Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Graphic + Interactive Design

Graphic + Interactive Design at YSU: A (Blended) Degree Program in Visual Communication

The Graphic + Interactive Design program at Youngstown State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates traditional fine art foundations with contemporary design practices. This blended program combines in-person and fully online coursework, providing students with both flexibility and a robust, hands-on educational experience. As a blended program, it combines the structure and engagement of in-person instruction with the flexibility and accessibility of online coursework, allowing students to benefit from both hands-on studio experiences and digital learning environments. Approximately 35% of the design-focused coursework is completed online, offering students a meaningful opportunity to develop digital competencies while maintaining access to in-person studio instruction. This program is designed to prepare students for careers as visual communicators in a rapidly evolving global design industry.

Curriculum Highlights:

• Foundational Fine Arts Curriculum: Students begin with a strong base in studio art courses, including drawing, painting, and sculpture, to develop essential visual and technical skills
• Portfolio Review Process: A Freshman Foundations Portfolio Review ensures students are prepared to advance into upper-level design coursework
• Interdisciplinary Exploration: Coursework includes exposure to a range of media such as printmaking, digital media, photography, and interactive design, fostering a broad understanding of visual arts
• Design Core Competencies: Students engage in specialized courses covering typography, layout, identity systems, packaging, and web design
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Emphasis is placed on conceptual development, design thinking, and the ability to address complex visual communication challenges
• Experiential Learning: Opportunities for real-world application through client-based projects, internships, and collaborative assignments
• Professional Development Milestones: Junior Portfolio Review and Senior Project serve as key benchmarks for academic and career readiness
• Alumni Outcomes: Graduates have secured positions at leading organizations such as Disney, Sherwin-Williams, and Southwest Airlines

Faculty Expertise and Mentorship:

The program is led by faculty who are both accomplished educators and active professionals in the field. Their commitment to student development is reflected in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to the design profession.

Contact information

To learn more about our degree programs, scholarships, professional development and careers, exhibitions, faculty, and students, visit Department of Art or contact us at 330.941.3627. 

To schedule a personalized campus visit, contact the Cliffe College of Creative Arts Program Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at 330.941.2346 or sawaltman@ysu.edu.

1) Students will be able to demonstrate their proficiency of art vocabulary.

2) Students will be able to demonstrate technical expertise appropriate to their
     progression in the program as it is relevant to their chosen artistic medium.

3) Students will be able to demonstrate a high level of content expression appropriate to
     their progression in the program as it is relevant to their chosen artistic medium.