At the college and university levels, a graphic design school is rarely a standalone institution. Rather, it is usually a department or academic unit within a larger liberal arts college, art school, art institute, or art university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in graphic design.
Graphic design schools generally develop their curricula to not only teach the fundamentals of art and design but also give students a holistic understanding of how graphic design principles can be applied across a range of industries such as advertising, marketing, website development, publishing, communication design, education, the media arts and more. Thus, in addition to theory-based courses on topics like color theory or typography, they typically offer practical classes that help students hone their artistic skills, with both traditional tools (like drawing pencils) and digital software programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator or 3D modeling applications like SketchUp Pro.
Embarking on a journey through a graphic design program is more than just an academic pursuit; it’s a transformative experience that lays the foundation for a lifelong creative career. The importance of a graphic design education lies not only in the knowledge you acquire but in the cultivation of a designer’s mindset. It’s about learning to see the world through the lens of graphic design, where everything from a street sign to a website layout becomes a canvas for your creative expression.
Graphic design education revolves around key principles. Visual Communication is about crafting compelling visual narratives, while Color Theory delves into the emotional impact of colors in visual communication. Typography covers text aesthetics and readability, and Layout and Composition focus on arranging visual elements for balance and clarity. These principles are the foundation of effective graphic design programs, enabling graphic designers to convey messages, employ color meaningfully, select typefaces, and create well-structured layouts.
Exploring the evolution of design through different art movements provides valuable context for contemporary design. Semiotics, the study of visual language, helps designers convey meaning effectively. Additionally, a solid understanding of design ethics and copyright ensures communication design work aligns with industry standards. This foundational knowledge in design history and theory equips designers with a rich historical perspective and ethical awareness essential for crafting impactful designs.
A big part of earning a graphic design degree includes honing business and professional skills that are critical for a successful graphic design career. It encompasses building a compelling portfolio, mastering presentation and pitch skills, collaborating effectively in teams, and the practical skills for managing time and projects efficiently. Developing these professional and technical skills toegether is crucial for making a mark in the competitive field of graphic design.
Accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing a graphic design school. Accreditation ensures that the school has met rigorous standards of education and that its graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge. Look for the graphic design programs at schools that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) or other recognized accrediting bodies.
When researching schools, it’s also important to consider a school’s reputation within the design industry. Look for schools that have a strong reputation and a track record of placing graduates in successful careers. You can research a school’s reputation by reading reviews and talking to alumni.
When considering a school’s curriculum, it’s important to determine if it aligns with your interests and career goals. Look for schools with a graphic design focus that offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as branding, advertising, digital media, or web development and web design.
It’s also important to consider the balance between technical skills and conceptual learning. A good graphic design program should encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to its graphic design students. Look for schools that offer courses in business, marketing, and visual communication design, as these are important skills for a successful career in graphic design.
The facilities and resources of a top art school can greatly impact your educational experience. Look for art schools with up-to-date technology, ample studio space, and access to resources such as design libraries and workshops.
Schools with strong industry connections may also offer opportunities for internships and partnerships with leading design firms. Look for schools that have a strong career center or job placement program, as this can greatly increase your chances of finding a job after graduation.
The location of a school can impact your access to internships, job opportunities, and industry events. Consider whether a school is located in a design hub such as New York City or Los Angeles, or in a smaller city or rural area.
Cost is also an important factor to consider when choosing a graphic design school. Look into financial aid options and scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. It’s important to find a school that provides a quality education, but also one that is affordable and fits within your budget.
Each year, our experts review and analyze public and private data from hundreds of qualifying art schools to produce a ranking of the best graphic design schools in the U.S.
The graphic design programs listed here earned exceptional marks in all eight pillars of our ranking methodology: Academic excellence, student selectivity, graduation rate performance (the school’s ability to retain and graduate students), financial aid, faculty resources, early career success, post-graduate success (alumni achievements), and value
1. Rhode Island School of Design
20 Washington Place, Providence, RI 02903
66 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011
200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
4. Virginia Commonwealth University
907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284
5. ArtCenter College of Design
1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
6. Carnegie Mellon University School of Art
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
7. Savannah College of Art and Design
516 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401
209 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
9. Maryland Institute College of Art
1300 W Mount Royal Ave, Baltimore, Maryland, 21217
10. Minneapolis College of Art & Design
2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Over 350 colleges and universities across the country offer various graphic design degrees, programs, and courses that prepare students for careers in graphic design. To help you find a top graphic design program and school that fits your needs and academic goals, we’ve compiled a list of the best graphic design programs and schools in each state.
A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, or a related field such as web design, visual communications, motion design, computer science, and animation, typically provides the best foundation for a career as a professional graphic designer. Students who pursue a degree in any of these areas will gain an understanding of the graphic design process, build practical skills, and complete projects that are similar to what they would encounter working for design firms and major companies.
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