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Major & Minor
Design
The study of design prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media.
About the Design Major
Visual communication and literacy have never been more important than they are today, and opportunities for graduates with a design degree are more promising than ever. Designers develop and create tailored visual ideas in art to communicate a brand’s message, ideas, or mission, such as brochures, games, websites, and logos.
At Southern Virginia University, students in the design program engage in challenging artistic experiences to become literate, articulate artists with both breadth and depth of artistic experience. Students are able to tailor their education to fit their desired career paths in design, such as interior, industrial, graphic, game, and sport. Design majors learn basic design principles, color theory, critical thinking, and artistic techniques, and studying in a liberal arts setting cultivates critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to see and understand different perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
What you’ll learn in the Design major:
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Learn how to communicate brand messaging through design
- Knowledge of design in desired career field
- Thorough knowledge of design principles
Career Opportunities
There is a wide array of potential careers with a Design degree, including jobs in design, animation, arts, marketing, and more depending on your personal and professional goals.
- Interior Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Animator
- Sport Branding Designer
Getting Started in the Design Major
Follow these simple steps below to get a head start in the
Design Major today.
Enroll
Begin by taking Viscom I (ART 121) in your first year
Contact Your Advisor
Get in touch with New tab, Opens Bio of: Professor Jacob Ricks to discuss your interests and goals
Declare
Turn in a completed PDFDeclare Major Form to the Registrar’s Office
Questions? Contact the Registrar at emailregistrar@svu.edu.
Design Faculty
Jacob Ricks
Associate Professor of Art; Art & Design Program Coordinator
In the News
First Design Graduate Secures Position at Multinational Design Agency
“I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer for an agency, but I didn’t know how to get there. But Professor Ricks was absolutely incredible in helping me prepare for everything. When I needed to create a portfolio, he gave me ideas, prompts, and assignments to not only make sure I had everything I needed, but to also become confident in myself and my work by the time I graduated.”
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In the News
Design Professor’s Work to Be Implemented by National Parks Service
Buena Vista, Va.—Professor Jacob Ricks, recent MFA graduate and professor of design at Southern Virginia University, will have his graphic design work implemented by the National Parks Service in 2024.
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