Graphic and Interactive Design Major

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design

Learn how to develop design concepts, create images, work with typography and master a wide range of new and traditional media with the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design in Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This STEM-certified, 126-credit program combines a deep understanding of design fundamentals coupled with the latest digital technologies, offering students the skills to excel across a wide range of platforms—from branding and typography to motion design, augmented reality and interactive media.

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Why study graphic and interactive design at Tyler?

Interdisciplinary curriculum: The Graphic and Interactive Design program is rooted in traditional design principles, such as composition, typography and color theory, while embracing digital innovations like motion design, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and multimedia storytelling. Students develop both the creative and technical skills necessary to navigate today’s design challenges, with a focus on problem-solving and adaptability. Learn more about the Graphic and Interactive Design Major curriculum.
Entrepreneurship in design: Throughout the curriculum, students explore how to create captivating visual work while also developing an entrepreneurial approach to design. Courses emphasize strategic thinking and creative problem-solving, preparing students to innovate within the design industry or build their own ventures. For those seeking additional business expertise, Tyler offers a certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship through a partnership with Temple’s Fox School of Business.
Faculty mentorship and real-world experience: With small class sizes and personalized mentorship from experienced faculty, students receive focused guidance to help them refine their skills and navigate real-world design problems. The program provides hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to work on projects that simulate industry challenges and preparing them for the competitive job market.
State-of-the-art facilities: Students benefit from the extensive facilities and resources of Temple University, a top public research institution. The program emphasizes hands-on practice, with dedicated studio time for developing design skills across both traditional and digital mediums. Students have access to the latest software and equipment for graphic and interactive design, supported by coursework in typography, branding, motion design, and digital media. Tyler’s Digital Fabrication Studio gives students access to many tools including laser cutting, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery and specialized digital output. Read about the innovative facilities and studios you will use as a student at Tyler.

image of posters of event speakers on a wall.

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Student Outcomes

Graduates from the Graphic and Interactive Design program enter the workforce with a well-rounded portfolio and the skills to tackle diverse design roles. Whether working in branding, digital media, UX/UI design or motion graphics, students are equipped to lead in a variety of creative fields. Alumni have gone on to work at renowned companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Chronicle Books, Google, Hallmark, MTV, The New York Times, Nickelodeon, Pentagram, the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Simon and Schuster, Spotify, Urban Outfitters and Vanguard, among others. Many also launch successful freelance careers or pursue graduate studies.

Student Life

As a student at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you’ll be part of a community that advances creativity and prioritizes you and how you engage in the world, in and out of the studio. Learn how Tyler empowers you to realize your vision, grow and make your mark.

Explore More About the Student Experience at Tyler

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Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories, established principles and practices, and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives—from the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor’s degree program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Learn more about the foundations program at Tyler.

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Classes & Curriculum

As a student in the graphic and interactive design program, you’ll work closely with faculty to understand the fundamental concepts of design, master design software and other tools, as well as find your unique voice and wield it in ways that address complex social challenges. A few courses you can anticipate taking include the following.

Advanced Graphic Design
Digital Narratives
Illustration
Interactive Design
Typography
Web Design

Learn more about the program curriculum.

Minor in Graphic and Interactive Design

The Minor in Graphic and Interactive Design offers non-majors at Temple and Tyler an opportunity to build a strong foundation in design principles while honing their digital tool proficiency. Through courses that emphasize typography, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy, students gain practical skills in visual communication and creative problem-solving. The program also introduces students to brand identity and interactive design, with a focus on user-centered solutions. Collaborative projects throughout the curriculum prepare students for professional communication and teamwork, adding a valuable dimension to their academic experience and complementing their major coursework. This minor is only available for students outside of the Design and Illustration Department. For more information about the minor, please contact Kelly Holohan, professor and program head of graphic and interactive design, at kholohan@temple.edu.

Concentrations

You can focus on Graphic and Interactive Design or you can take one of the following concentrations.

Art Education

Prepare to qualify for the Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in art, kindergarten through 12th grade. Students complete the BFA requirements along with 32 credit hours in art education, education and specified liberal arts courses. Education-related studies begin in students’ second year. Students generally take five years to fulfill all requirements or the 155-credit degree.
View Concentration Details

Related Undergraduate Degree

Illustration and Emerging Media BFA

Related Graduate Degree

Graphic and Interactive Design MFA

Related Minors

Illustration and Emerging Media Minor
User Experience and User Interface Design Minor

Related Certificates

Creative Entrepreneurship

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $25,848.00 per year
Out-of-state: $43,032.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office
Tyler 212
2001 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education.
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Temple University serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter at Temple’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year.

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.
Email: study.abroad@temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

National Architectural Accrediting Board (Master of Architecture)
Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
Planning Accreditation Board (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
International Facilities Management Association (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

TA-GID-BFA

Additional Program Information

Available as a minor.

School/College Site

View Program Details

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design

Why study graphic and interactive design at Tyler?

Student Outcomes

Student Life

Foundations

Classes & Curriculum

Minor in Graphic and Interactive Design

Concentrations

Art Education

Related Undergraduate Degree

Related Graduate Degree

Related Minors

Related Certificates

Tuition & Fees

Additional Program Information

Go back to AcademicsMore in Graphic and Interactive Design Major

Go back to Academics More in Graphic and Interactive Design Major