We've been here for awhile...
Graphic Design has been taught at UIW since the Fall of 2000 (but we were called "Computer Graphic Arts" for the first dozen years or so). We are the only four-year university experience in San Antonio that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design.
Our program has a 16:1 classroom ratio, state of the art computer labs with industry standard software, and a team of dedicated faculty who are active in the local design community.
Our graduates are employed all throughout the city and state. Just about every design agency and studio has one of our graduates working there.
We have a lot to offer here at the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand.
Take a look around.
BFA Program
Learn to see the world as a designer

Understand and create design systems

Design strategies to improve the way we live

Gallery of Student Work
Work done by students in the Graphic Design program has been recognized in regional, state, national, and international competitions including: AIGA Flux, AIGA Texas Show, DSVC National Student Show & Conference, CMYK Magazine, Logo Lounge, and the American Advertisign Awards.
Our Degree Plan
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design is considered a “professional preparatory degree,” which means that you are ready to enter the workplace. Graphic Design degree courses are highlighted.
1st Year Fall - 16 Hours
1st Year Spring - 16 Hours
2nd Year Fall - 15 Hours
2nd Year Spring - 16 Hours
3rd Year Fall - 15 Hours
3rd Year Spring - 15 Hours
4th Year Fall - 15 Hours
4th Year Spring - 12 Hours
Prospective Students
Incoming Freshmen
If you are looking for a full 4-year degree in Graphic Design, then you are in the right place. Our program offers you an immersive start in the first semester by taking design courses along with university core required courses. We promise that if you will work hard, have fun, and do great work, you will succeed.
No portfolio is required. We'll help you with that!
Transfer Students
Would you like to continue your Graphic Design education with us? Whether you have taken only a few classes or completed an Associates degree at an area community college, we can evaluate your portfolio and transcript and see how you fit into our program. Transfer students bring a level of maturity and competition to our program.
Let's see what you have to offer!
Portfolio Review
Why We have a portfolio review.
Our program prepares students for a demanding and competitive profession. Dedication to this goal means that the program must be selective in order to offer the best quality opportunity that we can.
All students must submit a portfolio for review in order to be admitted to the Graphic Design major. Portfolios will be reviewed at the end of the academic year (Spring semester).
Transfer students who wish to start in the major classes must submit a portfolio at the scheduled portfolio review time the SPRING semester before they plan to attend.
Faculty
Doris Palmeros
- Associate Professor & Program Coordinator
- MFA, Graphic Design
- Temple University, Tyler School of Art
Doris Palmeros is an award-winning graphic designer. She is originally from South Texas. Her design experience began in NYC at Pushpin Studios, which lead to her own company TwinPop Design working on branding and licensing projects with high profile clients like Dr. Seuss and Mattel. Upon coming home to Texas, Doris spent her first years back working at Giles Design producing award-winning work.
Since arriving at UIW in 2013, her main pursuit is inspiring her students, and helping her clients express their vision. Her design background fuels her interest in research areas that involve Social Design and Design Advocacy. This stemming from her belief that design has the power to make social impact and encourages her students to find their voice and become good social design citizens.
Teresa Trevino
- Professor
- MFA, Graphic Communication
- University of Houston
- MA, Design
- Cal State, Fullerton
Teresa Trevino is a graphic designer and an educator. She has taken workshops with Ken Garland, David Skopec, Duarte Design and Edward Tufte with an emphasis on Information Design.
Professor Trevino has participated as a guest speaker and instructor in international forums in Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Spain and the United States. Before coming to UIW in 2015, she taught for fifteen years in Monterrey, Mexico.
Michael Clayton
- Professor
- MFA, Graphic Design
- Utah State University
Michael Clayton has taught Foundation Design, Interactive Design, User Interface Design, and Motion Graphics at UIW since 2001. His current research topics include Visual Note Taking (Sketchnoting) and Graphic Recording.
Mr. Clayton has presented at the UCDA Education Summit, TechEd California, AIGA San Antonio, the Internation Sketchnote Camps in Hamburg and Lisbon, VizThink Berlin, and to other professional and community groups around the world.
Contact Us
Do you have a question for us? Would you like to schedule a visit or have us review your work? We would love to hear from you!
Mailing Address
Graphic Design Program
University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
USA
Phone
+1 (210) 283-6445