U of O to Add Graphic Design Major in Fall 2025

The University of the Ozarks' Board of Trustees recently approved the creation of a graphic design major during its fall meeting in October.

The graphic design major will be implemented beginning the Fall 2025 Semester and will be a part of the University's art program.

In addition to the new graphic design major, faculty have approved a new minor in photography and are working on an interdisciplinary minor in design to complement the University's LENS curriculum. Both minors are expected to be added for the Fall 2025 Semester and will also be a part of the art department.

Dr. Janie Diels, vice president for academic affairs, said the new graphic design major "builds on the strengths of our art program."

"The major will prepare students for careers in the graphic design industry and will cultivate knowledge of design principles along with a mastery of design software," Diels said. "True to the Ozarks traditions, students will find small class sizes that provide a challenging yet supportive atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, and a new design studio that will ensure our graduates are learning to use state-of-the-art tools of the trade."

Diels said a search for a tenure-track faculty member specializing in graphic design will be launched within the next few weeks.

Windgate Professor of Art Tammy Harrington said the graphic design major will provide another career track for art students and that courses will range from typography to web design to product/package design.

"Currently, we only offer one graphic design course and this will be expanded to include five or more graphic design focused courses," Harrington said. "The Walton Fine Arts Center computer lab has been updated with Mac computers and students will learn a broader range of Adobe Creative Suite software in order to be competitive in the workforce."

Harrington said the design minor will offer coursework that would be an enhancement to many careers.

"It will provide knowledge and skills useful in self-promotion, social media posting, and communication in a way that is visually interesting and shares information in a clear and creative manner," she said.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.3 percent employment growth for graphic designers between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 9,000 jobs are expected to open up in the field.

Topics: Academics, Art