Environmental Graphic Design

Environmental Graphic Design at Iowa State University of Science and Technology combines creativity, technical skills, and strategic thinking to prepare students for designing visual environments that enhance the way people experience and navigate spaces. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles of design, architecture, communication, and environmental psychology to develop compelling visual solutions for a variety of settings, including public spaces, corporate environments, educational institutions, and cultural landmarks. Students learn to create effective signage, wayfinding systems, branded environments, exhibition graphics, and visual identities that improve functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of user-centered design, sustainable practices, and the thoughtful integration of graphics into built environments. Through hands-on projects, students collaborate with clients, architects, and industry professionals to address real-world challenges and develop innovative design solutions. The program promotes interdisciplinary teamwork, research skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools and technologies. Graduates of the Environmental Graphic Design program at Iowa State University are equipped to pursue careers in design firms, architecture practices, branding agencies, or start their own ventures, contributing to the creation of visually engaging and environmentally responsible spaces. The program also prepares students for advanced study or certification processes, fostering lifelong learning and professional growth in this dynamic field.

Year One

Fall

• ArtID 552B Seminar : Design Methods: Synthesis : 2cr*
• ArtID 551A Seminar : Design Humanics : 3cr*
• ArtGr 672A (now ArtGr 530) Studio : User Engagement : 3cr* 
• Graduate-level ArtGr Option Studio or COD studio/seminar courses, 3 cr.
• Graduate-level Art History or other College of Design History Courses (outside ArtGr) : 3cr
• ArtGr 599 Studio : Creative Component : 3cr*

Spring

• ArtID 552A Seminar : Design Methods: Analysis : 2cr*
• ArtGr 571 (now ArtGr 521) Studio : Graphic Design Graduate Studio II : 3cr*
• ArtGr 698 (now ArtGr 520) Seminar : Current Issues in Graphic Design (Semiotics) : 3cr*
• ArtGr 672B (now ArtGr 540) Studio : Design for Behavioral Change : 3cr*
• Graduate-level ArtGr Option Studio or COD studio/seminar courses, 3 cr
• ArtGr 599 Studio : Creative Component : 3cr*

• Iowa State requires a degree it considers comparable to a US bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to beginning graduate studies. (For foreign institutions, that would be recognition by the Ministry of Education.) 
• Our graduate application form is only available online. The $100 application fee for international students is nonrefundable. If you prefer not to pay the application fee by credit card, you may complete and print the online application, and attach your personal check. All checks should be in US dollars and made payable to Iowa State University.
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Statement of Purpose
• Online Recommendations
• Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 79, Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 550
• IELTS 6.5
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
• Financial Statement

The financing studies of the Environmental Graphic Design program at Iowa State University of Science and Technology encompass a comprehensive overview of the costs and funding opportunities available to students pursuing this degree. Tuition and fees are structured to ensure affordability while maintaining high educational standards. In-state students benefit from lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving the local community. For the 2023-2024 academic year, undergraduate in-state students paid approximately $8,300 annually in tuition, whereas out-of-state students paid about $24,500. These costs are subject to change annually and do not include additional expenses such as housing, dining, supplies, and personal costs.

Financial aid options are plentiful for students enrolled in the program. The university offers a variety of scholarships based on academic achievement, financial need, and specific talents related to design and the arts. The ISU Scholarship Portal is the primary platform for application, providing access to institutional scholarships that do not require separate applications. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore federal financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans, which can significantly offset the rising cost of education.

Work opportunities on campus, such as graduate assistantships and part-time jobs, are available to eligible students. These opportunities not only provide financial support but also valuable professional experience relevant to environmental graphic design. Students are also guided to seek external scholarships offered by professional organizations like the International Council of Design and local community foundations.

Cost management strategies are emphasized throughout the program's financial planning resources. Students are advised to consider renting or sharing housing, utilizing student discounts, purchasing used supplies, and exploring affordable transportation options. The university’s financial services office provides counseling to help students develop personalized budgets and understanding of loan obligations.

The average student indebtedness upon graduation for those utilizing loans remains below national averages for art and design students, thanks to the availability of financial support and financial literacy programs at Iowa State University. Furthermore, the university maintains a commitment to affordability and transparency by providing detailed estimates of the total costs involved in earning the Environmental Graphic Design degree, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses. This information assists prospective and current students in planning their financial futures effectively. Overall, the financing studies of this program illustrate a significant dedication to making high-quality education accessible and manageable for students pursuing degrees in environmental graphic design.

Environmental Graphic Design at Iowa State University is a specialized program that integrates visual communication with environmental and spatial considerations. It prepares students to create visual environments that enhance user experiences, improve wayfinding, and communicate messages effectively within various physical settings. The curriculum emphasizes the development of skills in graphic design, signage systems, branding, wayfinding, interface design, and the contextual application of visual communications in environments like public spaces, commercial settings, educational institutions, and cultural venues. Students engage in hands-on projects that simulate real-world challenges, learning to analyze space, consider user interaction, and apply design principles to produce functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. The program also covers the use of digital tools and traditional techniques to craft effective visual solutions that meet client needs and enhance spatial understanding. Collaboration is a key component, with opportunities for interdisciplinary work alongside architecture, urban planning, and architecture students, fostering a comprehensive approach to environmental design. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in graphic design firms, signage companies, architectural firms, or as independent consultants specializing in environmental graphics. The program's faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers committed to innovative and sustainable design practices, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving field. Iowa State University’s facilities include state-of-the-art labs, studios, and resources that facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation with various media and technologies. The program emphasizes ethical and sustainable design practices, encouraging students to consider the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of their work in creating meaningful and responsible visual environments.