Top 50 Public Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2024 College Rankings (2024)

The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the School of Design and Creative Technologies. Within the School is the Design Department. Housed in the Doty Fine Arts Building (DFA) and the Art Building (ART), the Design Department provides BA, BFA, and MFA programs in Design.

For students seeking a shorter program, the Center for Professional Education at UT Austin has a three-month Graphic Design certificate program that may be completed 100% online. Over 13 sessions, certificate students will master industry software such as Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign, and Photoshop. The program also explores design practices and the production of static and motion graphic designs.

All UT Austin Design students benefit from dedicated studio spaces and fabrication labs; courses taught by industry professionals; and opportunities to engage in experiential learning through the school’s internship and study abroad programs. Students may also take courses through The Center for Integrated Design (The Center), which has partnerships with companies and organizations such as IBM, McKinsey & Company, the Austin Arts Commission, Logitech, the Office of Sustainability, Planet Texas 2050, EcoRise, and agrodesign.

At all degree levels, design students will explore graphic, industrial, and interaction design. All coursework is project-based and industry-oriented, with the opportunity to create a specialization by selecting courses from five formal areas. This includes Graphic Design, Design History, Interaction Design, Design Research, and Industrial Design.

The Design BA at UT Austin combines liberal arts coursework with project-based courses in design techniques, aesthetics, history, theory, and research methods. While students in this program will take fewer courses than BFA students, they will have the opportunity to explore other areas in additional departments across the university.

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Introduction to 2D and 3D; Typography; Interaction Design; Sketching; Design Research and Images in Communication; and History of Design. The Design BFA is a pre-professional degree consisting of 120 credit hours. Around two-thirds of the courses for this program are in design and related coursework. Course examples include Identity Systems; Design and Social Environment; Typography I-III; and Industrial Design. Students will also complete one or more paid internships at places such as Apple, EA Games, Google, IBM, Dell, and Samsung.

The Design BFA program at UT Austin culminates with a capstone design project that will be presented in UT Austin’s Annual Public Exhibition.

The Design MFA at University of Texas at Austin is a 60 credit hour program designed for students with professional design skills. The curriculum for the program consists of the design core, design studios, electives, and thesis studios. Course examples for the program include Design in Context; Design Pedagogy and Instruction; User Research; Design Documentation and Storytelling; Topics in Interaction Design Studio; Service and Systems Design; Visiting Designer Studio; and Fieldwork in Design.

All Design MFA students have 24/7 access to shared studio spaces; design, materials, digital fabrication, and computer labs; the Wood Shop; a Visual Arts Center; The Foundry; a Fine Arts Library; and the Harry Ransom Center. The program culminates with a thesis project that will be presented at the MFA Exhibition.

Graduates of the Design programs at UT Austin are Graphic Designers, Project Managers, Book Designers, Design Strategists, UI/UX Designers, Interaction Designers, Product Designers, Brand Designers, Visual Designers, Creative Directors, Industrial Designers, Freelance Designers, and Entrepreneurs.

Program alumni have been hired by major companies, organizations, and studios such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Razorfish, Deloitte, Meta, The New York Times, H-E-B Digital, Publicis Sapient, Serenity Forge, Droga5, Double A Labs, Gensler, and frog design (part of Capgemini Invent).

Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 51,915 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 155 undergraduate degree programs with 170+ fields of study; 139 graduate degree programs; and nearly 100 doctoral programs across 19 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Graphic and Experience Design (GXD) program at North Carolina State University (NC State University) is one of less than 350 programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program is also recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

Housed in the College of Design’s Department of Graphic and Industrial Design, the program has options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Degrees include the Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design (BGXD) and Master of Graphic and Experience Design (MGXD). The MGXD is one of the few graphic design graduate programs in the U.S. with STEM Classification (CIP).

The undergraduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State consists of 120 credit hours. Students in the project-based program will take specialized courses such as Image and Tech Tinkering; Branding, Interaction, and Service Design; Typography and Technology; Designing for Settings, People, and Use; Information and Publishing Design Systems; and Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading. BGXD students will also complete a graphic and experience design practicum studio; three advanced graphic and experience design studios; and design electives that focus on individual interests.

Other BGXD program features include the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or summer at the NC State Prague Institute, Greece, or other study abroad locations; professional paid internships at major design firms; and participation in sponsored studios as part of the GXD curriculum. Examples of past sponsors include Coca Cola, The National Civil Rights Museum, Hanes, Bosch, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, John Deere, Under Armour, Lowe’s, Caterpillar, BD Medical, and SAS.

Graduates of BGXD program at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions across industries. Program alumni have been hired at design firms and technology companies such as Lenovo, IDEO, R/GA, IBM, Red Hat, SAS, Pentagram, IQVIA, Willowtree, and Citrix.

The graduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State has two-year and three-year options. Both lead to a terminal degree, equivalent to the MFA, which qualifies graduates to pursue leadership roles across industries, teach at the university level, or pursue a Design PhD.

The two-year program (MGXD II) is designed for students with a graphic design BFA (or equivalent) and experience in visual communication, design, interaction design, or related field. The three-year program (MGXD III) is for students who have earned a BA in another field or a Graphic Design concentration.

All MGXD students will participate in studios and seminars such as MGXD Studio I-III; Theoretical Frameworks in Design Seminar; Advanced Graphic Design Studio; Tech Tinkering Seminar; and Design Research Methods Seminar. Electives allow students to enhance the degree. Elective examples for the MGXD II pathway include Environmental Communication; Film Production; Advanced Technical Writing and Education; Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM); and Cognitive Processes.

Elective examples for the MGXD III pathway include Responsible AI and Society; Graphic Design History; Typography I-II; Special Topics in Social Innovation; and Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM). Across pathways, students will have opportunities to take additional electives at affiliate universities such as Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.

In addition, MGXD students will have opportunities to work on collaborative projects and research with major companies and institutes such as IBM, NC State Laboratory for Analytic Sciences, Red Hat Software, SAS, and the Institute of Emerging Issues.

For their final graduate projects, MGXD students will research an area of focus, record conclusions, design studies and mock-ups, and present the project to the public.

Graduates of the Master of Graphic and Experience Design program at North Carolina State University have gone on to establish successful careers at consulting firms, software companies, and universities. Examples include Adobe, Carnegie Mellon University, IDEO, University of Michigan, Lenovo, Pratt Institute, IBM, University of Washington, Red Hat Software, and Accenture.

North Carolina State University employs more than 10,000 faculty and staff that serve approximately 38,440 students. This makes NC State the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides more than 250 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) houses six schools, more than 8,000 students, 125+ degree programs led by 750 faculty and associates, and one of the region’s leading contemporary museums—ASU Art Museum. Within the Herberger Institute is The Design School, which houses the Graphic Design program.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the program consists of a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD); a Master of Science in Design (MSD) with a concentration in Visual Communication Design (VCD MSD); and a Master of Visual Communication Design (MVCD).

Delivered at ASU’s Tempe campus and through ASU Online, the Graphic Design BSD is a studio and lecture-based program that emphasizes collaborative teams and professional projects in areas such as branding, publication design, interface design, animation, information design, motion graphics, web design, interaction design, and sensorial design.

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Regenerative Graphic Design; Sustainability; Communication/Interaction Design Theory; Advanced Interaction Design; Visual Communication Design I-VI; Motion Graphics and Interaction Design Advanced Media; Technology for Design I-II; Letterform; Typography; Exhibit Design; Graphic Design History I-II; American Institutions; and Design Drawing.

The Graphic Design BSD at Arizona State University culminates with a final project and a professional portfolio of the students best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as advertising and marketing design; publication design; information design; brand and corporate identity design; broadcast design (TV graphics); web design; interaction and interface design; VCD; and museum or exhibition design.

Delivered in-person at the ASU Tempe campus, the VCD MSD consists of 36 credit hours of study completed over four semesters (two years). In addition to interactions with visiting designers and an internship in teaching design, VCD MSD students will take courses and seminars such as Methods in Visual Communication I-II; VCD Seminar: Contemporary Issues; Qualitative Research in Design; and Research Methods.

To graduate, students will have the option to complete a thesis or the applied project course. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles advanced design and other industries, as well as graphic design education or research.

The MVCD program at the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts explores areas such as interaction design, visualization, user experience design, prototyping, design for social innovation, visual research, service design, ideation, and participatory design.

Consisting of 42-43 credit hours, the MVCD program has two options. The two-year, studio-based degree is designed for professionals with design experience or a degree in VCD, graphic design or other related area. The three-year studio-based degree is designed for students without an undergraduate design degree or experience in VCD/graphic design.

Students in the two-year ASU MVCD program are encouraged to complete an internship, while three-year students are required to complete an internship. Internships take place during the summer after the first year, and they may be completed anywhere in the U.S. and around the world. Both options require successful completion of the culminating experience for the program—Advanced Visual Communication Design Studio IV. Students will earn five credits upon completion.

Graduates of the graduate Design programs at Arizona State University are prepared to pursue titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, Visual Design Consultant, Creative Lead, Senior Visual Communication Designer, Media Collection Specialist, Managing Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UI/UX Designer, Instructional Designer, Package Designer, Brand Manager, Commercial and Industrial Designer, Senior Technologist, and Design Professor.

ASU Design alumni have been hired at major companies and organizations such as American Airlines, Google, Banner Health, UNICEF, and GoDaddy.

Arizona State University serves 145,655 students, making it one of the largest universities in the U.S. Founded in 1885 as the Arizona Territorial Normal School, ASU has four campuses that provide 800 fully accredited degree programs across 16 colleges and schools. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The School of the Arts and Architecture at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA). Within the department are two paths to study Graphic Design: the DMA BA and the Media Arts MFA. Both multidisciplinary programs explore narrative, visual communication, network media game design, and video. Courses for the UCLA DMA and Media Arts programs are taught as studios, typically with no more than 22 students.

All UCLA DMA and Media Arts students have access to a number of labs, spaces, and other facilities. Examples include the Experimental Digital Arts (EDA) Space; New Wight Gallery; the UCLA Game Lab; Media Arts Research Space (MARS); the Shoot Room; Fabrication and Electronics Labs; DMA Graduate Student Gallery; Audio and Video Labs; the Print Lab; Broad Art Center; the Arts Library; DMA Labs; and the Art-Sci Center + Lab.

Students in the DMA BA program will take foundation courses that explore typography; interactivity and motion; and color, space and form. Specific course examples include Media Histories; 3D Modeling and Motion; Topics in Visual Communication and Image; Drawing and Color; Tangible Media; Word + Image; Topics in Interactivity and Games; Design Culture; Typography; Special Topics in Design Media Arts; Design Culture; Network Media; Form; Game Engine; Design Futures; and Motion.

