Graphic & Interactive Design
The Graphic and Interactive Design degree blends the traditional visual problem-solving of graphic and digital design with deep interactive design in web, mobile and user experience to develop an integrated designer. You will learn to lead with a human-centered approach to visual identity and the aesthetic experience. Careers in graphic design are evolving to require graphic designers who can brand, design, build, adapt and share across multiple platforms, mediums and spaces. As a content creator, you will engage in integrative learning that relies heavily on hands-on technology for web, graphic, and motion design, augmented reality, 2D games, 3D, and social media.
MSUM’s Graphic & Interactive Design program offers the latest graphics design technology for students to create complex, interactive projects, including website design, working 2D games, immersive reality (AR and VR), motion graphics and more. As a student in the School of Media Arts and Design, you will receive a subscription to the Adobe CC suite and server space for building web projects. Our design classrooms have iMacs, scanners, Wacom tablets, and resources to print large format graphics. In addition, MSUM supports your work in immersive media with access to VR headsets and iPads for mobile and AR projects.
You’ll learn the knowledge and skills needed to become a career graphic designer as part of this progressive National Association of School of Arts & Design (NASAD) program. NASAD supported MSUM in merging our graphic design and graphic communications majors to create website designers and interactive designers of the future. MSUM is one of only seven accredited institutions in Minnesota and one of 12 in the tri-state area.
As an integrated designer, you will learn to think, brand, design, build, adapt and share across multiple platforms, mediums and spaces. You will experiment with innovative technology and produce work aligned with marketing in UX/UI design. You’ll exercise both your analytical left-brain and creative right-brain by building, designing, producing and distributing content, with technology as your canvas for storytelling.
The core foundation of the BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design solidly equips you for a variety of careers in design for today and beyond. You’ll choose the area of study you’re most interested in with three tracks to help you achieve your personal and career goals: Graphic Design, Interactive Media, and Digital Design and Production.
On-campus studio space is available to upper-class students. You’ll have a dedicated laptop station, work area, and private locker for storage. These spaces encourage personal exploration and creative expression, giving you space and freedom to complete your best work.
Graphic & Interactive Design Student Success Stories
Annual student animation project sends joy to alumni across the world
Each year, the MSU Moorhead Marketing & Communications team hires inventive students to develop a fun, festive short video to share holiday greetings with the wider Dragon community.
Welcome to the #DragonFamily: Andy Bissonnette
Fargo native and MSUM alum Andy Bissonnette (GID '10) is the newest Associate Professor of Graphic & Interactive Design. He will be instructing students on the principles of design.
New fatherhood and golf passion inspire Kid Caddie
Kid Caddie creator, Ben Fairbanks, shares how his graphic communications degree equipped him to be an entrepreneur.
Through engaged study, experiential learning and exploring your practice, your passion will grow through internship opportunities, alumni mentorship and real-world design experiences.
Learn about Graphic & Interactive Design program opportunities
You might also be interested in…
Animation | Illustration | Integrated Advertising and Public Relations | Photography | Computer Science | Film Production
MSUM’s graphic and interactive design program provides you with a contemporary and market-relevant education. You will be an adaptable and innovative designer capable of working in a variety of digital media and platforms. This aligns with the growing demand for design professionals who can navigate the ever-expanding digital landscape. Here is just a sample of graphic and interactive design careers that are predicted to have job growth through this decade.
What Are Some Common Graphic & Interactive Design Related Careers?
| Career | Job Growth (2021-2031) | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | 3% | $51,000 |
| Art Director | 4% | $101,000 |
| Web Designer | 23% | $78,000 |