Degrees Offered

BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic and Interactive Design at Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers a comprehensive education that bridges traditional graphic design principles with the innovations of the digital era. This STEM-designated program builds a strong foundation in composition, color theory, layout, illustration, and typography, while embracing emerging technologies like user experience (UX) design, motion design, augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and multimedia storytelling. Students are trained to navigate both the physical and digital realms of design, ensuring they can create compelling visuals that resonate across print, web, and interactive platforms. 

At Tyler, students benefit from an intimate learning environment with small classes and personalized mentorship from expert faculty, while also enjoying access to the vast resources of Temple University and the vibrant arts and culture scene of Philadelphia. The curriculum fosters adaptability, encouraging students to think conceptually and creatively and apply design skills to a range of media, from logos and editorial layouts to digital interfaces and immersive experiences. By graduation, students are equipped with both the technical expertise and creative vision to excel in the evolving world of design, prepared for successful careers or further study in top-tier graduate programs.

BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design with Entrepreneurial Studies

This degree program is no longer accepting new students beginning Spring 2025.

In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Tyler offers a BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies as an option for students who want to learn skills for entrepreneurship, from innovative thinking to how to start a business, as part of their art education. Program coursework is a focused and interdisciplinary blend of art, art history, business, entrepreneurship and other courses, as well as open electives. The BFA with Entrepreneurial Studies gives students the skills needed for success as entrepreneurs in the studio discipline of their choice and the necessary preparation to pursue graduate studies in their studio discipline, entrepreneurship or related professions upon graduation.

BFA in Illustration and Emerging Media

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration and Emerging Media at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture merges timeless illustration practices with today’s digital and multimedia environments. This STEM-designated program nurtures the synergy between traditional methods and the evolving landscape of digital technology. Emphasizing foundational drawing skills and new media exploration, the curriculum prepares students for contemporary visual storytelling, ensuring proficiency in crafting engaging narratives across diverse digital platforms.  

Students master traditional and digital illustration, animation, visual narrative, and media integration, while cultivating their unique artistic voices. The program encourages creative exploration and technical proficiency, preparing students to excel in illustration. A portfolio event for seniors and graduate students—attended by industry professionals and leading companies—provides a platform to showcase their work and transition into professional practice. 

BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design

This program will launch in the Fall 2025

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in User Experience and User Interface Design at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers an innovative blend of design principles and technology, preparing students to create impactful digital interactions. With a focus on user behavior and design aesthetics, this STEM-designated program equips students with the skills to design seamless, intuitive experiences across multiple platforms and devices. Specific applications of this degree include developing mobile applications, creating engaging social media platforms, designing e-commerce websites, or optimizing web applications for diverse audiences. Through comprehensive coursework, students gain expertise in interface design, information architecture, user research, and prototype testing, all while working with the latest industry-standard tools and technologies. The curriculum emphasizes creating user-centric experiences that are both visually appealing and functionally enriching. 

At Tyler, students thrive in an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration, benefiting from personalized mentorship by faculty who are leaders in UX/UI design. The program promotes a holistic approach to design, combining strategic thinking, creative innovation, and hands-on learning. From foundational courses to capstone projects, students develop the skills necessary to tackle real-world challenges and build a competitive portfolio. Graduates are well prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled UX/UI designers, ready to shape the future of digital products and enhance user experiences in the professional world. 

MFA in Graphic & Interactive Design

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic & Interactive Design at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture offers a rigorous, research-driven experience that immerses students in the discipline. This STEM-designated program fosters a deep understanding of design within its historical, cultural, and social contexts, while encouraging students to push the boundaries of graphic and interactive media. With a focus on innovation, the curriculum integrates emerging technologies and offers a customizable selection of professional practice courses, preparing students to become leaders, educators, and pioneers in the ever-evolving design world. The program culminates in a comprehensive exhibition, showcasing each student's refined expertise and unique creative vision, equipping them for prominent roles in academia, industry, or as entrepreneurial designers.

Minor in Graphic & Interactive Design

The Minor in Graphic & Interactive Design, offered by the Department of Design & Illustration at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, provides Temple University undergraduates with a unique opportunity to broaden their educational experience through the study of design. This program equips students with essential skills in visual communication, branding, typography, and digital media, making it an ideal complement to a wide range of majors. While students majoring in Graphic and Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design, and Illustration and Emerging Media are ineligible, the minor is designed for those studying in disciplines across Temple and Tyler and may be of particular interest for students from business, communications, art history, or the fine arts. 

By pursuing this minor, students gain valuable insights into the design world, enhancing their creative and technical abilities while learning to apply design thinking to their primary field of study. The skills developed through this program—including design thinking, visual storytelling, digital literacy, and an understanding of design principles—are increasingly sought after in today’s visually-driven and technology-focused world, empowering students to stand out in their respective careers.

Minor in Illustration and Emerging Media

The Minor in Illustration and Emerging Media (IEM), offered by the Department of Design & Illustration at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, provides Temple University undergraduates with the opportunity to enhance their education through the exploration of visual storytelling and contemporary media. This program equips students with foundational skills in illustration, digital media, and narrative techniques, offering an exciting complement to a wide variety of majors. While students majoring in Graphic and Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design, and Illustration and Emerging Media are ineligible, the minor is designed for those studying in disciplines across Temple and Tyler and may be of particular interest for students from fine arts, communications, journalism, or film, who want to integrate the power of illustration into their work. 

By pursuing this minor, students gain valuable insights into the illustration field, developing creative and technical skills in drawing, composition, and multimedia applications. The ability to tell compelling stories through imagery and emerging media is increasingly valuable in today’s visually driven world, giving students a creative edge and helping them stand out in careers spanning art, design, education, marketing, and more. 

Minor in User Experience and User Interface Design

The Minor in User Experience and User Interface Design (UX/UI), offered by the Department of Design & Illustration at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, provides Temple University undergraduates with the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the rapidly growing field of digital design and user interaction. This program introduces students to essential concepts such as user research, information architecture, and interface design, offering a valuable complement to a wide range of majors. While students majoring in Graphic and Interactive Design, User Experience and User Interface Design, and Illustration and Emerging Media are ineligible, the minor is designed for those studying in disciplines across Temple and Tyler and may be of particular interest for students from computer science, psychology, communications, or business, who seek to integrate user-centered design principles into their work. 

By pursuing this minor, students develop the skills to design intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences, understanding how to create seamless interactions across devices and platforms. In today’s technology-driven world, knowledge of UX/UI design is an asset in nearly every industry, providing students with a competitive edge and enhancing their career opportunities in fields such as technology, marketing, product development, and more.