Applying to Graphic Design & Studio Art
Create Your Portfolio
Prospective students majoring in Studio Art (BA) or Graphic Design (BFA) — must submit a portfolio as part of the application process.
We use the portfolio to determine whether or not potential students are a good fit for our program and ready to tackle college-level art and design classes. We do not use the portfolio as a tool to help choose one student over another, nor do we have a predetermined number of students we accept each year. Our philosophy is open-minded and when we review portfolios we aren’t overly concerned with where your work is right now, but rather where it (and you) can go. We want to work with capable and motivated students, and challenge them to become better than they ever thought possible.
Our priority deadline for portfolio submission is March 15 — but we welcome earlier submission at any point after your formal acceptance to the university. This deadline guarantees that your portfolio will be reviewed and decided on before April 1 — a full month before the deposit deadline. Portfolios that are submitted after March 15 will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space in the department permits.
If you have any questions about the status of your portfolio or the requirements in general, please email department chair Amanda Lenig at .
Preparing your Portfolio
Portfolio Guidelines
- Include 8–10 pieces of your best current work.
- Please create clear, high-resolution digital images of physical work.
- Work does not have to be from high school art or graphic design courses. If you haven’t taken a lot of these courses, don’t worry! Neither have many of the world’s best artists and graphic designers. Send us what you have — especially those amazing personal projects sketched on the back of your chemistry notebook!
- Graphic Design and Studio Art portfolios must contain at least four drawings or paintings.
- Photography portfolios must contain at least two drawings or paintings.
- Exercise caution if submitting work from high school graphic design classes or from yearbook. A few pieces are fine, but don’t submit a portfolio composed primarily of, for example, Photoshop exercises or yearbook layouts. We do not expect you to know how to be a graphic designer already… or even how to use the software.
- Do not submit work in only one medium, unless it is painting or drawing.
- Do not submit original artwork. Portfolios will not be returned.
Submitting YOur Portfolio
Once you apply, and are accepted to Susquehanna University, you will have access to your River Hawk Portal. There, you will find a copy of these instructions, a sample portfolio and have the ability to upload your own portfolio.
Acceptable submission formats include:
- A working URL to a personal portfolio website (Behance for example — but all platforms are acceptable)
- Upload individual images to Dropbox
- A single PDF file
Explore Susquehanna
Graphic Design
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Straight from the Nest
“With my graphic design major, I have been able to produce a well-rounded portfolio that makes me a candidate who will stand out in job interviews.”
— Kristina Kerschner ’25
“I’ve had the opportunity to take photographs for the music department, which has been a great environment for learning and growth. It’s very rewarding to see my photos on their Instagram feed and used to promote the department to prospective students. I’ve also photographed various university events, providing valuable additions to my portfolio for future employers.”
— Ella Collura ’25
“What stands out about my majors at Susquehanna is that they have smaller communities and that really gives us the opportunity to dive into each other’s work, get to know the people who are in our community and help better each other.”
— Allison Himler ’26
“In each class, we create our own portfolio. All the work is compiled, and you can continue to add to your personal portfolio over time. My major provides valuable experiences, where I’m trying different mediums and learning styles through a variety of courses. This is very helpful for developing a portfolio.”
— Lance Latchford ’26