Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This programme develops visual thinking, technical skill and applied design literacy across print, digital and three-dimensional media. Course work typically begins with foundation studios that cover drawing, colour theory, visual composition and two- and three-dimensional design, then progresses to intermediate and advanced studio courses where you specialise and produce a coherent body of work.

Typical modules and subjects

• Foundation Studies: Drawing, Design Principles, Colour and Visual Language.
• Digital and Applied Media: Graphic Design, Typography, Web and Interaction Design, Motion Graphics, Digital Imaging.
• Three-dimensional and Material Studies: Environmental/Exhibition Design, Packaging, Object and Product Design, Model-making and Prototyping.
• Photography and Time-based Media: Analog and Digital Photography, Video Production and Editing.
• Design Professional Practice: Portfolio Development, Client-based Projects, Freelance Business Skills and Ethics in Design.
• Studio Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: Illustration, Printmaking, UX/UI, Design Research, Collaborative Community Projects.
• Capstone/Final Project: A sustained individual or group project and public exhibition or digital portfolio that demonstrates conceptual rigour and technical competency.

Studio work is complemented by liberal-arts courses from across Loyola’s curriculum to deepen critical thinking, historical context and written communication skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants usually need a high-school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution. Admission places emphasis on a creative portfolio that shows observational skill, concept development and technical ability; most applicants submit a selection of sketchbook pages, finished pieces and digital work. Some departments require or recommend an interview or portfolio review.

Typical academic expectations include satisfactory secondary-school grades; specific grade thresholds are published by the university and may vary by applicant type. International applicants must meet Loyola’s English language proficiency requirements. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and examples of college-level studio work.

Career prospects

Graduates from Design and Applied Arts move into a range of creative and applied roles across the private, public and non‑profit sectors. The programme prepares you for practical, project-based work and for continued study at graduate level.

• Graphic Designer, Art Director, Brand Designer
• UX/UI Designer, Interaction Designer, Web Designer
• Illustrator, Motion Graphics Artist, Multimedia Producer
• Product/Packaging Designer, Exhibition and Environmental Designer
• Freelance designer, Creative Entrepreneur, Small-studio Owner
• Gallery or museum roles, Arts Administration and Education

The university’s strong ties with Chicago’s creative industries and its internship programmes help students gain real-world experience and professional contacts while they study.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola combines rigorous studio instruction with a Jesuit liberal-arts tradition that emphasises ethical practice, social responsibility and community engagement. Being in Chicago gives students ready access to a large and diverse creative sector, museums, design firms and cultural organisations for internships, collaborations and exhibitions.

Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty who are practising artists and designers. Facilities typically include well-equipped studios, computer labs with contemporary design software, digital fabrication tools and exhibition spaces for student work. Cross-disciplinary opportunities with other departments and community-based projects allow you to apply design skills in social and civic contexts.

Overall, the programme supports both practical skill development and critical thinking, preparing graduates to enter the creative workforce or continue with specialised graduate study.