Program Overview
It offers a competitive BFA degree, focusing on both traditional graphic design and interaction design. Graduates are highly sought after in various industries, with strong employment outcomes and career opportunities in fields such as graphic design, web design, and UX/UI. The program provides internships, campus-based design projects, and field trips to enhance students' professional development and industry exposure.
Program Outline
The program offers a BFA in Design, a competitive degree limited to 36 students per year.
Courses in the senior year focus on integrating graphic, production, and digital media design for solving visual communication problems.
Teaching:
Western's Design program
boasts a unique size and depth of curriculum. Students are provided significant opportunities for working with faculty outside of class. Faculty members are actively engaged in the design profession, while prioritizing teaching in their roles.
Careers:
Western's Design program
boasts strong graduate outcomes. According to the 2018-19 Office of Institutional Effectiveness Graduate Outcomes Report, 93% of Design, BFA graduates secured field-related employment within six months of graduation. Career opportunities for graduates span various industries, including private and public sectors. Graduates can find employment in advertising agencies, design firms, in-house departments, and numerous other design-related fields. They can also pursue private consulting in areas like corporate identity, packaging, and web design. Some popular career paths for graduates include:
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Project Manager
- Art Director
- Digital Image Maker
- Creative Director
- Interactive Designer
- UX/UI
Other:
Western's Design program
offers various benefits for its students:
- Internship opportunities: Students can gain professional development experience through internships with design firms, earning support and professional connections. Studying abroad over the summer also offers another avenue for gaining professional development credit.
- Field trips: The Design BFA senior class embarks on an annual field trip to Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco, visiting renowned design firms and gaining industry exposure. The program fosters a supportive environment where students are encouraged to build their skills and portfolios through coursework and various opportunities.
Western Washington University
Overview:
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. WWU is known for its commitment to student success, fostering a vibrant campus community, and promoting research and innovation.
Services Offered:
WWU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Admissions and Aid:
First-year, transfer, graduate, and international admissions, tuition and cost information, financial aid, and scholarships.Academics:
Majors and programs, academic advising, colleges, libraries, institutes and centers, summer session, research opportunities, global engagement, professional and continuing education, and the university catalog.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Housing and dining, athletics, clubs, organizations, and events, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion resources, counseling, health, and wellness services, career services, international student and scholar services, and a resource directory.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at WWU can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, providing opportunities for students to connect with others, explore their interests, and develop leadership skills. The campus is located in Bellingham, a charming city with a beautiful natural setting, offering access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
WWU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including highly regarded programs in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.Beautiful Campus and Location:
The university is situated in a picturesque setting, with easy access to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.Vibrant Campus Community:
WWU fosters a welcoming and inclusive campus community, with a strong emphasis on student engagement and support.Research Opportunities:
The university provides opportunities for students to engage in research, both within and outside the classroom.Academic Programs:
WWU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
