Visual Art or Graphic Design, minor

Visual Art or Graphic Design, minor

Program Overview

Do you love the visual art of storytelling, be it on camera, canvas, or a cool t-shirt or app? Do you long to combine your passion for business, marketing, engineering, or some alternate industry with the practical creativity of graphic design? No matter your preferred medium, a minor in visual art or graphic design could be the perfect fit for you.

The minor in art at PLNU is designed for students who are looking to complement their major with foundational understanding and practical expertise in visual communication, or who simply desire personal enrichment. You will learn from accomplished professors who actively showcase their own work in notable art museums and galleries or practice in the design industry. Join an inclusive community of artists who consistently challenge one another to improve in their respective crafts.

The Art of Becoming

Jenna Johnson Walking the Line of Art, Business, and Community
Lynn Adhiambo Obath: Celebrating Identity Through Lifelong Learning and Art

Creative Foundations

Videos (4)
Articles (10)
Jenna Johnson Walking the Line of Art, Business, and Community From starting her business to forming her unique design style, Jenna Johnson is pioneering what it looks like to blend the art and business worlds. Discover
Lynn Adhiambo Obath: Celebrating Identity Through Lifelong Learning and Art For Lynn Adhiambo Obath, finding power in artistic expression means speaking to a way that lifts everyone up and finds balance. Discover
Award-Winning Photographer Micah Albert Captures Beauty in the Midst of Danger and Suffering Photojournalist Micah Albert is well-known for his work documenting critically important global stories — especially the ones that are difficult and dangerous to capture. Discover
Cooper Root Learns the Ropes Under Laguna Beach Artist Jim Olarte Cooper Root shares about how his time at PLNU led him to apprentice under Laguna Beach artist Jim Olarte in architectural macrame and other fine art. Discover
Channin Fulton Designs for Good “I consider my work as an artist as more of a vocation than just a job. How am I serving my community with my gifts and hard work? And how do I design for good?” Discover
Hunter Scheidt on Creating Short Film “Tribal Legacy” Hunter Scheidt uses his art and his craft to reflect the world around him in a compelling way. Discover
Sara Hess: Painting For A Brighter Community Recent PLNU graduate, Sara Hess, paints a commissioned piece for the Point Loma community. Discover
Is Adding a Minor to Your Degree Worth It? Learn more about college minors, how to add a minor to your degree, and how future employers see value in adding a college minor to your degree. Discover
The Restorative Power of Street Art “The idea of being made in God’s image—that we were created and that we can create—is an incredibly powerful characteristic of being human,” said Dr. G. James Daichendt, PLNU’s dean of arts and humanities and professor of art. For Daichendt, what it means to be human involves creativity, an impulse seen and experienced clearly in art. Discover
Artist Wes Sam-Bruce Lives the Curious Life Take a peek at two of Wes Sam-Bruce’s latest art installations: Adventure Forest and Where the Questions Live. Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Visual Art or Graphic Design, minor program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Visual Art Course Information

Graphic Design Course Information

Start Application

Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.

Apply Now

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

In addition to examining the core elements of art history and either drawing or graphic design, based on your concentration, you will also choose from a vast array of elective credits that focus on your preferred medium of artistic expression. These supplemental skills prove indispensable to a wide variety of careers, increasing your foundational knowledge and practical application of creative endeavors.

A minor in art is a natural complement to many majors. This minor could play a supporting role in many careers within:

  • Museums/Galleries
  • Marketing
  • Publicity
  • Publishing
  • Journalism
  • Education
  • Branding
  • Broadcasting

Department Faculty

Get Involved

People Working Together in a Collaborative Environment

Art and Design Internships

Your professional experience is just as important before graduation as after. That's why internships are required for all visual art and graphic design majors.

Ceramic tire track prints in a collage of colors are placed on a wall for a art exhibition

AIGA

Are you looking for a place to discover new emerging design with other passionate creators? The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is a design community that supports students with educational and professional opportunities to share your work.

PLNU Student Dialoging with Other Students at Event

Art and Design Events

You don’t have to wait until after you graduate to get connected to the San Diego art and design communities.