Design is our award-winning program that we have built into “one of the nation’s best graphic design programs” according to the International Ben Franklin Society. We provide a comprehensive and robust program that gives a solid foundation in graphic design as a career path. This mix of theoretical and applied knowledge, problem-solving skills, technical acumen and community experience produces graduates who can think critically and use their creative abilities to solve client challenges. With an emphasis on design principles, digital color theory, efficient use of industry standard software, typography, marketing basics, and accurate file preparation with digital prepress, our students get hired!

Creativity also happens in problem-solving the manufacturing process. No other education program in Arizona is teaching the hands-on aspects of project management, estimating, and troubleshooting and maintenance, or teaching digital prepress and actual digital press operation at the manufacturing level. Statistically, 71% of all commercial printers have digital presses, and that number is expected to continue to rise. Qualified employees that understand all of the nuances of digital output from design and software through prepress, as well as the final output and finishing processes, are very rare and have to come from internal sources that have taken the time to do on-the-job training. Our goal is to accelerate our responsiveness to workforce innovation and increase training and customized solutions to meet industry needs by creating a direct funnel leading to our students’ success.

Graphic designers and marketers have been on opposing sides of the fence for years, but the two roles are now merging due to technological advancements and new methods for connecting with consumers. Collaboration at the least is necessary, but true convergence is inevitable. The vocabulary and the understanding of these environments must be cohesive for students to be successful in true digitalization. The program is customized to train students to engage with and think critically about where their work fits in regard to greater organization and goals. We are responding to industry needs by simulating the content, context, and conversations through which graduates will engage in today’s work environment and provide workforce training in technology, mindset, and applications for success. By definition, this innovative approach provides a customized response to the changing landscape of our fast-paced digital world, and better prepares students for the next steps in university learning or employment.