University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This programme covers the core principles of visual communication alongside the technical workflows used to bring designs from concept to finished product. Study typically includes foundations in design and colour theory, typography, image-making and digital illustration, layout and publication design, web and interactive design, and production processes for print.

• Design foundations: elements and principles of design, visual composition and drawing for designers.
• Typography and editorial design: type anatomy, hierarchy, grid systems and long‑form publication layout.
• Digital imaging and illustration: raster and vector workflows, image editing and creation for both print and screen.
• Colour management and prepress: colour theory, colour separation, file preparation and quality control for commercial printing.
• Print production technologies: offset and digital printing processes, finishing, binding and production budgeting.
• Web and interactive design: responsive layout, basic front‑end principles, UX considerations and preparing assets for online delivery.
• Workflow and project management: collaborative production pipelines, client briefs, legal/ethical considerations and portfolio development.
• Capstone and practical experience: studio projects, internships or practicum placements with industry partners and a professional portfolio or final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions consider academic preparation in relevant subjects and a demonstrated interest in visual communication. Many programmes welcome a portfolio of creative work showing layout, image-making or typographic skills; this helps the admissions team assess design aptitude.

Typical entry criteria include sustained academic achievement at secondary level and any institutionally required standard of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English. Some applicants may be admitted through transfer from community colleges or other universities with credit for relevant coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles across print and digital media. Career paths commonly followed include:

• Graphic designer in agencies, in‑house teams or as freelancers
• Prepress technician and production coordinator for print houses
• Art director or design lead in advertising and publishing
• Web and UX designer working on digital products and interfaces
• Packaging designer or brand designer responsible for product presentation
• Print production manager, quality control specialist or operations roles in communications production

The practical, portfolio‑oriented nature of the programme supports entry into creative industries, and many graduates combine design skills with roles in marketing, communications and user experience teams.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Studying graphic communications at University of Hawaii at Manoa places you in a distinctive Pacific setting with access to a diverse creative community and regional industry partners. The university offers hands‑on studio teaching, digital labs and production facilities where students practice both traditional print workflows and contemporary digital production.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary connections across arts, communication and business subjects, opportunities for local internships and community projects, and a curriculum informed by local visual cultures and multicultural perspectives. The campus environment supports both technical skill development and an understanding of design in a broader social and cultural context.