Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundation-level studio courses with increasingly specialised design and applied arts modules. Early study emphasises drawing, design principles, colour theory, visual communication and basic digital tools. As you progress you choose or are exposed to areas such as graphic design, typography, illustration, digital media and interaction design, product/industrial design, textile and surface design, packaging, branding, and wayfinding.

• Foundation studios – observational drawing, 2-D and 3-D fundamentals, materials and processes.
• Design fundamentals – composition, typography, colour systems and visual problem solving.
• Digital production – software for layout, vector and raster graphics, basic motion graphics and web design tools.
• Specialist studios – advanced projects in areas such as identity systems, user-centred design, product prototyping, illustration and surface design.
• Professional practice – portfolio development, client-based projects, entrepreneurship, ethics and project management.
• Capstone and exhibition – a final-year project or series of projects presented in a public exhibition or professional portfolio review.
• Internship and collaborative projects – opportunities to work with local businesses, cultural organisations and multidisciplinary teams to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic records alongside evidence of creative potential. Requirements commonly include:

• A completed secondary school/ high school credential or equivalent.
• A portfolio demonstrating range of visual work; digital submissions are accepted for review. Portfolios should show drawing, design thinking, and examples of finished projects where possible.
• Meeting the university's general admissions criteria for undergraduate study. Standardised tests may be optional depending on the university's policies.
• For international applicants, proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS where required by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a portfolio and practical experience suitable for a wide range of roles across the creative industries. Typical career paths include:

• Graphic designer or visual designer for agencies, in-house creative teams and studios.
• Digital and UX/UI designer working on websites, apps and interactive experiences.
• Illustrator, surface or textile designer for publishing, fashion and product sectors.
• Product or industrial designer involved in prototyping and manufacturing design.
• Art director, branding or experiential designer in advertising and marketing.
• Freelance creative professional, consultant or entrepreneur running a design studio.
• Roles in museums, galleries, exhibition design, education and cultural organisations; or progression to graduate study such as an MFA.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern offers a learning environment that blends small-class studio teaching with access to professional-level facilities and community connections. The university's arts programmes emphasise applied, career-focused projects and give students opportunities to exhibit work, collaborate with local employers and undertake internships that build real-world experience. The campus location within a region with active arts and design communities provides access to regional design studios, cultural venues and nearby cities with expanded creative industries. Faculty are practising designers and artists who mentor students through technical skill development, critical thinking and professional preparation, culminating in a curated senior exhibition and a market-ready portfolio.