expertise through courses that include:

  • Visual Communication & Design Foundations – Learn how design communicates ideas that matter
  • Brand Identity & Storytelling – Build visual systems that capture attention
  • Interactive and Digital Media – Create engaging designs for screens and responsive platforms
  • UX/UI Principles – Design intuitive experiences users enjoy
  • Portfolio-Ready Projects – Build real work for real audiences

Your Path to Creative Impact

Today’s world communicates visually—from apps and websites to social media feeds, advertising and beyond.

Skilled designers are essential for shaping those experiences, helping brands, organizations and ministries tell their stories with clarity, meaning and purpose. This program teaches you how to think like a designer and work with the tools industry demands.

Program Highlights

  • Work on hands-on projects similar to what professionals do every day
  • Build a professional portfolio you can show employers
  • Bring your work to life through internships and industry collaborations
  • Learn from faculty with real design experience

Catalog

Fresno Pacific University is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, beginning in Fall 2026. 

Course details and program information are currently being finalized and will be available soon. Please check back after May 1 for full details.

Your future starts here. Big goals start with simple steps.

At Fresno Pacific University, you’ll find an education that empowers you to grow—in faith, knowledge, and purpose. Whether you’re a first-time college student or transferring in, our straightforward application process and personal support make it easy to get started. Discover how to apply and take your next step toward what’s possible at FPU.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
    • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in a sealed envelope by your institution to: Fresno Pacific University
                   Office of the Registrar
                   1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
                   Fresno, CA 93702
  • Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st.
    • Add FPU to your FAFSA:
      • FPU's FAFSA Code: 001253 
        or
      • Select FPU from the School Search function.

Recommended High School Courses for Admission

  • 4 years of college preparatory English
  • 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
  • 2 years of social studies
  • 1 year of laboratory science
  • 1 year of performing art
  • 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better

Things to Keep in Mind

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
admissions@fresno.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information

1. Art History (AA-T) to Graphic Design, B.A.

BA courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

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:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BA major has no lower-division major or co-requisite courses that could be fulfilled by the ADT.
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units.

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-application

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:

  1. Fill out the re-application form
  2. Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
    1. Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in a sealed envelope by your institution to: Fresno Pacific University               
           Office of the Registrar
           1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
           Fresno, CA 93702

Steps for Re-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:

  1. Fill out the re-admission form
  2. Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
    1. Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in a sealed envelope by your institution to: Fresno Pacific University               
           Office of the Registrar
           1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
           Fresno, CA 93702

Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

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:

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
  3. Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
  4. Personal essays are not required

Auditing a class

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.

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
  2. Personal essays are not required

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Earn your degree in four years. Turn your goals into action sooner.

Four-year graduation guarantee graphic

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.

Incoming Requirements

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.

  • Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
  • This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
  • The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
  • Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
  • The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.

Student Responsibilities

To qualify for the guarantee students must:

  • Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
  • Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
  • Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
  • Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
  • Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
  • Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
  • Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
  • Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
  • Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways

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.

Incoming requirements
  • 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
  • Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
  • Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
    • For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
  • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
  • Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
  • This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
  • This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

2025-2026

Total Cost ItemAmount
12-18 units (full time) per year$36,990
Student body fee$770
Total Tuition and Fees$37,760
Room$4,670
Board$5,582
Total Tuition, Fees & Board$48,012
Per-Unit CostsAmount
Per unit / Overload$1,320
Summer Session$550

2024-2025

Total Cost ItemAmount
12-18 units (full time) per year$35,990
Student body fee$670
Total Tuition and Fees$36,660
Room$4,800
Board$5,410
Total Tuition, Fees & Board$46,870
Per-Unit CostsAmount
Per unit / Overload$1,285
Summer Session$515

Room & Board Rates

Freshman / Sophomore Housing

Module*FallSpring
Modules$4,313$4,313
Jost Modules$4,619$4,619 

* Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)

Junior / Senior Housing

Suites & HousesFallSpring
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)FallSpring
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 PersonFallSpring
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 PlansFallSpring
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.

Notes about housing

  • For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
  • 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.
  • Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.

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.

Financial Aid

Freshman Scholarships

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.

NameGPAAmount
Paragon Full Tuition
President's4.00 GPA and above$18,000
Dean's3.75-3.99 GPA$15,000
Heritage3.50-3.75 GPA$14,000
Faculty3.25-3.49 GPA$12,000
Founder'sBelow a 3.0 GPA$8,000

Transfer Scholarships 

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.

NameGPAAmount
Transfer Scholar3.50 GPA and above$14,000
Transfer Achievement3.0-3.49 GPA$10,000
Transfer Academic2.40-2.99 GPA$7,500
Transfer PartnershipBelow a 2.4 GPA$6,000

Performance-based Scholarships

NameAmount
Athletic$500 to Full Tuition
Music$400 to $10,000
Theatre Arts$500 to $4,000
Art/Design$500 to $4,000

Other FPU Grants and Scholarships

NameAmount
FPU Possibilities ScholarshipFull Tuition
Church Match$500 to $1,500
International Scholarshipup to $6,000
Mennonite Brethren Award$4,000
Out of State Student Scholarship$4,000
Other Awards$100 to $10,000

Federal and State Grants

NameAmount
Cal Grant A$9,358
Cal Grant B$1,648
Pell Grants$750 to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant$1,000

Federal Loans and Work-Study

NameAmount
Federal Direct$3,500 to $7,500
PLUS LoanUp to remaining cost
Work-studyContingent on employment

Private Scholarships

Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.

View Private Scholarships

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

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.

Net Price Calculator

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.

Calculate for First-Time FreshmanCalculate for Transfer

Career Opportunities

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.

Career Possibilities

  • Graphic designer
  • Web designer
  • Production artist
  • Marketing specialist

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether you're 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.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center