Choose Your Design Path at UTampa
Whether you will be a full-time designer or want the flexibility of a liberal-arts design major, the Department of Art and Design offers two dynamic degrees: the BFA in Graphic Design and the B.A. in Design. The design program is designed to empower you to tell stories, shape experiences and build real-world solutions.ÌýLearn about both options below and find the right fit for your creative journey.
Why Study Design?
At the University of Tampa, design is both a creative practice and a mindset. You’ll learn to combine imagination with strategy, inspiration with technology and vision with purpose. You’ll explore how design can inform culture, inspire change and solve real-world problems.
You’ll study inÌýcollaborative, studio-based classesÌýled byÌýfaculty who are active professionals—designers, artists and creative thinkers who bring current industry insights directly into the classroom. Here, you’ll engage in hands-on projects that challenge you to experiment, take risks and develop your own creative voice.
Two Degree Paths. One Creative Vision.
- BFA in Graphic Design
- B.A. in Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts
BFA in Graphic Design
The BFA is a professional degree designed for students who want to immerse themselves in design practice.
You’ll take advanced courses in typography, branding, UX/UI, motion design, packaging and publication, while building a strong portfolio that reflects your personal style and professional readiness.
Students in the BFA track complete a junior portfolio review and a senior thesis exhibition, gaining the experience and confidence to enter competitive design fields right after graduation.
Perfect for you if:
You’re passionate about becoming a professional designer and want intensive, hands-on studio experience.
Bachelor of Arts
B.A. in Design
The BA offers a broader, more flexible approach to studying design. It combines a strong foundation in visual communication with the freedom to explore other interests — such as business, advertising, marketing, fine art, or emerging media.
You’ll learn design thinking, creative strategy and digital tools while crafting a degree path that supports your career goals.
Perfect for you if:
You’re interested in design but also want to explore multiple disciplines or pair design with another major or minor.
Sample Courses From Design Curriculum
What You Might Study
ART 318
Graphic Design II
Building on the design foundations of Graphic Design I, this course pushes students to explore advanced concepts inÌýbranding, visual identity systems and user experience design. Through hands-on projects, students deepen their understanding of design strategy, visual storytelling and digital interface design.Ìý
ART 375
Digital Illustration
This course focuses on the creation of illustrations using digital media. Projects in this course will expose students to a range of image-making needed for professional graphic design applications such as book illustrations, editorials, sequential art, product illustration, concept art, character development and others.Ìý
ART 322
Package Design
This course explores three-dimensional design as it applies to product containers. Branding, type, layout, design and form are synthesized to create commercial packaging. Design solutions are developed from branding concept to three-dimensional package designs. Relationships between form and function, cost and creativity will be addressed to develop cost-effective packaging designs at a professional level. Lab fee required.
ART 320
Graphic Design Portfolio Studio
This course prepares students to complete a complex, self-generated independent body of work that integrates learning from multiple disciplines – the Humanities, Social Sciences and/or the Natural Sciences – to demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge to real-world design problems.Ìý
