Best Graphic Design Schools and Colleges 2021

Maryland Institute College of Art started in 1826 and currently boasts around 3,500 learners. Located in Baltimore, this private institution educates students through an interactive 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and holds accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

MICA offers a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design that examines technical and visual elements for commercial, political, or civic projects. Students can explore concepts such as branding, packaging, and typeface for books, websites, advertisements, films, and games. The department also prioritizes graphic design theory and history.

Specific classes include critical inquiry, color and design, and forms and space. Learners can also complete a senior project and earn field experience while in the program.

Degree-seekers can select specializations for more personalized degrees. For instance, MICA offers studio concentrations in book arts, animation, game arts, and film and video. Learners can also select minors in art history or humanistic studies. MICA offers a master and master of fine arts in graphic design for more advanced study.

Graphic design students benefit from campus visits from more than 175 field experts per year. These experts include writers, designers, and critics. MICA also provides studio spaces for student use and publishes two magazines and a journal related to visual arts. Learners can also participate in MICA's yearly Art Market to sell original pieces.

MICA provides student counseling services, including digital resources and in-person assistance. Learners can also visit the Writing Studio for feedback on assignments, resumes, and professional documents.

Located in Boston, Northeastern University started in 1898 and has graduated more than 200,000 learners. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits Northeastern, and the U.S. News & World Report ranks this private school eighth for most innovative schools.

The College of Arts, Media, and Design offers a bachelor of fine arts in design with the following concentrations: experience design, interaction design, and graphic and information design. This graphic design degree requires 129 credits and trains learners to build, edit, and present design projects that are tailored to specific audiences. Students can explore multiple steps in project design, including researching strategies, tools and media, and illustrating information in a user-friendly manner.

Classes may include photo basics, programming basics, observational drawing, typography, and time-based design, with assignments that cover several types of media. Learners must also complete design degree projects that involve written work and experience with art organizations.

The department prioritizes research, theory, and history, along with relevant skills such as data analysis, communication, and three-dimensional modeling. Degree-seekers can also declare minors that are relevant to their career goals. Options include game design, photojournalism, and video arts.

Graduates can pursue related master's degrees from Northeastern, such as the master of fine arts in information design and visualization and the master's in game science and design. Candidates may also find employment as digital designers, visual communicators, and marketing and brand directors.

Texas Christian University in Fort Worth started in 1873 and currently boasts more than 90,000 alumni. Nearly 11,000 students attend this private school and benefit from a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution also holds a 92% freshman retention rate and conferred 2,598 degrees in 2017-2018. The U.S. News & World Report ranks TCU among the top national universities, best colleges for veterans, and best value schools. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits this university.

Students can pursue a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design through TCU. This program explores tools and theory for graphic design, as well as design topics like typography, web media, and advertising. Each student must complete an internship and thesis, plus take 66% of their program courses at TCU.

The department holds National Association of Schools of Art and Design accreditation. Class sizes do not exceed 15 learners to increase interaction between students and faculty. To enter this program, degree-seekers must pass a portfolio exam after completing several TCU courses as a graphic design pre-major.

Graduates can work as graphic designers in various settings, such as studios, newspapers, book publishing companies, and advertising businesses. A candidate can also pursue a master of fine arts in studio art at TCU. Students can benefit from career guidance from fine arts advisors and obtain departmental scholarships. The department also showcases student work on their website.

About 33% of TCU students participate in study abroad opportunities, including European and New York options for graphic design learners.

The University of San Francisco began as St. Ignatius Academy in 1855. This private institution embraces Jesuit traditions and educated 10,714 learners in September 2018. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission accredits USF, and the U.S. News & World Report ranks the school among the top national universities, best colleges for veterans, and best value schools.

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a bachelor's in graphic design that equips learners with design skills for civic and social purposes. Learners can explore technology, materials, and media to build individual and group projects that aim to improve society. The curriculum also prioritizes research and theory.

Students can take courses such as design fundamentals, history of design, and copy culture in computer labs, ultimately each completing an internship. Graduation also mandates a senior design project that addresses a modern societal issue.

USF promotes student projects through their website and at the SF Art Gallery. Candidates can also connect with the student chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts and gain professional experience at the school's Graphics Center.

