Program Overview

In Endicott's four-year bachelor’s degree program, students sharpen their design skills to be competitive across all aspects of the design industry—advertising, editorial design, branding, print and package design, website and app design—as well as developing skills in photography, illustration, motion design, and animation. Many students also minor in marketing, studio art, computer science, or photography.

You will be prepared for the cutting edge of the industry through coursework and strong ties to area companies and professionals, supported by our pioneering internship program. By keeping our fingers on the pulse of the industry, we are ensuring our students’ skills and our overall graphic design program are current and up to date with industry demands.

Our students have incredible success with internships turning into full-time employment after graduation with companies such as IBM, Hasbro, PUMA, Tank Design agency, EBSCO, and more.

Endicott’s graphic design program was recently rated #1 in Massachusetts by Zippia, a career resource company, based on career results, design emphasis, school performance, graduation rate, and cost.

Laptop Requirements

In addition to the general laptop requirements, incoming graphic design students have specific requirements for their program.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 127

First Year - Credits: 32

  • ART 101 - Visual Art and Cultural Values I: Prehistory to c. 1310 (Cr: 3)
  • ART 102 - Visual Art and Cultural Values II: Early Fourteenth Century to the Present (Cr: 3)
  • ART 105 - Drawing and Composition I (Cr: 3)
  • ART 106 - Drawing and Composition II (Cr: 3)
  • ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
  • ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
  • GD 105 - Introduction to Computer Graphics (Cr: 3)
  • GD 120 - Foundations of Graphic Design (Cr: 3)
  • GD 126 - Typography 1 (Cr: 3)
  • INT 100 - Internship I (Cr: 2)
  • PHT 116 - Introduction to Photographic Methods (Cr: 3)

Second Year - Credits: 35

  • Individual and Society General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Quantitative Reasoning General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3) 
  • Science and Technology General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3) (Recommended CSC101)
  • Art Elective  (Cr: 3)
  • ART 201 - Painting I (Cr: 3)
    or
  • ART 250 - Printmaking (Cr: 3)
  • ART 205 - Three-Dimensional Design (Cr: 3)
  • ART 237 - History of Graphic Design (Cr: 3)
  • INT 200 - Internship II (Cr: 2)
  • GD 200 - Sophomore Design Studio (Cr: 3)
  • GD 226 - Typography II (Cr: 3)
  • GD 230 - User Experience Design I (Cr: 3)
  • GD 326 - Typography III (Cr: 3)

Third Year - Credits: 30

  • Global Issues General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Literary Perspectives General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
  • World Cultures General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • Graphic Design or Illustration Elective   (Cr: 3)
  • General Education Elective  (Cr: 3)
  • ART 302 - Portfolio (Cr: 3)
  • ART 303 - Theory and Research in Visual Communication (Cr: 3)
  • GD 310 - User Experience Design II (Cr: 3)
  • GD 360 - Junior Graphic Design Studio I (Cr: 3)
  • GD 361 - Junior Graphic Design Studio II (Cr: 3)

Fourth Year - Credits: 30

  • Values and Ethical Reasoning General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
  • Graphic Design or Photography Elective   (Cr: 3)
  • General Education Electives  200+ level (Cr: 6)
  • GD 480 - Semester Internship (Cr: 12)
  • GD 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Requirements

Students take the following: 

  • DEI course attribute at any level
  • DEI course attribute 200 level and above

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graphic design program, students will:

  • Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the art fields.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and competency with tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction and distribution of visual messages. 
  • Demonstrate a strong handling of perceptual skills in drawing.
  • Experience the relationship of academic studio practices to professional applications.
  • Discuss and write about the historical context for the visual arts.
  • Communicate effectively in written form within the conventions of the discipline.
  • Describe and respond to audiences and contexts, including recognition of physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors that shape design decisions.
  • Create and develop a meaningful visual form using the principles of visual organization/composition, information hierarchy, and aesthetics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives.
  • Clearly and concisely articulate design concepts, solutions and rationale.
  • Demonstrate willingness to go beyond original parameters of assignment, introducing new materials and forms, including tackling controversial topics.
  • Integrate creativity and vision in pursuing thought-provoking visual design concepts using typography, symbolic representation, and color.
  • Deconstruct concepts, applying and carrying them out in a sophisticated and unique visual solution.

View academic catalog and learning outcomes

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Experiential learning is transformative

The Endicott Experiential Edge

“Learn by doing” isn’t just a motto—it’s our mission. As one of the first schools in the country to require three internships for every student, you'll have opportunities to transform classroom learning into real-world experience, giving you a head start on your career and an edge in the competitive job market. We call this the Endicott Experiential Edge. You’ll graduate with a degree, a resume, and a bold vision for your future.

Become a Global Gull

Open to all majors and student-athletes, our study abroad program provides life-changing opportunities where you’ll build lasting friendships, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Career Readiness

Our extensive resources and expert staff will support you with career advising, interview skills, networking, and crafting your resume and cover letters, so you can find that job after graduation.

Graduate With a Degree, a Resume & a Job

Endicott provides an outstanding education, along with opportunities to work in your field and build your resume through three internships. Whether you pursue graduate school or embark on your career right after graduation, your time at Endicott will prepare you for the next step. Take a look at what our graduates have been up to lately.

  • Internship Sites

    New York Film Academy
    Boston Ballet
    Whitechapel Gallery, London
    Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill
    SLAM Architects

  • Employers

    Perkins&Will
    SK+I
    Visnick & Caulfield Associates
    IA Interior Architects
    McMahon Architects

Endicott College

You're Going to Thrive at Endicott!

College is a whole new world. One that brings lots of excitement, and also a little anxiety. But don't worry—we've got you! From academic support and providing ways to get involved and meet new friends, to resources that keep you mentally and physically fit, our goal is to ensure you're happy, successful, and thriving at the Nest!

Text art that says, she doesn't just design, she disrupts
Gulls Launch Women in Design Conference
Endicott’s inaugural Women in Design conference will take place on April 29, 2026.
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