The DMA BFA program at UCLA culminates with the Senior Projects courses in the areas of visual communication and image; interactivity and games; or video and animation.

Media Arts MFA students will participate in seminars, group critiques, and research projects, while developing skills through one-on-one mentoring. Course examples for the program include Virtuality; Programming Media; Contemporary Topics in Media Arts; TA Training; Creating Context and Collaborative Practice; and Graduate Seminar.

The Media Arts MFA program at UCLA culminates with a thesis project to be presented at the UCLA MFA Exhibition.

Graduates of the DMA and Media Arts programs at University of California Los Angeles are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as graphic design, book art and publishing,content strategy, branding and packaging, multimedia design, advertising and marketing, motion art and design, UI/UX design, presentation design, art or design direction, media art, web design, exhibition design, and graphic art.

UCLA graduates are routinely hired at places such as Apple, Walt Disney Company, Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bloomberg, Amazon, Deloitte, KPMG, the County of Los Angeles, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Getty, Mattel, Oracle, Kaiser Permanente, Cisco Systems, Target Corporation, SpaceX, Accenture, and Teach for America.

Founded on May 23, 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, University of California, Los Angeles serves 46,430 students from more than 100 countries. The school provides 250+ programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. University of California, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) houses the only Art Education PhD in the state of Texas. CVAD also houses the Design Department, which attracts recruiters from many Dallas and Fort Worth design studios. As such, design students are routinely hired for internship opportunities and paid positions after graduating.

For UNT CVAD students seeking a design degree, the CVAD Design Department has a Communication Design BFA with two tracks: Graphic Design and User-Experience Design (UX Design). Both tracks consist of studio courses and additional requirements such as Typography I; Foundations for Communication Design; and Image-Making and Color Theory.

UNT UX Design students will take other requirements such as Foundations of User-Centered Design; Contextual Research Methods; and Typographic Systems.

Other course examples across tracks include Publication Design; Advanced Communication Design Studio; Interaction Design; Data Visualization and the Design of Information; Prototyping and User Testing; Graphic Design Advanced Campaigns; Digital Patterns and Systems; Cause-Based User-Experience Design; Advanced Product Design in UX Design; Planning and Developing Interactive Systems; and Art History Survey I-III.

Students in both tracks may add a minor such as New Media Art, Printmaking, Art History, or Photography. To graduate, all UNT Communication Design students will complete a final portfolio of their best work.

Program alumni are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, entertainment, publishing, computer systems design, manufacturing, and education. University of North Texas CVAD graduates also qualify for jobs with government agencies, museums, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Established in 1890 and employing more than 4,600 faculty and staff, University of North Texas is one of the largest employers in the City of Denton, Texas. The school serves 46,940 students, making it one of the top 10 largest universities in Texas, and one of the largest in the U.S. Students at UNT have access to more than 200 degree options across 14 colleges and schools. University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Established in 1925, the College of the Arts at University of Florida (UF) houses four schools; two centers, and the Digital Worlds Institute. Accreditations include the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST); and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

Among the schools in the College of the Arts is the School of Art + Art History, which provides opportunities for all students to work with clients on real-world projects. The school also provides access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences in places such as France, China, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Brazil, the UK, and Spain.

For students seeking a graphic design program, the UF School of Art + Art History provides four paths. At the undergraduate level, students can enroll in the Graphic Design BFA, minor or certificate program. Graduate students can earn a Graphic Design/Design and Visual Communications (MxD) MFA.

The Graphic Design BFA explores art history; 2D, 3D, and 4D; design; and drawing. Course examples include Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; Typography 1: Letterform; Image, Form and Meaning; Design and Professional Practice Studio; Graphic Design History I-II; Graphic Design: Visual Systems in Design; Design: Ideas and Styles; and Typography 2: Composition.

In the final semester of the program, BFA students will complete the Senior Design Studio; the Design Workshop; and a professional portfolio.

The Graphic Design minor and certificate are available to Art and Art History majors in the School of Art + Art History. Both curriculums explore graphic design thinking, methods, processes, and practices. Course examples across options include Design Studies; Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; and Typography 1: Letterform. The minor requires 18 credit hours. The certificate requires 15 credit hours.

The MxD MFA at University of Florida is a 60 credit hour, terminal degree that launched more than 20 years ago. This design-centered, interdisciplinary program consists of studios, workshops, seminars, and practic*ms. In addition to opportunities to develop entrepreneurial, teaching, and other skills through electives, the program allows experimentation, collaboration, and field experiences.

Elective examples include Methods of Research in Art Education; Global Entrepreneurship; Seminar in Museum Studies; Creativity in Entrepreneurship; Arts, Advocacy and Public Policy; Teaching Art in Higher Education; Creativity and Health: Foundations of the Arts in Medicine; and Creativity in Entrepreneurship. The UF MxD MFA culminates with a thesis or creative project.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Florida are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design in industries across the U.S. and abroad. Some program alumni have gone on to teach or launch their own studios, while others have been hired at companies, studios, and organizations such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM, L’Oréal, Verizon, Twitter/X, R/GA, West Elm, IDEO, Fossil, Viacom, JetBlue, Kate Spade, Facebook/Meta, and the Miami Heat.

Graduates who have gone on to teach have been hired at UF, University of Colorado–Boulder Northern Alabama University, Auburn University, Ball State University, University at Buffalo, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Illinois State University, among others.

University of Florida traces its founding to 1853, when the East Florida Seminary opened as the state’s first state-supported institution of higher learning. Today, University of Florida is a top 10 public, comprehensive, land-grant research university with professional campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. UF serves 60,795 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 16 colleges and schools. University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Arts and Sciences (ArtSci) at University of Washington (UW) is home to the School of Art + Art History + Design (SoA+AH+D), which houses one of the largest undergraduate programs at UW: Visual Communication Design (VCD). Featured in international design journals Art and Design (China), IDEA (Japan), and Novum (Germany), the VCD program leads to a Bachelor of Design (BDes). The School of Art also has a two-year Master of Design (MDes) for students with experience in design, and a three-year option for students from other disciplines with outstanding design potential. This option focuses on developing core design skills in preparation for advanced design coursework in the two-year MDes program.

The VCD BDes is an intensive program that encourages collaboration and experiential learning such as study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Paris, and Amsterdam. The curriculum for this 180 credit program includes courses in general education, art history, studio, and electives. Course examples include Corporate Identity; Interface Design I-II; Visual Systems; Publication Design; Advanced Typography; Introduction to Motion Design; Visual Storytelling; and Exhibition Design.

In the Junior and Senior years of the UW BDes program, students will complete an internship, a Design Capstone, and Design Exhibition worth 1-3 credit hours.

The MDes at University of Washington is considered the terminal degree in the field. Consisting of 80 credits (minimum), the MDes emphasizes individualized and interdisciplinary studies. This provides opportunities to study Visual Communication. Also, a research-based program, the MDes allows students to choose courses from and complete research projects with the Departments of Communication, Psychology, and Biomedical Informatics; the College of Engineering; and the Schools of Business and Nursing.

Throughout the UW MDes program, students will have opportunities to complete several special projects sponsored by major corporations and led by design faculty. Other program benefits include project-based studios, seminars, and independent study.

During the final year of the UW MDes program, students will work with their chair and committee to complete a thesis document and exhibition to be displayed at UW’s Henry Art Gallery. Past thesis topics include Urban Planning, Information Visualization, Healthcare, and Aviation.

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design across all industries. Some of the top employers for UW graduates include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Apple, Meta, Deloitte, KPMG, T-Mobile, Starbucks, Accenture, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Oracle, EY, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Nordstrom, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), ScribeAmerica, and Highspot.

Established in 1861, the University of Washington serves approximately 60,700 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. UW provides approximately 475 programs and 845 degree options across 18 colleges and schools. The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Engineering at UW is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is home to the School of the Arts (VCUarts). Within the school is the Department of Graphic Design, which provides a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Design/Visual Communications. Students in both programs have access to labs and design studios such as the Creative Print Bureau (CPB) and middle Of broad (mOb). CPB is a student and staff operated lab that provides print production services and learning opportunities through workshops, demos, and self-service machines. Students may participate in print production projects for various local businesses.

The experimental design lab mOb brings together the departments of graphic, fashion, and interior design. Designers from all departments work with faculty mentors on projects for companies across the state. Students may also participate in community and government projects. Past projects have included a reimagined Monument Avenue in Richmond; signage for the James River Park System; and the development of bridge concepts for Interstate 95.

Consisting of 122 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA emphasizes collaboration. Students will begin the BFA with the Art Foundation Program (AFP), which consists of courses and studios such as Survey of Art I-II; Time Studio; Surface Research; Drawing Studio; Space Research; and Project Studio.

Upon completion of the AFP, students will move on to courses such as Core Studio I-IV; Synthesis; Multi Studio I-II; Design Practices; Precedents Inquiry; Dialogues; and Critical Inquiry. Electives allow students to explore everything form book design to management. Elective examples include Book Arts; Letterpress; Typographic Systems; Web Design; Exhibition and Environments Graphic Design; Experimental Letterpress; Typeface Design; Studio Management; and Design Activism.

The Graphic Design BFA culminates with a final project and professional portfolio. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Exhibition Designers, Creative Directors, Interaction Designers, User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designers, Film Production Designers, Environmental Graphic Designers, and Broadcast Designers.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the 60 credit hour Design/Visual Communications MFA at Virginia Commonwealth University is a design and research degree that culminates in a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation. MFA students will complete several workshops and seminars; research/individual study; and an Internship or Teaching Practicum. Optional study abroad programs for a semester, summer or several weeks are also available.

Graduates of the VCUarts Design/Visual Communications MFA program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of design. Graduates may also pursue positions in art and design education and research. Program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Critical Analyst (Publishing), Public Art Director, Program Manager (Non-Profit), Design Strategist, Art Educator, Media Production Manager, Identity and Branding Design Manager, and Information Architect.

Founded in 1838, Virginia Commonwealth University is a top 100 research university that serves approximately 28,595 students. The largest employer in Richmond, Virginia, VCU provides more than 200 academic programs across 15+ colleges, schools, and centers. Virginia Commonwealth University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Founded in 1928, the School of the Arts at VCU is a four-year, non-profit art and design school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association for Schools of Theatre (NAST). The school serves around 3,230 students enrolled in 18 bachelor’s degree programs and five master’s degree programs. In 1998, VCUarts founded its Doha, Qatar campus. This location serves approximately 380 students enrolled in five bachelor’s degree programs and one master’s degree program.