Students can attend the Campus Resource Fair for information on college events and the surrounding communities. SFU candidates can also participate in workshops on health topics such as nutrition, alcoholism, and tobacco addiction.

The school provides tutoring and guidance in several disciplines through the Speaking Center, Writing Center, and Learning Center. Additionally, the Gleeson Library offers rooms where learners can study together and participates in Interlibrary Loan.

The University of the Arts dates back to 1876 with the creation of the Philadelphia College of Art. This institution joined with the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts in 1985 and became UArts in 1987. UArts boasts more than 19,000 graduates and enrolls around 1,900 current learners. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredit this private university.

The school's 120-credit bachelor of fine arts in graphic design trains students to consider media, tools, and technology for building innovative projects that persuade, inform, or resolve modern issues. This exploration includes different project types, including motion graphics and book design, while encouraging association with individuals from other fields. In particular, degree-seekers may work with art facilities, as well as students or faculty from other departments.

The curriculum addresses art history, theory, and techniques through classes such as visual communication, electronic media/production, and digital interactive techniques. Coursework may also include an internship and senior studio. Students may individualize programs by adding minors like animation, art therapy, game design, or web and mobile design.

Admission requires a portfolio with at least 15 work samples, which may include two-dimensional, three-dimensional, animated, and film pieces. Students can graduate in four years and may enroll in UArts master's programs in fields such as book arts and printmaking.

UArts provides the Albert M. Greenfield Makerspace with digital design tools, including three-dimensional printers. Students can also explore the Art Alliance at UArts; the Center for Immersive Media; and the Corzo Center for the Creative Economy for professional, creative, and academic assistance.

Located in Philadelphia, Moore College of Art and Design began in 1848 and currently boasts membership with the Women's College Coalition and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. This private institution also holds accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The College of Art and Design delivers the bachelor of fine arts in graphic design. This program addresses technological tools and prepares individuals to adapt as designers as technology transforms. Candidates can also study different art types, including motion graphics and web design.

Students take courses such as color theory, foundation drawing, typography, and history of modern design with field professionals as professors. The curriculum also includes a thesis, an internship, and writing workshops that relate to design. Learners can access Moore's computer labs while taking these courses, which are equipped with software like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

Admission into the bachelor's program requires a minimum of eight examples of original artwork. These pieces can showcase different media but cannot be more than two years old. Candidates can complete this program in four years and then pursue Moore's master of fine arts in socially engaged art.

The department promotes student projects by featuring them online. Candidates can also attend exhibitions from The Galleries at Moore and participate in field interviews through the Galleries at Moore Radio. The Galleries at Moore also hosts the Annual Alumni Exhibition that promotes work from graduates, and the Art Shop sells books written by Moore graduates.

Champlain College began in 1878. Today, this private institution in Burlington, Vermont, educates more than 2,000 students who benefit from a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and class sizes that average 16 learners. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits this nonprofit school.

Champlain offers a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design and digital media that will become the bachelor of fine arts in visual communication design in fall 2020. Candidates study traditional and current media and techniques for graphic designs that address international consumers. Students can choose specializations in motion graphics and publishing.

The department embraces the Upside-Down Curriculum structure where degree-seekers can take major courses as freshmen. This format allows students to build graphic design experience throughout the program for stronger professional portfolios and quicker access to internships. These courses include publication design, aesthetic expressions, the digital image, and form and space. Each degree-seeker must also complete a senior portfolio and capstone to graduate.

Admission requires a portfolio of at least five art projects, two of which must involve drawing. This portfolio must include an extended statement for one piece. Candidates can graduate in four years and earn careers in website, exhibition, book, or packing design. Ninety-two percent of 2018 alumni obtained related employment within half a year of program completion.

Graphic design degree-seekers can study abroad in Dublin or Montreal in courses like digital marketing, game design for non-game majors, and Canadian culture through film. Learners can also benefit from on-campus centers and resources, such as a digital photo lab, a drawing studio, the Metz Studio Barn, the Emergent Media Center, and the Center for Publishing.

The Congregation of Holy Cross founded Stonehill College in 1948. More than 2,000 learners attend this private Massachusetts university, with a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and classes that average 19 students. The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits this Catholic institution.

