Design at Notre Dame begins with a foundation in the liberal arts. Such a basis is a design student’s best path to meet and solve the varied communication challenges inherent in today’s complex world. Because a design solution may emerge from the humanities, an algorithm, or a scientific discovery, the curriculum provides a student with the opportunity to be firmly grounded in the fundamentals of design and the visual arts, while also taking courses in science, math, history, philosophy, and theology. As students progress through the tiered design program, they develop as a designer, as an intellectual, and as a moral person, prepared to address the social, ethical, and political circumstances influenced by the design profession.

At its core, the Notre Dame graphic design program believes that the designer can make a difference not only in the strategic plan of a business but also in the world. During their time on campus, students develop projects that aspire to positively influence the lives of culturally diverse people, critique the ethical dimensions of contemporary culture, and give visual form to complex social issues. As design professionals, Notre Dame graduates will be responsible for the future of our visual culture.