The College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) is home to the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design. Within the school is a Communication Design program that features five semester-long co-op experiences. These paid opportunities are part of the UC Co-op Program, which has been in existence for more than 100 years.

Participation is mandatory for all DAAP students, and these paid experiences take place at Fortune 500 companies and abroad in places such as Morocco, South America, and China. Examples of past co-op employers include Disney, IBM, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Guess, Toyota, 3M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s, GE Aviation, and Kroger.

In addition to opportunities to gain valuable paid experience, the five-year, 120 credit hour Communication Design program at UC provides access to state-of-the-art production labs and studios; a curriculum that emphasizes studio-based learning that explores graphic, motion, and interaction design; and the opportunity to customize a focus area through electives.

Course examples for the program include Welcome to Design; Typography 1-3; Design and the Future; Collaborative Studio; Design Aesthetics 1-3; Design and Meaning; Motion Design 1-2; Interaction Design 1-2; and Graphic Design 1-2; Design in History I-II; and Applied Professional Practice - DAAP. The Communication Design program culminates with a final project and portfolio. The program leads to a BS in Design (BSDES) with a Communication Design major.

At the graduate level, University of Cincinnati has a multidisciplinary STEM Master of Design (MDes) program that explores user experience (UX), industrial design, communication, and fashion design. Considered the terminal degree in the field, the MDes also covers design strategy, systems thinking, design methods, and designing for social impact.

Course examples for the program include Design Communication; Research Methods; Proposal Studio; Professional Development Seminar; Translational Research; Design Strategy; and Writing Studio.

The MDes program culminates with the Thesis Development; Defense Studio; and Thesis Delivery courses. Final projects will be exhibited at the Annual UC DAAPworks Show.

Graduates of the Design programs at University of Cincinnati have been hired at design firms across the U.S.; they work on internal design teams across industries; and many alumni have launched their own design studios and freelance businesses. Some graduates also go on to teach or perform research for various businesses.

Founded in 1819, University of Cincinnati is an urban research university serves approximately 50,920 students enrolled in more than 400 academic programs across 14 colleges and three campuses. The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1919. As an Ohio Public Institution, every program at UC is also approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses the College of Fine and Applied Arts, home to the School of Art and Design. Within the school are two paths to study Graphic Design—the Graphic Design BFA program and the Art and Design MFA. The BFA is a 122 credit hour, interdisciplinary program that requires 37 credit hours in the major. Course examples include Introduction to Graphic Design; Advanced Interaction Design; Graphic Design Toolbox; Typographic Practice; Design Methods; Graphic Design Inquiry; Ethics of a Designer in the Global Economy; Type and Image; and Graphic Design Inquiry.

All Graphic Design BFA students benefit from the programs lecture series; designated studio spaces; 44/7 access to computer labs and state-of-the-art production facilities; and the opportunity to join the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Student Chapter. This professional organization provides networking opportunities, workshops, and trips Chicago-based design studios.

All Graphic Design BFA students also have the opportunity to take advantage of enrichment programming such as minors, internships, and 300+ study abroad programs in more than 50 countries.

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign culminates with the Senior Portfolio Review held in Chicago and the Graphic Design Capstone. This advanced studio is the student’s final preparation for practice in graphic design. Capstone projects may be presented at the Annual BFA Exhibition held at UIUC’s Krannert Art Museum.

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in advertising, user interface/user experience design (UI/UX), marketing, publications design, communications, multimedia design, and web design. Program alumni enjoy a 92% success rate (employed or pursuing an advanced degree).

The Art and Design MFA at UIUC is a 64 credit hour program that provides several areas of concentration. Ideal options for design students include Design for Responsible Innovation (formerly Graphic Design) and Interdisciplinary Studio-New Media. Students in both areas will explore digital interaction, information design, visual narrative, data visualization, systems thinking, and responsible practices in print media. Course examples include Ethics of a Designer in the Global Economy; Design for Responsible Innovation Research Impact; and MFA Design for Responsible Innovation Studio.

The Art and Design MFA program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign culminates with a written thesis and participation in the graduation exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of design. Program alumni can also pursue teaching or research positions or launch their own studios or freelance businesses.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 as Illinois Industrial University. The second oldest public school in the state, UIUC serves more than 55,000 students from 50 U.S. states and 120+ countries. More than 250 programs are provided across 16 colleges and instructional units. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU) provides several paths to study Graphic Design. Houses in the college’s Department of Design is a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Visual Communication Design, and a Design Thinking Minor. The college’s Department of Art houses an interdisciplinary Visual Arts MFA.

The Design Thinking Minor is a 15 credit hour program that covers the basics of design. Courses include Introduction to Design Practice, Design History, Exploring Design Thinking, Visualization as Thinking, and Presentation as Thinking. Students in all departments may add the Design Thinking Minor to their degree program.

The Visual Communication Design BSD provides research opportunities; the chance to study with students from Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo, Brazil; portfolio development throughout the program; the opportunity to pursue the Arts Honor Program; and participation in Design Week in Milan, Italy. BSD students may also get involved with student organizations such as NOMA: Designers for Diversity; D3: Design Develop Deploy; and Design for 90.

Course examples for the OSU BSD program include Design Media I-IV for Visual Communication Design; Typographic Design; Materials, Process, and Production for Visual Communication Design; Visual Principles and Techniques I-II; Advanced Collaborative Design; and Design History.

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design BSD at OSU are prepared to pursue creative roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Imagineering, McGraw-Hill Education, Microsoft, IBM, Publicis Sapient, Abercrombie & Fitch, Push Digital, WD Partners, Wildflower Press + Paper, Creative Spot, Sketch Blue, Ring, MKSK, Impact Communications, and Roto Group.

The Visual Arts MFA at The Ohio State University is a three-year, 66 credit hour program that provides 24/7 access to private and semi-private studios, state-of-the-art facilities and exhibition spaces, and the Wexner Center for the Arts—a renowned contemporary art center located on the OSU campus. MFA students also benefit from access to the Fine Arts and Cartoon Libraries; the OSU-run Urban Arts Space located in downtown Columbus; and interactions with visiting artists, critics, and curators.

Students in this full-time program may specialize in a variety of design disciplines through electives and other coursework. The OSU Visual Arts MFA program culminates with the MFA Thesis Exhibition held at the Urban Arts Space. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across all areas of design.

The Ohio State University was established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school serves 64,405 students across six regional campuses including Columbus (main), Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and OSU’s Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. More than 200 majors, minors, and specializations are provided across 18 colleges and schools. The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

San Diego State University (San Diego State or SDSU) is home the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA), which houses seven schools, three departments, 15 interdisciplinary centers and institutes, and over 40 student clubs. Serving more than 5,000 students, the PFSA provides professional internship opportunities, and optional international experiences for students across all departments and schools.

Among the PFSA’s seven schools is the School of Art and Design, which has BA and MFA degrees in Applied Arts and Sciences. Students in these Art programs have the option to add the Graphic Design emphasis. Course examples across programs include Graphic Design I-IV; Expressive Typography; Experiential Graphic Design; Packaging Design; Typography I-IV; Screenprinting Studio; History of Graphic Design; Artists and Designers in Real Time; Drawing I-II; and Two-Dimensional Design.

In addition to a variety of courses, BA and MFA students have access to state-of-the art facilities such as seven Mac Computer Labs; the Computing Labs for Digital Imaging, Interactive Media, and Video; Intaglio and Relief Printmaking Studios; Printmaking, Letterpress, and Book Arts Studios; and the Screen Printing Studio. SDSU Graphic Design students also benefit from the Art and Design School’s visiting lecture series; access to local galleries and museums; interaction with visual and performing arts organizations; and AIGA membership.

Graduates of the San Diego State University Graphic Design programs are prepared to pursue leadership and other roles such as Packing Designer, Lead Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Graphic Illustrator, Creative Director, Print Production Artist, Multimedia Designer, Technical Illustrator, Layout/Production Artist, Logo Designer, Book Artist, and Art Director.

Established in 1897, San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. Serving more than 37,000 students, SDSU is also one of the largest schools in the U.S. The school provides more than 200 degree programs across seven colleges and hundreds of departments. San Diego State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA), home to the School of Design. Within the school is a Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design. The UIC School of Design also houses a studio-based, Design Studies BA for students who prefer an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes collaboration and hands-on projects.

Course examples for the program include Color Theory; Typography I: Form; Digital Media Design; Integrative Design Studio I-II; Typography II: Systems; Design Research Methods; Integrative Design Studio I-III; Human Experience in Design; Design Drawing; Integrative Studio Project; and Design Colloquium.

The Graphic Design BDes at UIC is a 132-unit program that requires 59 units in the major. The program begins with a Foundations Year, which consists of courses such as 2D Form Studio; Digital Media Design; Color Theory; 3D Form Studio; Design Drawing; Design Photography. In the Graphic Design major, students will complete courses such as Typography I-IV (Form, Systems, Expression, and Advanced Topics); Digital Media Design III: Motion Design; Digital Media Design III: Motion Design; Form and Image Studio; Digital Media IV: Advanced Topics; History of Design; and Information Aesthetics I-II.

Electives for the program allow students to study video game design and development and additional areas outside of the School of Design.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BDes program at UIC, students will complete two Senior Design Colloquium courses and the Graphic Design Thesis I-II courses.

The Graphic Design MDes at UIC is an intensive, collaborative program that takes two years to complete. A major component of is the study abroad experience. All Chicago-based students will participate in the Basel School of Design summer workshops, which take place at the FHNW HGK Basel Visual Communication Institute in Münchenstein, Switzerland.

Course examples for the Graphic Design MDes program include Advanced Graphic Design I-II; Documentation Studio; Research Seminar I-II; Combined Studio; Design Seminar; and Research Studio. Students may also study additional areas of design or other areas through the required 16 hours of graduate-level electives.

The culminating experience for the Graphic Design MDes program is the Masters Research Project + Exhibition. Graduates of the BDes and MDes programs are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of design. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Educators, Researchers, and more. System-wide, University of Illinois graduates are routinely hired at places such as Walt Disney, Amazon, Ford, Coca Cola, Microsoft, IBM, Target, State Farm, Walgreens, Nike, Pepsi, Chase, Apple, and Boeing.

