Join us!

PSU.GD equips students to conquer creative challenges.

With a breadth of technical and artistic skills, our program prepares students to be exploratory, experimental, collaborative graphic designers who can thrive in today’s world. The faculty in the design program at Portland State University are active makers and educators. Portland State’s graphic design students become part of the larger design community through their efforts and connections. We were recently named the #1 public graphic design school on the West Coast (#6 public nationwide).

Variety

Our students are equipped with an expansive array of skills and an understanding of the many ways design can function in the world. Our program’s core is founded on a breadth of practices: branding and identity, illustration, publication design, web and mobile experience design, environmental design, design thinking strategies, social practice applications, self-promotion and collaborative group work.

Make Real Work

We work to connect our students to the design community within Portland, and beyond. Through PSU.GD’s facilitation of visiting designer lectures, field trips, in-class demos, portfolio days, and internship opportunities, our students become integrated members of a global community of makers.

Confidence

We empower students to trust their creative impulses, embrace their interests, and direct their own learning experiences. Individualization of projects and self-authorship are encouraged and in turn create powerful creative workers who trust their choices.

Connectivity

We work to connect our students to the design community within Portland, and beyond. Through PSU.GD’s facilitation of visiting designer lectures, field trips, in-class demos, portfolio days, and internship opportunities, our students become integrated members of a global community of makers.

Experimentation

We push our students to try it all. Get weird. Our students are encouraged to engage in a process-driven practice so as to arrive at the optimal—and often most surprising—design solution.

The graphic design program at PSU draws its strength from its location within an expanded Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design and a large research university. PSU.GD’s curriculum is informed by proximity to programs such as MFAs in Studio and Social Practice and BA/BFA in Fine Arts and Architecture. Students can collaborate across programs and use facilities and lecture series outside the PSU.GD offerings.

COURSES

PSUGD equips students to conquer creative challenges with a breadth of technical and artistic skills. Our program prepares students to be exploratory, experimental, collaborative graphic designers who can thrive in today’s world.

YEAR 1

100 LEVEL COURSES:

Expect to develop essential skills in typography, color theory, and composition. You’ll explore both traditional and digital media, building a strong technical foundation. By the end of the year, you’ll have a solid understanding of the core elements of design and how to creatively express ideas through visual communication.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Student Work

YEAR 2

200 LEVEL COURSES:

Dive deeper into the application of design principles, learning to solve more complex visual problems!

In your second year, you will begin experimenting with identity design, layout, and grid systems while gaining experience with industry-standard software. This year is about expanding your visual vocabulary and applying your skills to diverse, real-world design challenges, including branding and interactive design.

Student Work

In order to take year 3 classes

you must pass sophomore portfolio review

YEAR 3

300 LEVEL COURSES:

Focus on refining your design process and deepening your conceptual approach!

This is where you will engage in more sophisticated design work, exploring motion graphics, web design, and UX/UI design. You’ll learn about design research, prototyping, and refinement, preparing you to create professional-level projects. Collaboration and feedback will become critical components of your design practice as you build a portfolio that reflects your unique style and approach

Student Work

YEAR 4

400 LEVEL COURSES:

Prepare for the professional world through advanced courses and a capstone project!

In your final year; expect to engage in self-directed work, showcasing your design identity through portfolio development, exhibition design, and client-based projects. You’ll learn how to present your work, navigate the business side of design, and transition into a design career. By the end of the year, you’ll have a portfolio that demonstrates your readiness for the next step as a professional designer.

Student Work

QUESTIONS + ADVISING

Schedule an Advising Appointment

PSU Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design

2000 SW 5th, Portland, OR 97201

TEL: 503.725.3515

EMAIL: art@pdx.edu