Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

BFA in Graphic Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

One or more Transfer Guides are available in the Resource Center for this Institution. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.

The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design is a community of courageous architects, designers, artists, and creators of communities who care about — and work to improve — our shared natural and built environments. AAD is composed of four schools sharing a vision to understand and shape the spaces and places where we live, work and play.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Due to the sequencing and scheduled offering of course requirements, it will take transfer students 4 years (8 Fall/Spring semesters) to complete the Graphic Design major at Virginia Tech. Upon reaching their fourth year, some transfer students find themselves able to enroll part-time to complete their senior level coursework and with extra time to work professionally or pursue additional internships.Virginia Tech graduation requirements are set based on a student’s entry term to Virginia Tech.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Create a schedule for all required courses and pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered.
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses All students are required to have an internship. We work with alumni and career services to provide as many career connections as possible and many of our students are successful in getting multiple internships during their time at Virginia Tech.
Doing More With Your Degree The Graphic Design major at Virginia Tech prepares students with a strong foundation in design research, typography, and image making – and we apply these skills across a wide variety of forms and media (motion graphics, web design, app design, editorial design, packaging, AR/VR, systems design, immersive experiences, branding, and more.
Program Successes & Highlights Our program is consistently ranked as a “Top Graphic Design Program” by GD USA. We have a faculty-led, student-run design studio, FourDesign (where students get real-world experience in the safety of the classroom). Opportunity to study abroad in Italy and Switzerland. Since 2022, we have hosted an annual design-a-thon for non-profits called DesignUP. For this event we pair design professionals with teams of students and together they design materials for local non-profits (such as logos, brochures, websites, and more).
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
  • Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
  • View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement between Virginia Tech and Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Completion of a transfer-oriented associate degree will satisfy general education requirements of an undergraduate curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the major.

You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School You enter as a junior with general education requirements met.
Credit for Prior Learning Prior learning score requirements: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/Transferable-Credit.html
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
1116
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
52.3% of transfer applicants were offered admission with a 3.52 average GPA
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? As a student, you will spend only a portion of your time in the classroom but all your time at Virginia Tech will be spent in an environment that promotes learning and growing. You will find a dynamic residential campus and award-winning dining in an environment committed to well-being. From our health and wellness programs to our hundreds of student organizations and clubs, there is something for every interest at Virginia Tech.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year determined by date of entry to Virginia Tech
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Students must apply as a transfer student having completed or with the intention of completing the Associate degree from a VCCS campus prior to enrollment
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts DegreeAssociateAssociate of Fine Arts2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio ArtsAssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass)AssociateAssociate of Applied Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in Visual ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Art HistoryBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Photography and Video ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Art and Art History, Major in Studio Art, Concentration in 2D and 3D MediaBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Eastern Mennonite UniversityBachelor of Arts ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Architectural DesignBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Fine Arts, Major in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in Industrial DesignBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Arts in Art EducationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Art Therapy EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Graphic Design EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
University of LynchburgBA in Art - Studio Art EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Wesleyan UniversityBachelor of Arts in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with Education ConcentrationBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryArt (Studio)/Art History - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityFine Art-BFABachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityGraphic Design-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityArt Education-BFA (Fine Arts)BachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Studio ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, CeramicsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.A. in Art, Graphic DesignBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Music (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Theater (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeStudio Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArts Management - Film (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArt History (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBFA in ArtBachelorBachelor of Fine Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in ArtBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Northern Virginia Community CollegeSocial Sciences: History Major, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1121.00Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
27-1012.00Craft ArtistsCreate or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-1013.00Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and IllustratorsCreate original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
27-4021.00PhotographersPhotograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $6,770 Per Semester $54,160 $0 $54,160 Per semester tuition full-time undergraduate 12 or more hours
Fees
Student Room Fee $3,319 Per Semester $26,552 0 $26,552 Per semester multiple occupancy, non-airconditioned room
Meal Plan $3,368 Per Semester $26,944 0 $26,944 Per semester premium flex plan
Residential Telecommunications Fee $197 Per Semester $1,576 0 $1,576 Per semester
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Living Learning Program Fee: $50 per semester
    • Student Resident Parking Fee: $570 per academic year
    • Student Commuter Parking Fee: $405 per academic year
    • Admission Application Fee: $60 but waiver may be available
    • Enrollment Deposit Fee: $400 but reduction or waiver may be available
    • Student Activity Fee: $260 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Health Service Fee: $335 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Athletic Fee: $366 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Recreational Sports Fee: $206.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
    • Student Services Fee: $267.50 per semester full time undergraduate 12 or more hours
  • Special Purpose Fees
    • Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Fee for Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and all Biochemistry Majors: $375 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Architecture and Design Supplemental Fee for Students in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture: $750 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Engineering Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate Students in the College of Engineering: $1000 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Pamplin College of Business Supplemental Fee: $1275 per semester 7 or more hours
    • Immigration Services Fee: $275 per semester degree seeking students with F1 or J1 visa status
    • Corps of Cadets Fee: $240 per semester
    • Laboratory Fee: varies by lab course
    • Study Abroad Faculty-Lead Program Fee: $20
  • Miscellaneous
    • Late Payment Fee: 10% of the past due balance not to exceed $125 per term
    • Returned payment fee: $50
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.