University of Illinois Chicago serves 34,000 students, making it the largest university in the Chicago area. With roots dating back to 1859, when the Chicago College of Pharmacy was founded, UIC provides more than 250 degree programs and 85 minors across 16 academic colleges. The University of Illinois Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Serving approximately 2,700 students, the College of the Arts at Portland State University (PSU) is the largest art school in the Pacific Northwest. Within the college are the Schools of Architecture; Film; Music and Theater; and Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. The Schnitzer School houses the Graphic Design BFA program and a 32 credit hour Graphic Design minor.

The School of Business at Portland State University houses an Advertising Management (AM) minor for Graphic Design majors. This 24 credit hour program provides opportunities to work with real clients through the Creative Strategy and Advertising Campaigns courses and in the on-campus advertising agency FIR. Electives allow students to develop skills in digital media, social media, and portfolio development.

Graduates of the AM minor are prepared to pursue roles the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Potential careers include Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Art Director, Production Designer, UX Designer, Multimedia Designer, Digital Designer, Packaging Designer, Creative Director, and Web Designer.

The Graphic Design BFA at Portland State University provides the opportunity to work on projects for real clients through the Schnitzer School’s in-house studio A + D Projects. Students also benefit from professional off-campus internships; field trips; the peer mentorship program; the Matthias Kemeny Endowed Design Lecture Series; professional portfolio development courses; and access to more than 200 study abroad programs. Examples include Art History in Rome, Mixed Media and Printmaking in Guanajuato, Mexico, and Berlin: The Fall and Rise of an Art City.

Consisting of 180 credits, the Graphic Design BFA requires courses such as Design Process; Show and Tell; Digital Graphics; Typography I-II; Digital Imaging and Illustration; Interaction Design Principles; Foundations in Motion, UI, and UX; Storytelling and Narrative; Information Design; and Brand Lab.

Each spring, PSU Graphic Design students will take what they’ve learned so far and participate in the student showcase Be Honest. This allows them to present their work to design professionals during all phases of the program.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA at PSU, students will complete the Design Thesis I-II, and Design Portfolio courses, and participate in Fresh—the A + D Graphic Design Senior Showcase. The event allows students to continue networking, display their work, and get additional feedback from industry professionals.

Graduates of the Graphic Design program at Portland State University are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Publication Designer, Brand and Identity Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Interactive Designer, Art Director, User Interface Designer, Illustrator, Design Manager, App Designer, Web and Mobile Designer, Product Designer, and Environmental Designer.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Wieden+Kennedy, R/GA, Nike, Apple, IBM, Nordstrom, IDEO, Adidas, Dropbox, Buzzfeed, Snapchat, and Spotify. Others have found success at design studios such as OMFCO, Jolby, Sandstrom, and Instrument. Some PSU Design alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios, product lines, or freelance careers.

Portland State University opened in the summer of 1946 with 220 students. Today, PSU serves 21,040 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across nine colleges and schools. Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Founded in 1945 in the Auburn University School of Architecture and Applied Arts, the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) is the oldest NASAD accredited school in the state of Alabama. Today, the SIGD is part of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), which serves more than 1,800 students from around the world.

Other CADC highlights include immersive learning experiences, integrated industry partnerships, study abroad opportunities, research initiatives, and leadership opportunities. All CADC students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Wallace Hall, which features studios, classroom spaces, and fabrication shops; Dudley Shop; Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory; and the Urban Studio.

Leading to a BFA, the SIGD Graphic Design (GDES) program takes place in a professional studio environment that features hands-on design instruction; cross-disciplinary collaborations; and courses that explore illustration, typography, motion design, branding, publishing, UI/UX, packaging, and more. Course examples for this 123 credit hour program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Foundation Design I-II; Graphic Processes; Typographics; Graphic Design I-II; Interactive Media; Graphic Design History; and Photo Design.

Other program benefits include guest lecturers, exhibitions, design symposiums, and internship opportunities. Through the CADC study abroad program, BFA students also have opportunities to work and learn in places such as England, Taiwan, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Ireland.

During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University, students will complete a professional portfolio of their best work and participate in the Graphic Design Senior Show. Students may also participate in the recently launched SIGD event—Kaleidoscope: Auburn Design Show.

This juried design exhibition features carefully selected works by undergraduate students in the Pre-Graphic Design (PGDE), Industrial Design (INDD), and Graphic Design (GDES) programs, and graduate students in the Master of Industrial Design (MID) program.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University are prepared to pursue positions across all areas of design. Program alumni have been hired at advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, app development companies, retailers, magazines, and in-house design studios.

Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Chartered in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, the school went on to become the first land-grant college in the South in 1872. Today, Auburn serves a coed population of approximately 29,410 students, making it one of the largest universities in the region. Auburn University provides 150 majors and programs across more than a dozen colleges and schools.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is home to the School of Art. Serving more than 3,600 students enrolled in 17 majors, the school provides several paths to study Graphic Design. For students seeking a four-year degree, the school has a Graphic Design BFA. Within the Art School’s Communication Design Pathways Department is a Communication Design AAS, with one- and two-year options. The one-year option can be completed on campus or entirely online. The two-year program is campus-based.

Developed by practicing industry professionals, all programs provide hands-on learning; access to more than 30 minors; and opportunities to experiment through collaborative design projects.

The Communication Design AAS at Fashion Institute of Technology is an introductory program that focuses on presentation skills, layout systems, concept development, web design, typography, digital design foundation, photography, and research. Course examples for the program include Three-Dimensional Design; Typography I-II; Book Binding; Presentation Graphics for Built Environments; Vector Graphics; Digital Graphics Intensive I-I; Computer Typesetting and Design; and Design Studio.

The program culminates with the Capstone Design Studio, which consists of six lab hours. Final projects will be presented to faculty and industry professionals at a formal event.

Graduates of the FIT Communication Design AAS Program are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in graphic design or admission to the Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Advertising and Digital Design, or Spatial Experience Design BFA programs at FIT.

The FIT Graphic Design BFA is a two-year program that focuses on developing skills in experiential design; branding and identity systems; editorial design; advanced and kinetic photography; motion graphics; and UI/UX Design. With 32 credits in the major, the BFA requires three Core Studios, and courses such as Designing Identities; Survey of Graphic Design; Typography and Language; Experiential Graphic Design; Signage and Graphics; Special Topics in Graphic Design: Experimental Graphic Design in Space; Tangible Publication Design; and Graphic Design for Packaging.

A Design Competition course allows students to compete in high-profile national and international competitions. The course consists of one lecture and two lab hours, where students will select their best works for submission.

In the final years of the program, BFA students will complete the Professional Preparation course; an internship; and the Senior Thesis Research and Project courses.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Fashion Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers at advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, marketing firms, retail corporations, branding agencies, design studios, cultural institutions, interactive agencies, and production companies (music and entertainment). They go on to become Graphic Designers, Production Managers, User Experience (UX) Designers (UX), Brand Designers, Strategists, and Art Directors, among others.

FIT alumni have been hired at places such as the PepsiCo, the New York Public Library, BBDO, Nike, Sony Music, Avon, R/GA, MoMA, LEGO, Atlantic Records, The Jewish Museum, Bath & Body Works, Colgate-Palmolive, bareMinerals, Coty, Godiva, Hyperkat, Landor & Fitch, and Think Brands.

Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System, Fashion Institute of Technology opened in 1944 inside the High School of Needles Trades. On the first day of class, the school had 100 students. Today, FIT spans an entire city block and serves approximately 8,110 students. Programs are provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels and across five academic divisions. Fashion Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is located in the heart of Boston’s arts district. The school houses nearly a million square feet of studio, exhibition, living, and classroom spaces, as well as state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. All MassArt students also benefit from the school’s industry partnerships; MassArt Art Museum (MAAM); and internship opportunities with other local museums, design studios, galleries, businesses, and performance venues.

For students seeking a career in Graphic Design, MassArt has a Communication Design BFA and a fully remote Communication Design certificate program consisting of three stackable certificates (levels) that can be completed in just over two years. Course examples include Graphic Design I-III; User Experience (UX) Design; Typography; Print Production Workshop; and Advanced Interactive Projects.

In Level 3 of the certificate program, students will complete a final portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue immediate employment at advertising agencies, design studios, interactive agencies, web design companies, and non-profits as Graphic Designers, UI/UX Designers, Brand Strategists, Product Designers, and Visual Designers, among others. Graduates may also apply to the MassArt Communication Design BFA program.

The BFA explores advertising, publication design, user experience design, branding and package design, interactive communication, web and app design, and information design. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design I-IV; Advanced Web Projects; Typography I-III; Advertising and Art Direction; Print Production Workshop; Experimental Book Arts; Identity Systems; Tools for Web and App Development; Lettering in Design; Information Architecture; Programming for Designers; Poster Design; and Type Design.

MassArt Communication Design students will also complete several design studio courses; Professional Practice; Independent Study; and Advanced Projects I-II. Other program features include hands-on studio courses led by active industry; readings and presentations; Letterpress Studio; and collaborative projects.

The Communications Design BFA program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design culminates with the Senior Design Portfolio and Senior Degree Project courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, book publishing, public relations, marketing, print media, entertainment, web development, multimedia, animation, and social media.

Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own creative studios and design firms, while others have started their own freelance businesses or pursued graduate study.

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first and only public college of art and design. Founded in 1873, the school serves approximately 1,940 students enrolled more than 40 degree, minor, and certificate programs. Approximately 155 continuing education students are enrolled in over 100 classes and workshops in all areas of art and design. Massachusetts College of Art and Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). MassArt is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The University of Kansas (KU) houses the School of Architecture and Design, home to the Department of Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Design Department has a Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) BFA and a Book Arts certificate.

All programs feature collaborations, lectures, and workshops led by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art digital fabrication, bookmaking, print, and finishing labs; opportunities to complete a local and international internships; studios and photography facilities; and participation in the KU study abroad program.

The Book Arts certificate programs require 12 credit hours. The undergraduate certificate includes6-7 credit hours of electives. The graduate certificate includes 6-7 credit hours in studio, cultural, and historical electives. Students in both programs will take the following cornerstone courses: Letterpress and Bookmaking. Common electives include Book Arts; Digital Letterpress; and Special Problems in Design.

Examples of other undergraduate electives include the Photobook; Publication and Editorial; and Fundamentals in Printmaking. Other graduate electives include Printmaking IV A (Intaglio); Writers Workshop; Advanced Special Topics in Printmaking: Papermaking or Japanese Woodblock; and Printmaking IV C (Serigraphy).

The Visual Communication Design (VisCom) BFA at KU is a studio-based, research intensive program with no more than 20 students. Consisting of 120 credit hours, the program requires participation in the KU Design Professional Lecture Series, which features accomplished national and international designers.

