A graphic design student trims the edges of a poster she made to get ready for a class critique.

Graphic Design Program

Immerse yourself in the world of design.

Western’s Graphic Design Program blends foundational design principles with emerging technologies to prepare students for creative and professional success. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools while developing visual communication skills across print, digital, and interactive media.

Coursework emphasizes real-world applications, including internships, client-based projects, and collaborations with businesses and organizations in the Gunnison Valley. Faculty with professional design backgrounds mentor students through projects that reflect current industry demands.

In addition to technical training, the program encourages exploration of design’s role in shaping culture and solving problems. Students learn to craft compelling visual narratives that connect audiences, elevate brands, and engage communities—bridging creative vision with practical impact.

Hands-On Opportunities

  • Art student taking a photo of a tree sculpture during the Pathfinder Magazine Submission Festival

    Pathfinder Magazine

    Students collaborate to produce a real-world magazine, gaining hands-on experience in writing and publishing.
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  • Two students sit on grass and watercolor paint a scene with their canvases on their laps.

    Art & Design: Community Opportunities

    Western Art students gain real-world experience through internships, exhibitions, and creative projects—with many opportunities to get paid for their work.
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Areas of Study

Graphic Design

Available as: Certificate, Major, Minor

Graphic Design Certificate

Available as: Certificate

Illustration

Available as: Certificate

Web Design and Development

Available as: Minor

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado Foundation offers scholarships specifically for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships
“I’ve always excelled in smaller environments, and Western fit that perfectly. The school attracts high quality professors because this community and the land around us is incredible."

Mallory Logan

Graphic Design
Mallory Logan

Department News

  • Western’s Art & Design Department Chair Chosen for Prestigious Fellowship

    Western’s Art & Design Department Chair Chosen for Prestigious Fellowship

    Training humanities faculty for leadership GUNNISON, Colorado: Western Art & Design Department Chair and Professor Tina Butterfield was one of only eight people from across…
    Read More
  • Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

    Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

    A Testimony from Natalie Edwards Pride Month Origins The first declaration of Pride Month was made in 1999 when President Clinton named June Gay and…
    Read More
  • Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

    Liberal Arts Programs at Western Provide Practical Job Skills

    When Western Colorado University was the first college established on the Western Slope in 1901, the primary dedication of the school was providing teacher preparation…
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  • Artists Showcase Their Resiliency During Annual Event

    Artists Showcase Their Resiliency During Annual Event

    For the second year, artists and art connoisseurs gathered at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts to celebrate Western Colorado University students in a…
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  • Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

    Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

    Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…
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  • The Quigley Quarantine Quarterly Binds Hearts Through the Arts

    The Quigley Quarantine Quarterly Binds Hearts Through the Arts

    Does art imitate life or does life imitate art? This question has been pondered ever since Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde first proposed it…
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  • Historic Science Fiction Award Given to MFA Director

    Historic Science Fiction Award Given to MFA Director

    Nebula Award for Best Middle Grade + Young Adult Writer Western Colorado University’s GPCW Genre Concentration Director, Fran Wilde, won the Nebula Award for Best…
    Read More
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Top Skills

Technical and Artistic Skills
Conceptual Thinking Skills
Critical Thinking
Professional and Career Skills
Soft Skills
Strong Work Ethic

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Career Pathways

Fine Art Career Pathways
Studio Artist
Illustrator
Art Educator
Museum or Gallery Curator
Art Conservator/Restorer

Faculty & Staff

Tina Butterfield, MFA

Chair of Art; Professor of Art

Mayela Cardenas, MFA

Professor of Art

S. Chase Hutchison, MFA

Professor of Art

Cierra Rohrbaugh, MFA

Instructor of Art

Graphic Design Program

Program Director

Contact Information

970.943.3080

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 232
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Mountain Graphic