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SCHOOL OF ART

GRAPHIC DESIGN

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Explore the power of design to shape culture, solve problems, and inspire innovation. 

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design at the University of Houston provides a rigorous, comprehensive education that prepares students for professional careers in design. Students explore a range of design practices, theories, and methods while developing critical and imaginative thinking. Through individual inquiry and collaborative projects, students learn to adapt to the ever-evolving media landscape.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical inquiry, and sustainable practices, equipping graduates to excel in the national design job market and become leaders in the profession. Students engage with Houston’s vibrant design community through lectures, site-specific projects, and hands-on experiences, situating their work within a larger sociocultural framework.

Supported by the UHGAP alumni organization and regular visits from innovative design professionals, students are exposed to cutting-edge ideas and build valuable networks. Dedicated facilities, including 24-hour access to studios and labs, further enrich the learning environment and foster creativity and collaboration.

The BLOCK program is a pivotal step in the undergraduate Graphic Design journey. Admission is determined through a competitive portfolio review, ensuring the cohort consists of highly motivated and talented students. Once accepted, students enter an intensive, sequenced curriculum designed to push their creative and professional development to the next level.

BLOCK students benefit from:

  • Dedicated Studio Access: 24-hour access to state-of-the-art studios and labs, with spaces designed for collaborative work, critiques, and craft.
  • Tight-Knit Cohort: Working closely with peers in a structured, collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and innovation.
  • Visiting Professionals: Opportunities to interact with leading designers and thinkers, such as Ian Lynam, De Nichols, and Lucille Tenazas, during extended campus visits. 

This unique experience equips students with the skills, knowledge, and connections to thrive in professional design careers, setting them apart as innovators and leaders in the field. For more information about the BLOCK program, students are encouraged to contact Cheryl Beckett at cbeckett@uh.edu.

MASTERS OF FINE ARTS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN (MFA)

The MFA in Graphic Design at the University of Houston fosters advanced research and creative exploration, blending cultural, social, historical, methodological, and technological perspectives into a dynamic design context. Students work closely with advisors to define and develop a personal area of focus, pushing the boundaries of theory and practice while engaging in meaningful design innovation.

This graduate program thrives on diversity, bringing together students from varied backgrounds to create a vibrant community of collaborative learning and shared expertise. Graduates are encouraged to expand their conceptual frameworks beyond the studio, drawing inspiration from UH’s strong undergraduate design program, interdisciplinary university resources, and Houston’s thriving arts and design community.

Key features of the MFA program include:

  • Community Engagement: Regular interaction with design leaders and alumni through lectures, workshops, and interdisciplinary projects, supported by the UHGAP alumni organization.
  • Visiting Professionals: Exposure to new ideas and perspectives through five annual visits from prominent designers, critics, and curators.
  • Dedicated Facilities: Graduate students enjoy 24-hour access to individual studios, collaborative spaces, and cutting-edge labs, fostering creativity and innovation.

This program equips students to make significant contributions to the field of graphic design, both conceptually and professionally, preparing them to lead and innovate in a dynamic global landscape.

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