Course examples for the program include Elements of Type; Typographic Systems; Design Thinking and Research; Principles in Visual Communication; Branding; Fundamentals in UX Design; and Designing Social Interactions. In addition to adding the Book Arts certificate, students may enhance the degree through electives (16 credits). Elective examples include Emerging Technologies; Publication and Editorial; Motion Design; Dataviz and Digital Storytelling; Experiential Design; Digital Letterpress; Bookmaking; and Interaction Design.

In the junior year of the KU VisCom program, students will begin working on their final portfolios. In the final year of the program, students will complete two Professional Studies courses, Global Culture, Senior Problems, and the Final Capstone Project.

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design and Book Arts programs are prepared to pursue positions in advertising and marketing, branding, publishing, book design, public relations, industrial design, package design, UI/UX design, exhibition design, multimedia, motion graphic design, web design, and environmental design.

Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Multimedia Artist, Communications Manager, Exhibition Designer, Art Director, Advertising Commercial/Industrial Designer, Visual Designer, Public Relations Manager, Advertising Art Director, and Marketing Manager.

University of Kansas welcomed its first class of 55 students on September 12, 1866. Classes began in an unfinished building on a hill known as Mount Oread. Today, KU is the state’s flagship institution, with nearly 30,000 students enrolled in more than 400 programs across five campuses and 13 schools. University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Michigan State University (MSU) houses the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), home to the Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD). Within the department is a Graphic Design program with BFA and minor options. The Graphic Design minor is open to students all bachelor’s degree students outside of the Studio Art program. Consisting of 15 credit hours, the program includes courses such as Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods; Concepts of Graphic Design; and Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs.

The Graphic Design BFA at Michigan State University provides the opportunity for exceptional students to gain real-world experience by joining the Design Center creative team. Housed in the AAHD, the Design Center creates everything from logos and brochures to packaging and websites for local businesses in a real-world agency-like setting.

Other program benefits include AIGA membership; the Annual Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series; and internship opportunities at a local or national company. All students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities labs and studios such as the Letterpress facility, four computer labs, and Kresge Art Center, which houses visual resource library, wood shop, Form From Thought digital fabrication lab, two exhibition galleries, and two installation project spaces.

The Graphic Design BFA requires courses from the following areas: Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, Photography, and Electronic Art and Intermediate. Course examples include Graphic Design I: Graphic Form; Experimental Design Practices; Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods; Cartographic Design and Production; Motion Design; Graphic Design II: Visual Communication; History of Graphic Design; Interaction Design; Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs; and Concepts of Graphic Design.

Graduates of the MSU Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. They hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Communications Coordinator, User Experience Designer, Art Director, Media Manager, Web Designer, and Creative Producer.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Leo Burnett, Domino’s, General Motors, Quicken Loans, Shift Digital, Campbell Ewald, and TechSmith Corporation.

For students seeking a graduate degree, Michigan State University has a Create Your Own Pathway MFA. Students may select courses from any area of interest to build a focus area. This includes Graphic Design. In addition to selected courses, MFA students will take studios and seminars such as Integration in Studio Art; Theory and Writing for Artists; History of Art; Exploration and Research in Studio Art; and Professional Practice. Students will also participate in five formal Graduate Critiques worth one credit each.

Other program benefits include dedicated studios; opportunities for external study; individual studio visits with approximately 45 visiting artists throughout the degree; internships; and study abroad experiences. The MSU MFA is also 100% fully funded, meaning every student receives a full tuition waiver and generous stipend.

In the last year of the MFA program at Michigan State University, students will complete a final research project (thesis). Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles at major design studios, advertising agencies, non-profit organizations, retail giants, corporations (in-house design teams), museums, and academic institutions.

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a land-grant, public research university serves 51,315 students enrolled in more than 400 academic programs across 17 degree-granting colleges. One of the largest and greenest campuses in the U.S., MSU houses more than 100 institutes and centers including the Institute of Global Health and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Serving nearly 7,000 students, the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State University (Texas State) comprises the School of Art and Design; the Department of Communication Studies; the School of Music; the Department of Theater and Dance; and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The School of Art and Design houses the Communication Design program (ComDes), which has BFA and MFA options.

The 120 credit hour ComDes BFA takes place in a studio environment with access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment in the Mitte Complex. Examples include the Macintosh Lab, an open lab, digital color printing, a multidisciplinary innovation lab, and a photography studio. BFA students also benefit from meetups, mentoring, and internship opportunities through Texas State’s relationships with local and national businesses. Students have also interned at companies in Europe.

Courses for the program explores corporate identity, brand experience, human-centered design, art direction, interactive design, sustainable packaging, typography, design research, environmental graphics, and art direction. Specific course examples include Intermediate Printmaking; Graphic Novels and Zines; Beginning Expanded Media; Typography I-II; Interactive Media; Trademark Design; Branding Systems; Art Direction; Conceptual Strategies; and History of Design.

The ComDes BFA program at Texas State culminates with a Senior Portfolio Presentation and Self-Promotion Capstone. Before graduation, many ComDes students have already earned publishing credits in journals such as CMYK, Communication Arts, PRINT, Graphis New Talent Annual, Logo Lounge, and Step Inside Design.

ComDes students have also received recognition at competitions such as the Austin Addy Awards, AIGA Flux, the San Antonio Addy Awards, The One Show, Director's Club of Houston, the American Advertising Federation Awards, Creative Summit, and Art The National Show.

Graduates of the Texas State University ComDes BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at companies such as Disney, Google, DDB, Microsoft, USAA, Verizon, IBM, H-E-B Digital, Spotify, Vrbo, Indeed, GSD&M, and Helms Workshop. Graduates are also prepared to pursue the ComDes MFA.

The Texas State University ComDes MFA is a terminal online degree with just one campus residency each year. During the residency, students will participate in visiting designer lectures, workshops, and critiques. Paid graduate assistantships are also provided, allowing students to gain valuable teaching experience through the ComDes program. Graduate assistantships require 20 hours of work per week.

Students in the ComDes MFA program will complete 60 credit hours, including 18 core credit hours, 30 credit hours of prescribed communication design studio electives, six credit hours of free electives, and six credit hours of thesis. Courses explore design history, visual communication, digital design, and typography.

Course examples include Corporate Identity Systems; Kinetic Typography; Exhibitions; Design for Motion; Research Through Making; The Experimental Book; Alternative Printing Methods; Entrepreneurial Design; Art Direction; Generative Design; International Perspective in Typography; Web Design; Experience Design; Sustainable Package Design; and Communication Design Seminar.

A required Professional Practice course provides the opportunity to work with regional and national advertising agencies, graphic design firms, and digital media studios to gain experience in the industry.

The ComDes MFA program at Texas State University culminated with a thesis, completed across a minimum of two courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers at advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, web design studios, publishing companies, art galleries, universities, and more.

Program alumni hold titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Art Director, Design Manager, Professor, Visual Designer, Senior Interaction Designer, and Creative Director.

Lyndon B. Johnson is Texas State University’s most famous alumni, and the only president to graduate from a Texas college. Established in 1899 as a teacher’s college known as Southwest Texas Normal School, Texas State serves approximately 35,380 students enrolled in more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at University of Georgia (UGA) houses the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Founded in 1937, the school serves more than 1,000 students across five different facilities on the UGA campus. Since 1969, the Dodd School of Art has also served over 4,000 students from 400 U.S. institutions at its year-round Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy. International opportunities in Ghana, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are also provided thru the Dodd School.

In addition to state-of-the-art studios, galleries, lecture halls, and a visual resource center, the UGA Dodd School of Art houses the Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. This interdisciplinary program features seminars; visiting artist lectures; classroom critiques and discussion; workshops; and exhibitions. Coursework explores layout, color techniques, three-dimensional design, typography, illustration, electronic design, photography, and graphic survey.

Course examples for the program include Graphic Systems; Advanced Typography; Type and Image; Topics in Digital Platforms and Dynamic Media I-II; Art and Design in the City Intensive Field Study; Data Visualization; Time-Based Media and Design; Data Visualization; Environmental Branding and Experiential Graphic Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design (examples: Letterpress and Book Arts, Character Design, and Trend Forecasting); Visual Narrative Systems; and Professional Practices: The Business Side of Art.

In addition to required courses, UGA Fine Arts BFA students must complete a certificate, minor, second major, or nine hours in an associated subject area. Examples include Marketing and Strategy; Cultural Studies; Interaction and Computing; or Communications and Media. The program also allows students to complete the Internship in Art; the Grady/Dodd Summer Studio; or Study Away in Cortona, Italy as electives.

The UGA Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design culminates with the GD Senior Capstone and participation in the Annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exit Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), IBM Design, Aveda, Meta, Bustle, Gensler, and Free People.

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, University of Georgia is the nation’s first state university. The school serves approximately 40,120 students enrolled in nearly 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Established in 1910, the Graduate School houses 250 of the school’s degree programs. University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The College of Design at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (U of M Twin Cities) is a comprehensive design college with more than 40 programs. This includes a Graphic Design BFA program, and MA, MFA, MS, and PhD degrees with an optional Graphic Design track. Students in all programs will participate in workshops, advanced studios, individual and collaborative design projects, internships, and the study abroad program.

Consisting of 120 credit hours the Graphic Design BFA at U of M Twin Cities explores both traditional and technological production techniques. Students will study areas such as typography, data visualization, digital drawing, color theory, hand-drawing, illustration, animation, web design, and photography through major coursework (80-89 credits) and electives.

Course and elective examples for the program include Identity and Symbols; Typography; Packaging and Display; Product Innovation Lab; Interaction Design; Storytelling and Design; Data Visualization Studio; Digital Illustration and Animation; Design Process: Photography; Travels in Typography; Advanced Web Design; Concept Sketching; Text and Image; User Experience in Design; Design and Visual Presentation; Human Factors in Design; Product Innovation Lab; and Advanced Graphic Design Print Projects.

The Graphic Design BFA Program at University of Minnesota Twin Cities culminates with the Senior Thesis and Exhibition. This major event allows students to present their work to the faculty, peers, and the design community. Students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best work.

The MA and MS programs with a Graphic Design track at University of Minnesota Twin Cities provides two plans: A and B. Plan A is thesis-focused and prepares students for the PhD Program. This pathway can be completed in 2-3 years full-time. Plan B is a project-based, two-year program designed for students seeking career advancement. Both plans are 34 credit hours and a both require a final oral examination.

