Program

120

Total Credits

40

Total Classes

On Ground

Format

Students are considered artists, and are encouraged to approach design as an artistic endeavor. The design major encourages students to integrate their own personal and cultural values into their visual communication designs.

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“I have experienced SHU as a student, teacher and alumni board member. Siena has a community of professors, staff and students that were (and are) like family. The professors were challenging, yet could give me personal attention and guidance.”

Todd Marsee, ’94, Senior Graphic Designer at Michigan Sea Grant

Todd Marsee

Learn what the Siena Effect can do for you.

Siena Heights University Design students are considered artists, and are encouraged to approach design as an artistic endeavor. The design major encourages students to integrate their own personal and cultural values into their visual communication designs.

Scanners, graphic tablets, and large format inkjets are also part of the digital experience. Students also have use of traditional studio settings, including photography and printmaking.

The goal of the program is to provide students with a mastery of the creative process and the tools necessary to produce an advanced portfolio which will include print, web and time-based media. The investigation of visual culture theory and the history of graphic design introduce students to the historical and critical perspective of the profession, providing a solid background from which to begin their own design journey.

Near the end of the program, students will take the required Portfolio and Senior Exhibition courses and prepare a resume and other materials for employment, exhibit opportunities and graduate school. Finally, the program culminates in an internship, a gallery show and portfolio presentation teaching students the practical skills needed to enter the professional field of graphic design with confidence.


Mad Kro
Chair, Design + Art Department and Associate Professor of Design + Art
mkro@sienaheights.edu
517-264-7866
Timothy Van Beke
Associate Professor of Design + Art
tvanbeke@sienaheights.edu
517-264-7848
Chris Kro
Assistant Professor of Design + Art
ckro@sienaheights.edu
517-264-7861

Employment opportunities for Design graduates are found in virtually all types of business. Some examples are:

  • Advertising
  • Automobile Industry
  • Broadcast Media
  • Communications
  • Document Management
  • Healthcare Industry
  • Loan Industry
  • Marketing
  • Print and Digital Media
  • Printing and Publishing

Graduates who decide to go on to graduate school for further study are being admitted to top-ranked schools, including:

  • Alfred University
  • University of Michigan
  • Cranbrook Academy of Art
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Goddard College
  • University of Arizona
  • Syracuse University
  • Massachusetts College of Art and Design
  • Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Bowling Green State University

Siena Heights University conducts Arts Scholarship Days for prospective students.

High school seniors and transfer students who would like to major in music, art or theater or perform in the choir, band, marching band, orchestra or jazz band can schedule an audition or portfolio review and campus visit during Arts Scholarship Days @ Siena. Scholarships will be awarded to qualifying students. In addition to their audition or portfolio review, students may have the opportunity to meet with current scholarship recipients over lunch, have an individual meeting with Admissions Counselor and enjoy a campus tour.

Pre-registration is required.


The Design and Art Department offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees.

Concentrations include:

  • Illustration
  • Integrated Design
  • User Experience Design / User Interface Design

Costs & Aid

We know that college can be expensive, but we don’t want cost to keep you from attending Siena Heights University! We offer numerous financial aid opportunities. Federal aid is available to students who qualify by completing the FAFSA. Feel free to contact us with questions about financial aid opportunities, or click on one of the links below.