Bachelor of Science Digital Art and Design
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Our mission is to develop designers for a professional career in the evolving digital design field.
The Digital Art and Design (DART) program at the University of Dubuque prepares students to become creative professionals, visual communicators, and innovative problem-solvers in an ever-evolving digital design industry. Digital Art and Design is the study of visual communication through digital technologies, integrating graphic design, animation, and web design. Through a student-centered, project-based curriculum, students develop both the creative and technical skills needed to transform ideas into meaningful visual experiences.
At UD, students learn by doing. Small class sizes and one-on-one faculty mentorship provide personalized guidance as students complete real-world projects, collaborate with clients, and build professional portfolios that reflect their individual interests and career goals. Coursework emphasizes creative exploration, design strategy, visual storytelling, emerging technologies, and industry-relevant skills, preparing graduates to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing creative landscape.
The DART experience culminates in a senior capstone project and public exhibition in the Bisignano Art Gallery, showcasing each student's creative growth and professional readiness. Graduates leave prepared for careers in graphic and digital design, branding, packaging design, web and UI/UX design, animation, motion graphics, social media design, visual communications, and related creative fields.
Making a Difference Through the Study of Digital Art and Design
Design shapes how people communicate, connect, learn, and engage with the world around them. At the University of Dubuque, students and faculty actively contribute to this evolving field through creative problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on professional practice. DART students work with campus departments, community organizations, and industry partners to address authentic design challenges while gaining valuable client-based experience.
By combining creative innovation with professional preparation, students develop the confidence, adaptability, and technical expertise needed to succeed in today's design industry. Through internships, exhibitions, portfolio development, and interdisciplinary opportunities, graduates are equipped not only to enter the profession but to become creative leaders who make a meaningful impact through visual communication.
Create. Innovate. Design Your Future.
The Digital Art and Design program equips students with the creative vision, professional skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in the dynamic world of digital design.
Degree Distinctive
The Digital Art and Design (DART) program at the University of Dubuque prepares students to become creative professionals and innovative problem-solvers in an ever-evolving digital design industry. Guided by our mission, to develop designers for professional careers in the evolving digital design field, the program combines creative exploration, technical expertise, real-world experience, and individualized mentorship to help students build meaningful and successful careers.
Designed around a student-centered, project-based curriculum, the Digital Art and Design (DART) program empowers students to develop a creative voice while mastering professional skills in graphic design, animation, illustration, photography, branding, packaging design, web design, UI/UX, and motion graphics. Through hands-on learning, real-world projects, and personalized faculty mentorship, students build professional portfolios and gain the experience needed for careers as Graphic Designers, Digital Designers, Brand Identity Designers, Packaging Designers, Web and UI/UX Designers, Motion Graphics Designers, Multimedia Artists, Social Media Designers, Animators, Creative Content Designers, and Visual Communications Specialists in today's evolving creative economy.
- Student-Centered Learning and Mentorship
Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and meaningful interaction with faculty mentors. Students receive one-on-one guidance throughout their academic journey, allowing them to refine the artistic vision, strengthen technical skills, and develop portfolios that showcase their individuality and professional readiness.
- Project-Based Curriculum with Real-World Experience
Students learn by doing. Courses are built around authentic design challenges and collaborative projects that mirror professional practice. DART students regularly create work for University departments, community organizations, and campus initiatives, gaining valuable client-based experience while building a portfolio of professional projects before graduation.
- Professional Portfolio Development
Every student develops a comprehensive portfolio that reflects their personal interests and career goals. Through coursework, internships, client projects, and a self-directed senior capstone project, students graduate with professional-quality work that demonstrates creative problem-solving, technical excellence, and industry preparedness.
- Capstone Experience and Recognition Through Awards
The DART experience culminates in a senior thesis and capstone exhibition showcased in the Bisignano Art Gallery. This public exhibition highlights students' achievements in graphic design, illustration, digital painting, and animation while celebrate their accomplishments as emerging designers. Students further gain professional exposure through gallery exhibitions and regional competitions, earning recognition through opportunities such as the ADDY Awards and annual DART exhibitions.
- Creative Innovation & Industry-Relevant Skills
At the University of Dubuque, learning design software is only the beginning. Students build expertise in contemporary design tools, emerging technologies, and current industry practices while exploring creative thinking, design strategy, visual storytelling, and user-centered design. Through hands-on projects, experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking, students develop the confidence and adaptability needed to lead in the creative professions of today and tomorrow.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities
The Digital Art and Design major is strengthened through interdisciplinary opportunities with Marketing, Communications, Computer Studies, Sports Marketing, Business, and Web Design and Development. Students can complement their design education with minors that support specialized career pathways, while students from other disciplines can enhance their professional skills through the DART minor.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Digital Art and Design (DART) program are prepared for a wide range of creative careers by combining technical expertise, creative problem-solving, professional portfolio development, and real-world client experience. Through project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, internships, and a comprehensive capstone experience, students develop the skills needed to thrive in today's evolving digital design industry.
DART graduates pursue careers in areas such as:
- Graphic and Digital Designer
- Brand Identity and Packaging Designer
- Web and UI/UX Designer
- Motion Graphics Designer and Animator
- Illustrator and Multimedia Artist
- Social Media and Content Designer
- Visual Communications Specialist
- Creative Director or Art Director
- Instructional Designer
- Interactive Media Designer
Whether joining creative agencies, in-house marketing teams, technology companies, nonprofit organizations, media and entertainment industries, or launching freelance design businesses, DART graduates are equipped to create, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing creative economy.
Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Faculty/Staff
Kevin CattaniDirector of Master in Management – Sport Management (MMSM) Program; Professor of Sport Marketing and Management
Phone: 563.589.3454 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: KCattani@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 216 Severance Hall
CREDENTIALS
- PhD, University of Florida
- MS, University of Florida
- BS, University of Florida
Michelle GraceAssociate Professor of Communication; Communication Department Internship Coordinator.
Phone: 563.589.3204 Email: MGrace@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 308 Van Vliet Hall
Credentials
- EdD, National Louis University
- MAC, University of Dubuque
- BBA, Loras College
Jean HoldenerDigital Art and Design Cohead; Assistant Professor.
Phone: 563.589.3768 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: JHoldene@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 216 Dunlap Technology Center
Credentials
PhD, Capella University; MFA, Memphis College of Art; BA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Sue Ann MarinoCommunication Department Head; Assistant Professor of Communication.
Phone: 563.589.3641 Email: SMarino@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 306 Van Vliet Hall
Credentials
- MA, DePaul University
- BA, University of Iowa
Sheila SabersDigital Art and Design Department Chair; Associate Professor of Digital Art and Design
Phone: 563.589.3780 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: SSabers@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 223 Dunlap Technology Center
Credentials
MAC, University of Dubuque; BA, Iowa State University.
Jenn SuppleAssociate Professor of Communication; Director of Speech Communication.
Phone: 563.589.3411 Email: JSupple@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 312 Van Vliet Hall
Credentials
- EdD, National Louis University
- MA, University of Northern Iowa
- BFA, Drake University
Franklin Nii YarteyProfessor of Communication
Phone: 563.589.3181 Email: FYartey@dbq.edu Department: Communication, Design, Marketing, and Sport Management Office: 310 Van Vliet Hall
Credentials
- PhD, Bowling Green State University
- MA, Indiana State University
- BA, Northwestern College