The U of M Twin Cities MFA/Graphic Design track consists of 60 credit hours completed over three years, full-time. Students will complete 40 credit hours in the major and 12 credits in the capstone. A final oral examination is required to graduate. Consisting of 64 credit hours completed over four years, full-time, the PhD is designed for students interested in research or teaching. Students in this program will take 28 credits in the major and 24 dissertation credits.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Minnesota Twin Cities are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at places such as graphic design studios, advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, government agencies, public relations firms, web design companies, and production studios (entertainment).

Program alumni hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, User Experience Designer, Data Visualization Strategist, Web Designer, Interactive Designer, and Creative Director, among others.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System and the state’s only land-grant university. Founded in 1851, U of M Twin Cities is also one of largest research universities in the nation and one of just five universities in the U.S. with agricultural, engineering, law, medical, and veterinary medicine schools—all on one campus.

Around 20,000 faculty and staff at U of M Twin Cities serve approximately 50,000 students enrolled in more than 500 degree and minor programs. University of Minnesota Twin Cities has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.

The Graphic Design BFA program at San Jose State University (SJSU) is the only program of its kind in a public university in Silicon Valley. Established in 1969 and housed in the College of Humanities and the Arts, Department of Design, the program features a mandatory internship; the opportunity to work on community engagement projects; collaborations with students in other disciplines; classes and workshops led by studio professionals; and funded research.

The Graphic Design BFA at San Jose State University is a professional degree program that consists of 120 credit hours, including at least 48 in the major. The program can be completed entirely online or on campus. Course examples Fundamental Graphic Visualization; Special Topics in Graphic Design; User Interface and Interaction Design; Intermediate Graphic Design; Digital Apps: Motion and Interaction Design; Visual Communication and Process; Advanced Typography; 3D Branding and Promotion Design; Exhibition Design and Info Graphics; and Advanced Graphic Design.

Students will also complete the Degree Project: Senior Studio and Graphic Design Portfolio courses, and present their final works at the BFA Senior Show held in the Spring.

For students seeking a degree that combines liberal arts and design, San Jose State University has a Design Studies BA with a Graphic Design specialization. Also housed in the Department of Design, the Design Studies BA is a 120 credit hour program that encourages students to select electives in arts and other areas.

This liberal arts and design program also encourages students to add a minor from any of the following departments: Art and Art History; Computer Science; Journalism and Mass Communications; Psychology; Environmental Studies; Philosophy; Global Studies; Business; English and Comparative Literature; Anthropology; Urban and Regional Planning; and General Engineering.

Course examples for the Design BA program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Fundamental Graphic Visualization; 2D Animation; Visual Communication and Process; Typography; 3D Branding and Promotion Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design; Digital Applications; Exhibition Design and Info Graphic; Visual Literacy: Image Making; Advanced Graphic Design; Motion Graphics; Graphic Design History and Theory; Advanced Typography; Design Values and Professional Practices; Visual Principles; User Interface and Interaction Design; and Advanced Physical Prototyping.

The Design BA culminates with the Senior Project, worth three credit hours. Design BA students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best individual and collaborative works.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at San Jose State University are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. SJSU alumni are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, Target Corporation, Apple, Cisco, Wells Fargo, NBC Universal, IBM, Oracle, Nordstrom, Google, JPMorganChase, Western Digital, The City of San Jose, Samsara Networks, and State Farm.

Established in 1857, San Jose State University is Silicon Valley’s Public University. Serving approximately 36,000 students, the school provides more than 250 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs at SJSU are housed across nine colleges and dozens of departments and schools. San Jose State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is home to the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Dance, Art, and Performance. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the school houses the Department of art and Design, which has a Visual Communications Design (VCD) program leading to a BFA or MFA.

The VCD BFA consists of 126 credit hours with 78 credits in the major. The program focuses on group and individual projects that focus on poster design, multimedia design, typography, packaging design, information design, and web design. Course examples for the program include, Visual Communication Design I-IV; Interactive Design Studies; Advertising Media Strategy; Fundamentals of Interactive Multimedia Design; Advanced Typography; Visual Communication Design Computing I-II; New Product Development; Advanced Poster Design; Physical Computing; Information Design; Advanced Web Design for Visual Communication Design; and Professional Practice for Visual Communication Design.

All Purdue VCD students have the opportunity to complete the Art and Design Internship course. is Worth 1-8 credit hours, this experiential opportunity takes place at an art-and-design-related firm, department, or studio.

Graduates of the VCD BFA program at Purdue University are prepared to pursue positions such as Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Brand Manager, Package Designer, Advertising Artist, Creative Director, Design Consultant, and Web Designer.

The VCD MFA at Purdue University is an interdisciplinary program that explores information design, typography, critical theory, poster design, web communications, advanced color design, design methodology, research methods, and design history. The program also features an 18-21 credit hour first-year curriculum; immersive studios; interdisciplinary seminars; and elective coursework.

During the final year of the VCD MFA at Purdue University, students will work on their MFA Thesis and Exhibition. This event includes a presentation and public gallery talk about the students final project.

Graduates of the Purdue University VCD MFA program are prepared to pursue advanced roles in art and design. Job titles include Brand Manager, Creative Director, Design Educator, Senior Graphic Designer, Graphic Design Consultant, Senior Packaging Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Multimedia Designer, Design Researcher, and Educator.

Established in 1869, Purdue University is a public research university that opened with six instructors and 39 students on September 16, 1874. Today, Purdue employs more than 10,000 full-time faculty members and employees that serve approximately 50,885 students from all 50 states and 130 countries. Purdue University offers more than 400 programs in 11 colleges and schools. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Fine Arts at University of Utah (The U) is home to the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA program that consists of 122 credit hours, with a minimum of 79 in the major. Formerly the BFA in Studio Art with a Graphic Design emphasis, this new and improved program begins with three studio art foundations courses; Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture; Typography 1: Form And Space; and Writing.

To advance into the second year of the program, students must successfully complete all first year coursework and submit a portfolio. A second year review is required to advance into the third year of the program. Second and third year course examples include Communication Design 1-5; Digital Drawing; Typography 1-3; Design Strategy; Visual Rhetoric; Writing for New Media; Digital Imaging for Visual Artists; and History of Graphic Design.

Examples of upper division courses include Visiting Designer Studio: Design Co-op; Design Theory And Practice; and Professional Practices Seminar. The Visiting Designer Studio consists of studio-based projects and workshops led by guest lecturers. In the Professional Practices Seminar, students will complete a portfolio and professional resume.

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Utah culminates with the Graphic Design Capstone 1: Research And Inquiry, and Graphic Design Capstone 2: Development And Presentation courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at places such as design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, museums, and universities.

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. Also a top-tier research university, The U serves approximately 35,240 students enrolled more than 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Communication and Information at Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) houses the School of Visual Communication Design (VCD), which emphasizes cross-disciplinary study and mandatory internships at companies and design studios in place such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Cleveland. Many VCD internships are paid.

All VCD students also benefit from international study experiences; intensive portfolio development; and access to the recently renovated spaces of Taylor Hall. This includes the Creative Lab, photography studios, lounges, a signature gallery, production studios, and classrooms.

For students seeking a degree in graphic design, the School of VCD has BA, BFA, MA, and MFA options. All VCD programs allow students to add an emphasis in Visual Design (Graphic Design). Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the BA and BFA programs also require a minor or secondary area of study. Examples include Advertising; Management; Visual Journalism; Public Relations; Entrepreneurship for Non-Business Majors; Health Communication; and Marketing.

Students in all undergraduate programs will complete the Kent State University Core. Consisting of 36-37 credit hours, the KSU Core covers six areas including Humanities and Fine Arts; Composition; Basic Sciences; Mathematics and Critical Reasoning; Social Sciences; and Additional Options. All undergraduate options explore package design, 2D and 3D forms, motion, interactive design, print, illustration and design, video, exhibition design, and environmental design.

The VCD BA and BFA programs at KSU culminate with a final project, portfolio and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue design careers across industries. Examples include advertising agencies, packaging companies, design consulting firms, branding agencies, PR firms, publishing companies, production studios (entertainment), media and communications companies, museums, and galleries.

The graduate VCD program at Kent State is one of only three programs in the state of Ohio to offer a Visual Communication Design MA. The graduate program was also the first to offer the terminal degree in the field—the MFA. The MA is a 32 credit hour program that can be completed in just three semesters. Course examples include Advanced Graphic Design Advanced; Typographic Structures and Systems; User Experience Design Principles and Concepts; Design Research Methods; and Concept Development and Implementation.

The VCD MA at Kent State University culminates with the MA Project in Graphic Design and Illustration and a portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as advertising, packaging, user experience (UX) design, corporate branding, digital media, entertainment, publishing, and social media.

The Kent State VCD MFA is a 60 credit hour, five semester program that combines research, theory, and design coursework with hands-on teaching experiences at the freshman and sophom*ore level. Course examples for the program include Graduate Studio in VCD; Typography II; College Teaching in VCD; Graphic Narrative; Critical Practices in Design Research; Integrated Brand Design; Editorial Illustration; Typeface Design; Identity Systems; Information Design; Experimental Typography; Advertising Illustration; Brand Experiences; Responsive Web Design; and Glyphix Research Laboratory.

The VCD MFA program at KSU culminates with the MFA Thesis course, worth six credits. During the course of this final project, students will work with their thesis advisor to produce a body work demonstrating skill as a professional designer, illustrator, or researcher.

Graduates of the MFA VCD program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in design, design education, and design research. With an 89% employment (or continuing education) rate, Kent State graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Express, ESPN, Tesla, Cleveland Clinic, Delta Air Lines, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Established in 1910 as a teacher training school, Kent State University comprises an eight-campus system that serves approximately 33,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Students at Kent State have access to more than 300 programs housed across 40+ colleges, departments, and schools. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University (Temple) began in the 1930s as Stella Elkins Tyler School of Fine Arts. Around 1965, the school’s name was changed to Tyler Schol of Art, and the Tyler Study Abroad program in Rome was founded. Today Temple University Rome is one of the top fine arts study abroad programs in Europe and the Tyler School is now known as Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

The school’s 255,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility sits on Temple University's main campus in Philadelphia. The space houses classrooms, lecture halls, collaboration spaces, exhibition spaces, and Temple Contemporary—Tyler's visionary center for public programming. Tyler's 50,000-square-foot Architecture Building consists of three floors of studios and analog and digital research fabrication.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture also houses the Department of Graphic and Interactive Design (GAID), which leads to a BFA or MFA. In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, the Tyler School also provides a Graphic and Interactive Design/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA. This interdisciplinary program focuses on art, art history, business, and entrepreneurship.

