Graphic Design Major & Minor

The Graphic Design program at Stonehill incorporates theory with practical application, providing students with the foundation needed to become successful and thoughtful practitioners.

Program Type Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor
Degrees Offered B.A.
Mode of Study On Campus
Department Visual & Performing Arts
School May School of Arts & Sciences
Students in Graphic Design Class
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Professional Opportunities from Day One 

Whether it’s working for an advertising agency, a book or magazine publisher, or within a corporate design department, our graphic design majors graduate with the foundation needed to succeed professionally. 

Experiential Learning Includes On-Campus Pre-Professional Graphic Design Studio 

In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects through InHouse Design, a student-run pre-professional graphic design studio. These projects give them an opportunity to build a professional body of work, as well as provide insight into the process of working independently or as a member of a team for real clients both on campus and at not-for-profits organizations in neighboring communities. 

Students may also participate in graphic design-related internships, further building the bridge to professional practice. From Stonehill’s own Marketing Office to large NYC agencies, graphic design students may gain experiences that support future goals. 

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Stonehill Chapter

AIGA is a professional organization for design. Stonehill graphic design majors are required to be a member for at least three semesters. 

Career Resources for Students

The Career Development team offers extensive assistance to students seeking employment, pursuing advanced studies or participating in postgraduate service opportunities. By completing internships and utilizing mentors, students are empowered to build lifelong career management skills.

100%
Class of 2018 Placement Rate

100% of graphic design majors in the Class of 2018 were employed, in graduate programs, or engaged in postgraduate service six months after graduation.

6,000
Handshake Jobs & Internships

In 2019-2020, 6,000 new jobs and internships were posted in Handshake, Stonehill's career management system for students and alumni.

Dedicated Faculty & State-of-the-Art Resources 

In graphic design, students work closely with a faculty advisor who helps them develop an independent project or mentor them as they seek an internship suited to their skills and professional goals. With such guidance, the relationship between form and content comes alive on the page or screen as students develop concepts and articulate them using sophisticated software in our Mac lab. 

Student preparing for gallery presentation

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Sample Courses

Typography: Letterforms and Words in Graphic Design

VPG 201
Students are introduced to typography and its role in the visualization of language. Studio work, discussions and lectures will focus on the art of the basic letterform and its anatomy, major type families and characteristics, typographic contrast and hierarchy, as well as legibility and readability. Students will build skills in conceptual thinking, expressive typography, and the art of typesetting with attention to form and peace, for small to large amounts of text, across various types of media. Students will use digital media as well as traditional methods to develop visual projects.

Package Design

VPG 302
This studio course is an introduction to the design of packaging. Students will explore the concept of brand identity and apply branding strategies to the design and production of packaging for products that are common in today's market. Students will learn how to design visual continuity for a 3-D format. Sustainable/environmentally-conscious packaging materials will be explored.

Publication Design

VPG 308
In this hands-on studio class students will learn to design for publications. The structure, construction, and production of magazines, newspapers, corporate publication will be explored, along with their conceptual and aesthetic attributes and environmental concerns.

Interactive Design

VPG 309
Mobile applications present unique challenges. This course will explore what is needed in designing visual interfaces for multiple types of mobile devices. Students in this class will engage in the entire design process - from conceptualizing the initial modality according to client needs and content, to putting in place a navigational and screen experience that is user friendly and appealing. By the end of the course, students will be able to effectively work with content for mobile devices in ways which provide a compelling experience for the user and as a result, ensure client satisfaction.

Recent Internship Opportunities

Stonehill students have interned in design positions at large and small design studios, advertising and marketing firms, and in-house design departments of major brands and smaller companies. Many of our students complete an internship abroad or in Los Angeles or New York City. Continue exploring where our students intern.

 

All students are required to complete one internship and to work closely with Professor Cristy Morgan to prepare their resumes and online portfolios, and to find internship opportunities that might be the best fit.

  • ’47 Brand
  • nickelodeon
  • Reebok
  • museum of fine arts – boston
  • Roc Nation
  • Studio 71

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing during their senior year.

Contact Information

Gary W. Stanton

Gary W. Stanton

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design, Graphic Design Program Director
gstanton@stonehill.edu
508-565-1768
Cushing-Martin 13
Visual and Performing Arts

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