Stonehill's bachelor of arts in graphic design equips learners with skills and experience related to techniques, media, materials, and platforms for projects. Degree-seekers can take courses in graphic design foundations, typography, package design, three-dimensional graphics, and website design to prepare for careers in fields such as advertising and publication. Candidates can also complete internships, graphic design portfolios, and directed studies for this graphic design degree.

Learners can prepare for specific career paths by adding minors, such as studio arts, digital media production, and arts administration.

Stonehill offers InHouse Design, a student-run studio, where degree-seekers assist with graphic design projects for the school and external organizations. By participating, learners gain experience and enhance their portfolios. These opportunities also hone group management and organizational skills since candidates work together on projects and oversee basic functions of InHouse Design.

Faculty guidance helps learners obtain internships at places such as Boston Magazine, KW Design, Little Dolce Photography, and the Special Olympics. Learners may also access the school's Mac lab, which includes relevant software.

For further experience and knowledge, degree-seekers can connect with the group Acres to assist with yearbooks and read the institution's art journal, Cairn.

The Career Development Center provides resources on cover letters, interviews, and salary negotiation. Students also obtain Handshake profiles with information on jobs and internships.

Laguna College of Art and Design started in 1961. Located in California, this private school boasts a six-year graduation rate of 63% and holds accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

LCAD's bachelor of fine arts in graphic design and digital media explores multiple disciplines for building projects that solve problems and engage the public. The curriculum may also address various media, such as print, motion graphics, and web design, and guide learners on color, history, theory, and typography for graphic design. Additionally, students can select emphases in illustration and action sport design. Candidates can also choose minors in areas such as animation, illustration, and entertainment design to personalize the degree.

Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and a portfolio with at least 12 pages of original projects. These projects may include posters, drawings, photographs, and other digital graphics. Learners may complete this program in four years. LCAD, however, accepts studio and liberal arts transfer courses, which can shorten program duration.

Graduates can pursue LCAD's master of fine arts in game design or enter the workplace. More than 98% of alumni for graphic design programs find related employment, often with organizations such as Adobe, Facebook, Nike, Disney Interactive, and Sony Pictures.

The department works with Sony Music to provide students with graphic design experience related to the music industry. Graphic design students can also attend LCAD events to further their knowledge in the field. These events include lectures and panels on topics such as game design and drawing. Speakers from companies like Nike may also visit campus.

Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts dates back to 1906 and boasts over 80,000 alumni. As of fall 2018, 7,332 learners attended this private school. The U.S. News & World Report ranks Suffolk as a top national university. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the New England Commission of Higher Education accredits this school.

The College of Arts and Science's bachelor of fine arts in graphic design addresses aesthetics, theory, and technology. This information helps students construct educational or influential projects related to web design, book publication, and commercial packaging. The department provides insights on software, assessment, and artistic strategies for achieving each project's purpose. The program also builds research and communication skills for delivering presentations.

Students take courses in dimensional design, digital communication, online mobile design, and imaging. Learners can also complete an internship, studio experiences in areas such as printmaking, and a thesis studio.

Admission requires a portfolio with at least 12 original pieces. The department suggests including drawn or painted images. Program graduates can consider enrollment in Suffolk's master of arts in graphic design.

The Suffolk University Gallery displays student projects and provides exhibitions that increase knowledge in the field. Graphic design degree-seekers can also study abroad in countries such as Spain and Italy. On-campus resources include studios, a fabrication lab, and areas for printmaking and woodworking.

Students can work with career advisors from the Career Development Center for professional guidance. The center provides resume tips and access to Handshake for searching careers. It also connects learners to Focus2Career for assistance on choosing professional paths.

Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida began in 1962 and graduated its first class in 1965. More than 3,000 learners attended Lynn in fall 2018. Today, the school includes six colleges and boasts accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lynn's bachelor of fine arts in graphic design explores the field's history and current technology. Candidates study design concepts for magazines, websites, and advertisements by taking classes such as print production, social media campaigns, and digital layout and design. The department also offers a concentration in advertising design that requires coursework in consumer behavior, interactive media design, and art direction management. For either path, students must submit portfolios.