Both GAID and GAID/Entrepreneurship students will begin their programs with the common foundation curriculum before advancing to GAID coursework and projects that explore typography, illustration, packaging, virtual reality, web design, real-life spaces, and social media. Across programs, course examples include Advanced Typography; Packaging, Interactive Design; Publishing; Advanced Graphic Design; Brand Identity; Art Direction; Design for the Public Good; Senior Illustration; Hybrid Design; Digital Narratives; Computer Graphic; The Business of Design; Advertising Design; Computers for Design; and Collaborative Design Workshop in Rome (six weeks).

In addition to fulfilling requirements for the traditional GAID BFA program, GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies students will complete courses such as Doing Well by Doing Good: Where Innovation and Entrepreneurship Meet Social Impact; Launch a New Venture in 100 Days; Pitching and Funding Entrepreneurial Ventures; Lean Startup: Fast and Inexpensive Ways to Test and Launch Your Ideas; and Entrepreneurial and Innovative Thinking. All students may also complete the Field or Rome internship.

Students in the 126 credit hour GAID BFA program will complete two portfolio review cycles in each academic year: the end of the Fall semester (December) and the end of the Spring semester (May). GAID students may also Students may complete an optional concentration in Art Education.

The GAID and GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA programs at Temple University culminate with the Senior Thesis course Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship, and the Senior Portfolio course. GAID graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA graduates are prepared to pursue employment or launch their own studios or other businesses.

The Graphic and Interactive Design MFA at Temple University is an interdisciplinary, research-driven program that combines electives with project, seminar, and art history courses. Project and seminar courses include Visual Design Graduate Seminar (12 credits/four terms); Graduate Professional Practices (three credits); Graphic Design Graduate Projects (nine credits/three terms); and Visual Design Thesis (12 credits/four terms).

The GAID MFA at Temple University culminates with the Thesis Exhibition and Slide Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership design roles across industries.

GAID program alumni work at in-house design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, web design firms, packaging companies, and film and television studios. Some MFA graduates have launched their own design studios and freelance careers, while others have gone on to teach at top universities and art schools. Some of the top employers of Temple University graduates include Amazon, SEI, Lockheed Martin, and Vanguard.

Founded in 1884 as a night school, Temple University Serves 30,530 students, making it one of the largest universities in Pennsylvania. Temple provides more than 500 academic programs across 17 colleges and schools, including five professional schools. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). Temple University is also an member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Architecture and Design at University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT Knoxville or UTK) is home to the School of Design, which houses the Graphic Design BFA and the Graphic Design Studies minor.

The 15 credit hour, two-year minor is open to students from any discipline across UTK. The program consists of three lecture-based core courses and two course selections from several colleges. Core courses include The Idea of Design; The Art of Presentation Design; and The Art of Identity Design.

Students may select the remaining credits from course offerings such as Non-Major Introduction to Book Arts and Papermaking; Advertising Principles; Visual Communication for Non-Designers; User-Centered Design; Introduction to Journalism and Creative Media; and Public Relations Principles.

Students in both the minor and BFA enjoy 24/7 access to state-of-the-art production facilities; small class sizes; a studio setting; and collaborative design studios.

The UT Knoxville BFA is a four-year 120 credit hour program that emphasizes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects. All students will begin the program with a foundational studies series, which ends with a portfolio review for entry into remaining three years of study. Foundational courses include Graphic Design Foundation Studio I-III, and The Idea of Design.

After passing the portfolio review, UTK graphic design students will move on to courses such as Interaction Design; Beginning Typography; Beginning Graphic Design I-II; Written Communication; Intermediate Graphic Design I-II; Advanced Graphic Design; Graphic Design Research Studio; Special Tropics in Graphic Design; Advanced Typography; Projection and Media Design; and Graphic Design Collaborative Engagement.

BFA students may also complete the Independent Study or Foreign Study course. All students will complete the Graphic Design Capstone for presentation at the Annual Senior Show.

Graduates of the UT Knoxville Graphic Design programs are prepared to pursue positions with in-house design departments; at advertising agencies, publishing companies, and magazines; design studios, marketing companies, public relations firms, film studios, web design studios, game studios, and museums.

Over the past five years, graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Tennessee, Knoxville have enjoyed a 90% employment rate. Program alumni have been hired at major companies, agencies, and design studios such as Accenture, IDEO, Boeing, Google, Coca-Cola, Apple, Herman Miller, Facebook, Discovery, Zillow, Instagram, and HGTV.

Some UTK Graphic Design graduates have gone on to launch their own design studios and freelance businesses. Examples include Robin Easter Design, Matchstic Media, Old City Mailroom, Nathanna Design, and Morris Creative.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville was founded in 1794 as Blount College. The school serves approximately 36,300 students enrolled in more than 900 programs across 14 colleges and schools. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1897.

The College of Art & Design at Louisiana State University (LSU) is home to the School of Art. Within the school is a Graphic Design concentration leading to a BFA or MFA in Studio Art. Both programs explore identity design, motion graphics, branding, typography, information design, packaging design, print and editorial design, illustration, environmental design, and digital imaging.

Consisting of 120 credit hours, the BFA curriculum consists of courses such as Graphic Design I-III; Interactive Multimedia Design; Applied Typography; Digital Imaging Techniques; Graphic Design Synthesis; Digital Art; Prepress Production Techniques; Experimental Design; and Special Studies in Graphic Design.

The LSU MFA is a 60 credit hour program that consists of workshops and lectures by visiting artists, studio art electives, and graduate studios. A Teaching Seminar is also part of the program as well as two thesis courses worth six credits. Final projects will be presented at a public exhibition.

All BFA and MFA students at LSU may participate in the Arts, Visualization, Advanced Technologies and Research (AVATAR) Initiative. Students also enjoy all access to the LSU Art Building, which houses classrooms, IDEA Hub, studio spaces, the Fabrication Factory, teaching labs, and the Design Shop. In addition, students may join the Digital Art and Design Association (DADA); participate in local and national design competitions; and join the Graphic Design Student Organization (GDSA), which hosts field trips to local design firms and other events.

Graduates of the Studio Art/Graphic Design programs at Louisiana State University are prepared to launch their own studios or pursue design roles in advertising, publishing, education, corporate communications, and the non-profit sectors, among others.

LSU Graphic Design alumni have been hired at places such as Pixar Animation Studios, The Washington Post, DreamWorks, Travel + Leisure, Disney, Sony Picture Entertainment, Lucasfilm, Halliburton, KPMG, Nissan North America, Hunter Museum of American Art, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Bluebonnet, Leftfield Entertainment, Baltimore Museum of Art, SVAD-NYC, Modern Media, Trace Labs, and the Modern Art Museum (Fort Worth, Texas).

Louisiana State University was founded in 1860 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy. The school is the flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System.

LSU serves approximately 37,880 students enrolled in more than 330 programs across 18 colleges, schools, and centers, and LSU Online. Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Programs in the School of Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

University of Houston (UH) is home to the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts (KGMCA). Within the college is the School of Art, which houses the Graphic Design BFA program and the graduate Graphic Design concentration. Students in the BFA program benefit from participation in hands-on site-specific projects; learning and networking opportunities through visiting artists and speaker events; participation in workshops; visiting artists and speaker events; and internship and study opportunities.

The Graphic Design BFA program is located in the UH Fine Arts Building, next to the Arts and Technology Center. Students accepted into the program have 24-hour access to all studios and labs. Upper level BFA students also have dedicated individual studios with spaces for craft, critique, and collaborative work. The Fine Arts Building also houses a gallery space for student events and exhibitions.

Students seeking a BFA at University of Houston must complete the school’s core curriculum, electives, studio arts courses, and art history requirements. In the Graphic Design major, students will complete courses such as History of Graphic Design; Digital Tools; Fundamentals of Graphic Design; Color, Materials and Methods; Graphic Design Software; Rendering and Sketching; Junior Graphic Design I-III; Fundamentals of Printmaking; Silkscreen; Digital Fabrication; and Senior Graphic Design Major I-II.

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Houston culminates with a senior exhibition event, which allows students to present their best work to peers, faculty, and the public. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles in areas such as advertising, publishing, marketing, public relations, animation and film, corporate branding, packaging, manufacturing, social media, and exhibition design.

The graduate Graphic Design concentration at University of Houston is part of the Studio Art MFA program. This 60 credit hour program consists of 24 credits in related arts, 18 in the studio concentration, nine hours in art history, and nine hours in graduate art seminars. Course examples for the program include Interdisciplinary Practice and Emerging Forms Studio; Writing Seminar; and Graphic Design Studio.

The MFA program culminates with a thesis exhibition at University of Houston’s Blaffer Art Museum. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Examples include Creative Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Brand Manager, Product Developer, Advertising Design Manager, Art Director, Consultant, and Educator.

Founded in 1927 and serving 46,600 students, University of Houston is the largest public research university in Houston and the third largest university in Texas. The school provides more than 250 programs across 17 colleges and schools, and the Law Center. University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College (SACSCOC).

The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA) at Texas Tech University (TTU) houses the School of Art. Within the school is an Art BFA that allows students to specialize in graphic design. Students in the program will engage in collaborative projects and workshops; interact with guest artists and speakers; create works in state-of-the-art labs and studios; and complete an internship with a local or national company.

All TTU students also have opportunities to study, intern, research, or serve abroad through more than 200 programs across 50 study abroad locations.

Consisting of 123 credit hours, the Art BFA with a Graphic Design specialization explores identity design, emerging technologies, branding, interactive design, typography, and publication design. Students will complete the TTU Core Curriculum, 42-45 credit hours in graphic design coursework, and 21-24 credit hours of studio art and art history electives.

Course examples for the program include Introduction to Art; Drawing I-II; History of the Book as Art; 2D Design; Visual Systems; Computer Design Methods I-II; Art in the United States; Publication Design; Typography; Advanced Visual Systems; 3D Design; Graphic Design History; Design in the Community; Web Media; Art History Survey I-III; Symbols; Graphic Design Process; and Art of the Renaissance.

Elective examples include Fabrication; Experimental Painting; Digital Imaging; Advanced Photographic Arts; Experimental Printmaking; Advanced Digital Imaging; Drawing III; and Advanced Printmaking.

During the final semester of the TTU BFA Program, students will complete the Portfolio Development and Professional Practices in Graphic Design courses. These required courses prepare students for entry into the job market by covering topics such as self-promotion strategies, interviewing, job searches, and workplace issues.

Graduates of the Art BFA/Graphic Design program at Texas Tech University are prepared to pursue design roles at advertising agencies, newspapers and magazines, web and interactive design companies, film studios, social media companies, magazines, book publishers, marketing firms, museums, non-profit organizations, and in-house design studios.

