Cost & earnings at Marian University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Arts, Entertainment graduates earn a median $26,739 Across 239 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor’s in Design and Applied Arts at Marian University is an undergraduate studio-based programme that combines traditional craft, visual communication and contemporary digital practice. It suits creative students who want a broad foundation in design principles, hands-on skill development and a portfolio-oriented route into creative industries or postgraduate study.
This programme blends foundational art practice with applied design projects across two- and three-dimensional media. In early years you will study core modules that build drawing, colour, composition and visual literacy, together with introductions to design history and critical theory. Studio-based modules commonly include Foundations in Drawing, Colour and Form, 2D Design, 3D/Material Studies, and Digital Imaging.
Progressing into upper years, coursework focuses on specialised areas such as Graphic Design and Visual Communication, Typography, UX/UI and Interaction Design, Branding and Identity, Product and Industrial Design, Photography, and Contemporary Craft Practices (ceramics, textiles or metalwork depending on elective choices). Project-led studios emphasise iterative design thinking, prototyping, production processes and professional presentation.
The programme typically requires completion of a senior or capstone project where you produce a coherent body of work for assessment and portfolio use. Modules in professional practice cover exhibition-making, portfolio development, freelancing, client briefs and internship preparation. Cross-disciplinary opportunities allow collaboration with other departments and access to workshops, digital labs and industry-led guest projects.
Applicants should have completed secondary education equivalent to a high-school diploma. Typical offers take academic achievement and creative potential into account; applicants are normally asked to submit a portfolio of recent work that demonstrates observational ability, design thinking and technical handling. For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English language qualification is required.
Mature applicants and those with relevant vocational experience are welcome to apply; an interview or practical assessment may form part of the admissions process. Specific grade thresholds and portfolio guidance are provided by the admissions office and should be consulted when preparing an application.
Graduates move into a wide range of creative careers in both commercial and cultural sectors. Common roles include:
Other alumni paths include further study in specialised MA/MFA programmes, postgraduate research, teaching, arts administration or starting a creative business. The programme’s emphasis on a professional portfolio and placement experience supports transition into employment or postgraduate study.
Marian University offers a personalised, liberal-arts education in a supportive, faith-based environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship. Design and applied arts students benefit from hands-on access to studios, workshops and digital labs, alongside opportunities for internships, community-engaged projects and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The university’s career services and alumni network provide practical support for placement and employment, while exhibition spaces and end-of-year shows enable students to present work publicly. If you want a balanced programme that combines technical training, conceptual development and professional readiness within a close-knit campus community, this programme is designed to help you build a strong creative practice and a competitive portfolio.
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