Doane University

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational art and design principles with applied studio practice and digital production. Core studio courses typically cover drawing and visual foundations, typography, colour theory, digital imaging, and layout. Students progress to advanced studios in areas such as graphic design, web and interaction design, illustration, branding, and print production. Coursework emphasises concept development, portfolio creation, and professional practice, with project-based assignments that simulate real-world briefs.

In addition to studio time, the curriculum includes courses in art history, design theory, visual culture, and electives that allow exploration of photography, animation, packaging, or maker-based processes. Many students complete a capstone project or senior exhibition that showcases a cohesive body of work and culminates in a professional portfolio and presentation.

Structure and learning methods

• Small studio classes with regular crits and one-to-one faculty mentoring.
• Project-based learning with iterative design reviews and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Use of industry-standard software and access to analogue and digital fabrication tools.
• Opportunities for internships, client projects and public exhibitions.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent; transfer applicants with prior college coursework are also considered. Admission typically requires a portfolio of creative work that demonstrates visual thinking, technical skill and conceptual development. Candidates should demonstrate readiness for studio practice through examples of drawing, layout, digital work or related creative projects.

Standard academic records and a personal statement outlining interests in design and applied arts are required. For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency may be necessary. Doane considers applicants holistically, including extracurricular experience, recommendations and demonstrated commitment to the arts.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme enter a range of creative and applied fields. Common career paths include:

• Graphic designer — branding, editorial, packaging and promotional design.
• Web and UX/UI designer — interface design, prototyping and user-centred projects.
• Illustrator and visual communicator — publication, advertising and freelance commissions.
• Art director or creative lead — overseeing visual strategy in agencies or in-house teams.
• Production artist and prepress specialist — preparing work for print and digital distribution.
• Gallery, museum or cultural sector roles — exhibition production, education and curation (often combined with further study).

Graduates often build freelance practices, join design studios, work in marketing departments, or pursue postgraduate study in specialised design fields or education to expand career options.

Why study at Doane University

• Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship — personalised feedback and studio guidance are central to the learning experience.
• Integration with a liberal arts curriculum — students gain broad critical thinking and communication skills that strengthen design practice.
• Hands-on facilities and exhibition opportunities — access to maker spaces, digital labs and campus galleries for showing work publicly.
• Professional preparation — emphasis on portfolio development, internships and real-world projects to support employment after graduation.
• Flexible pathways — options to take electives across media, collaborate with other departments, or pursue independent capstone projects tailored to career goals.