Learners can graduate in four years and pursue careers as graphic designers, brand managers, illustrators, and art directors. Students interested in online graphic design degrees can also apply to Lynn's online master's programs in digital media, media studies and practice, and media management.

Graphic design students can connect with the AIM Arts Club to learn from professionals and build game and film projects with other members. Students can also work with the Lynn Film Club to network and collaborate with filmmakers.

Candidates can complete internships, with previous students benefiting from experiences with Walt Disney World and the U.S. House of Representatives. Lynn also offers study abroad experiences for learners with at least a 2.5 GPA. These opportunities include locations such as Germany, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, China, Argentina, and South Africa.

Located in Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College started in 1939. Current enrollment for this private school exceeds 5,000. The school boasted a 90% job placement rate for 2018 alumni in field professions and holds accreditation through the New England Commission of Higher Education. Endicott ranks among the top regional universities in the North, best value schools, most innovative schools, and best colleges for veterans, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

The School of Visual and Performing Arts offers a 127-credit bachelor of fine arts in graphic design that prepares learners to function in groups and across disciplines. Students examine each step for building clear, illustrative projects for print, film, and web design. The department emphasizes adapting strategies and methodologies as technology advances and enhances research and communication skills. Degree-seekers can also explore graphic design history and theory.

For this degree, candidates can choose advertising/brand development or web design/development specializations. For either focus, classes may include painting, printmaking, typography, interactive design, and three-dimensional design. Degree-seekers may also complete internships, portfolios, and studios.

Learners may choose minors that relate to career goals, such as art history, digital journalism, and studio art. Applicants for the bachelor's program should provide a portfolio with at least 10 original pieces. These pieces should reflect different art forms and media.

Endicott offers several art centers and galleries, such as the Bilodeau Lounge Student Gallery and the Carol Grillo Gallery that showcase student projects. Resources also include computer labs and studios for woodworking, photography, ceramics, and printmaking.

Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, started in 1891 and currently includes more than 24,000 students in 15 schools and colleges. This private school prioritizes research and ranks on U.S. News & World Report lists for top national universities, best colleges for veterans, best value schools, and most innovative schools. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredit Drexel.

The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design delivers a 183-credit bachelor of science in graphic design. This program addresses various steps in graphic design, along with tools, techniques, history, and theory that relate to the field. The department may provide this guidance through projects that address advertising, publication, and web design. Students learn to build clear visuals that persuade, inform, and engage the public, with consideration to typography, format, color, and dimensions.

Candidates can use elective courses to focus on graphic design concepts, such as experimental publication design. Students can also personalize degrees with minors, including interactive digital media, film studies, and video production.

Learners can graduate in four years, but they may shorten this time frame with transfer credits and advanced placement courses. Graduates have earned positions with companies like Apple, ESPN, Facebook, and Marvel Entertainment. Students can also pursue master's degrees in digital media and arts administration at Drexel. Drexel offers cooperative education and employment options at organizations like Hasbro, Comcast, and Quirk Books.

Graphic design students can attend relevant on-campus events, such as the Design Research Symposium. The institution also offers student organizations where learners can network and enhance field knowledge, including the Drexel Game Developers Group and the Drexel Art Organization.

The Dominican University of California in San Rafael began in 1890. Today, this private school educates nearly 2,000 learners who benefit from an interactive 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Dominican holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission and ranks in the top 30 on U.S. News & World Report's lists for top regional universities in the West and best value schools.

The School of Liberal Arts and Education offers two graphic design degrees: the bachelor of arts and the bachelor of fine arts in graphic art. Both programs introduce design concepts for cultural, social, and commercial purposes. Students can interact with candidates from other fields to build projects for different media. Degree-seekers also gain technological and design skills, along with analytical skills for determining effective options and communication skills for working in groups.

The BA and BFA may require learners to create community-based projects. Classes for either degree include life drawing, three-dimensional design, and the history of design. Each learner can declare an emphasis in multimedia/animation, graphic art and design, or digital photography. Candidates can also complete internships and choose minors related to career goals, such as arts management and communications and media studies.

Graphic art students receive access to Dominican's Digital Arts and Graphics Design Studio to use computers, a printer, and a projector. Learners can also attend classes at the San Marco building and have their work showcased at the San Marco Gallery.