About the Program
The Graphic Design Communication program at PhilaU prepares students to enter the ever-changing landscape of the graphic design profession by teaching them to think as design strategists.
Our curriculum emphasizes the ability to solve communication problems by thoroughly exploring the design process of properly identifying the problem; conducting research, gathering and analyzing information; generating and iterating alternative solutions and multiple ideas; prototyping, user testing, and evaluating outcomes.
As part of the innovative College of Design, Engineering and Commerce our students work on real-world projects collaborating with students of other disciplines and industry professionals. In the past year our students have worked with companies including QVC, the National Convention Center and the New Jersey State Police.
Our students’ work regularly wins awards nationally and internationally and our program’s graduates are sought after as designers who have the technical skill to produce exceptional work and as professionals with the understanding to navigate the complex interdisciplinary industries in which graphic designers work.
“Some of the best-trained designers today are coming from PhilaU. We have—and have had—several graduates on staff here at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and they come not only well trained, but well educated. Most importantly, while they have the design “tools” at their command, they also know how to think about communication problems.”
—Ruth Abrahams, Director of Editorial and Graphic Design, Philadelphia Museum of Art
Read what other industry professionals are saying about the program.