TTU alumni have been fired at places such as Nike, Apple, PepsiCo, The New York Times, Southwest Airlines, Wired, IBM, Fidelity, Fossil, Paul Mitchell, Conde Nast Traveler, Old Navy, Dwell Magazine, Refinery 29, Pentagram Design, AT&T, M.A.C. Cosmetics, H-E-B, Texas Monthly, and JC Penny.

Texas Tech University opened in 1925 as Texas Technological College (TTC) with six buildings and 914 students. Today, the school serves approximately 40, 945 students, making it the largest comprehensive higher education institution in the western two-thirds of the Texas. TTU provides more than 150 academic programs across 13 colleges and the eLearning Division. Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Texas A&M University (TAMU or Texas A&M) is home to the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA). Within the school is a Visualization (Viz) program that provides multiple paths to study graphic design. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BS in Visualization (BS-Viz), a Graphic Design minor, or both. At the graduate level, the PVFA provides and MS-Viz and MFA-Viz.

The TAMU BS-Viz explores 3D design, fine arts, programming, digital technology, and the production pipeline. All students benefit from collaborative, project based studios; access to the Aggie network and professional connections; the annual Visualization Industry Fair (VIF); and the competition Viz-A-GoGo—an annual screening and exhibition of student work. This event also features an Interactive/Gaming Showcase. Winning projects receive a Vizzie Award.

Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art production facilities. Labs, and studios; industry internships; and a mandatory semester away in the third year of the BS-Viz. Students may study in places such as Italy, Australia, England, or Singapore or at another university anywhere in the U.S.

Course examples for the Texas A&M BS-Viz include Principles of Design 1-3; Digital Media; Communication; Drawing for Visualization; Visualization Techniques; Traditional Arts; 3D Visualization Techniques; Engineering Mathematics I-II; Visual Studies Studio 1-3; Scientific and Technological Developments in Visual Arts; Applied Perceptions; Research Techniques in Visualication; Life Drawing; and Art History.

To enhance the curriculum, BS-Viz students may add the 16-credit hour Graphic Design minor. Course examples include Graphic Design I-II; Color Theory; Multimedia Design and Development; History of Graphic Design; Introduction to Photography; Design I; and Designing for the Web.

The Visualization BS program at Texas A&M University culminates with the Capstone Proposal Development course and Capstone Studio. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles in advertising, multimedia design, publishing, marketing, packaging, web design, animation, and many others.

The MS in Visualization at Texas A&M University provides thesis and non-thesis options. Thesis students will complete 32 credit hours of study. Non-thesis students must complete 36 credit hours. Both options allow students to select an area of emphasis such as User Experience (UX) Design, Virtual Reality (VR), Computer Animation, Data Visualization, Interactive Design, or Computer Graphics.

MS-Viz students may also select electives in additional areas of interest. Student in both options will take Design Communication I; Form, Installation, and Environment; and Digital Image. Elective examples across options include Design Communication II-III; Rendering and Shading; Generative Art; 3D Modeling and Animation; Time-Based Media; Physical Computing for Art and Design; Computer-Aided Sculpting; Multi-Media Web Design; Image Synthesis; Advanced Animation; and Color Photography.

The MS-Viz thesis option culminates with a thesis and paper and a presentation by the student defending their work. While the presentation is presented to the committee, it is also open to the public, and students are encouraged to have local and competitive external exhibitions related to their thesis work.

The MS-Viz non-thesis option culminates with a capstone project and public presentation. MS graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in design, research, innovation, education, and consulting.

The Visualization MFA at Texas A&M University is one of the few programs of its kind in the United States and the only program of its kind in Texas. This terminal degree program combines visual arts and technology with emphasis options in User Experience Design; Data Visualization; Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR); Interactive Art; Computer Animation; Visual Effects; Gaming; and Visual Storytelling.

In addition to an emphasis area, students in the MFA-Viz program at Texas A&M will complete 20 professional study credit hours as well as courses and electives such as Form, Installation, and Environment; Contemporary Art Studio/Seminar; Design Communication I-III; Physical Computing for Art & Design; 3D Modeling and Animation; Computer Aided Sculpting; Image Synthesis; Multimedia Web Design; Digital Image; Color Photography; Advanced Animation; and Time-Based Media.

The MFA-Viz program culminates with a thesis and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in research, design, education, innovation, and consulting.

Graduates of the Art, Design, Visualization, and Communication programs at Texas A&M University have been hired at places such as Amazon, the U.S. Army, ESPN, Oracle, IBM, Dell, AT&T, H-E-B, Techtronic Industries, Groupon, Brew House Productions, Audience Media Group, Premier Advertising, GCG Marketing, Culver Public Relations, Multiview Inc., LAM Partners, Customer Marketing Group, Career Something More Media, Grange Marketing, Laser Scientific, LAM Partners, Nift, and Safe.

Texas A&M University opened its doors in 1876 as the state’s first public Institution of higher learning. Today, College Station is the main campus for Texas A&M, with branch campuses in Galveston, Texas and Doha, Qatar. TAMU serves approximately 77,490 students enrolled in more than 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Approximately 71,130 students study at the main campus. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Florida (UCF) houses the College of Arts and Humanities. Within the college is the School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), home to the Emerging Media program with BFA and MFA pathways. The BFA has a Graphic Design track and the MFA has a Studio Art and Design track.

The UCF SVAD Emerging Media BFA is a 120 credit hour program that explores branding, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), identity systems, packaging design, typography, publication design, interactive design, broadcast graphics, web design, film, and poster design.

With 63 credit hours in the major, students will take courses such as Drawing Fundamentals I-II; Type and Design I-II; Digital Imaging Fundamentals; Intermediate Graphic Design I-II; Design Fundamentals: Three-Dimensional; Motion Design; Advanced Graphic Design; Intermediate Computer Graphic Design; Fundamentals of Interactive Design; Special Problems in Graphic Design; and Art in the Last 25 Years.

Through courses, workshops, and critiques, Emerging Media BFA students will also work on building a professional portfolio during the entire four years of the program.

Other program benefits include opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams on projects and real world problems; access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and production studios; the option to add a minor to enhance the degree; and opportunities to complete a co-op experience or internship.

University of Central Florida’s Emerging Media MFA with a Studio Art and Design track is an immersive terminal degree program that focuses on experimentation; emerging and traditional media; mentoring; and individual and group critiques. This 60 credit hour program follows a three-year cohort style format consisting of six full-time semesters excluding summers.

Course examples include Advanced Seminar in Art History; Serial Content; The Professional Practice of Art; Design Theory and Methods; Art, Design and Human Interactions; Graduate Seminar; and Time Arts. The UCF Emerging Media MFA program culminates with a Thesis Exhibition.

SVAD Emerging Media graduate are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as advertising, marketing, publishing, multimedia, animation and film, public relations, education, research, and consulting.

University of Central Florida alumni are routinely hired at major companies and studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Google, FX Network, Universal Orlando Resort, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Walt Disney World, Microsoft, Facebook, Salesforce, and TEKsystems.

University of Central Florida was founded in 1963. The school opened its doors in 1968 as Florida Technological University (FTU). On the first day of classes, FTU had less than 2,000 students. Today, UCF is a public research university that serves 69,320 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of top five largest universities in the nation. UCF students have access to 240 degree programs across 13 colleges. University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Department of Art at University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW Madison) dates back to 1910 when the UW Engineering Department in the College of Letters and Science launched a Manual Arts program. Today, as a division of UW – Madison’s School of Education, the Department of Art provides BS, BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in Studio Art; a BS in Education; and undergraduate certificates in Art Studio and Graphic Design. The BS and BFA programs allow students to enroll in the Graphic Design option.

The 18 credit hour certificate introduces students to the field of graphic design. Course examples include 2D Design; Introduction to Digital Forms; Basic Graphic Design; Typography; History of Graphic Design; and Information Graphics. Students in this program come from all majors and backgrounds.

The UW Madison BFA requires 72 credits hours of studio courses and 18 in aesthetics, while the BS requires 45 studio credits and 13 in aesthetics courses. Most majors complete their required foundation courses through the Art and Artists First-Year Interest Group (FIG). This learning community is designed specifically for first-year UW-Madison students. Benefits include small class sizes of no more than 20 students; interdisciplinary learning; instructors who are dedicated to serving first year students; and a close-knit environment that encourages collaboration, support networks, and creative confidence.

First-year students may also enroll in the Art Foundations Program—a series of lecture and studio courses that explore drawing, digital media, 2D and 3D design, and art history. Course examples across both options include Foundations of Contemporary Art; Two-Dimensional Design; History of Graphic Design and Typography; Foundations of Contemporary Art; Global Arts; Introduction to Digital Forms; Current Directions in Art; Three-Dimensional Design; and Drawing Methods and Concepts.

Students in the Graphic Design option can expect to take courses such as Digital Art and Code; 3D Digital Studio; User Experience and Graphic Design; Typeface Design; Motion Typography; Design for Posters, Installation and Environments; Information Graphics; Relief Printmaking; Graphic Design for Branding and Identity; Colloquium in Art; Graphic Design for Packaging; Product Development for Graphic Design; Graphic Design for Games; Digital Art and Code; Lithography; and Graphic Design for Publications.

In the final year of the Studio Art BFA and BS programs (with a Graphic Design option) students will complete the Graphic Design Practicum, and the Design Portfolio and Professional Practice course. The program culminates with the Senior Graphic Design Thesis and Exhibition course.

Graduates of the Studio Art programs at University of Wisconsin-Madison are prepared to pursue design careers across industries. Examples include advertising, marketing, publishing, multimedia design, animation and film, publication design, user experience design, public relations, exhibit design, interactive design, and photography.

Founded in 1848, University of Wisconsin–Madison serves approximately 48,560 students enrolled in more than 450 programs across 13 colleges and schools. University of Wisconsin–Madison has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913. All programs in the UW Madison Department of Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) houses the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History, which provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the OSU Museum of Art and Prairie Arts Center. Students in the department also benefit from travel abroad experiences in places such as London, China, and Poland; internships with local and national organizations; networking opportunities; and visiting artist workshops.

The OSU the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History has two paths to study graphic design including the Art BFA with a Graphic Design option and a Graphic Design MFA. Students in both programs have 24/7 access to design studios and computer labs in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts; and the Visual Resource Center (3D Printing Lab).

The OSU Art: Graphic Design BFA program requires 120 credit hours of study. In the core, students willtake Drawing I; Visual Thinking: Image and Surface; Art History Survey I-II; and Visual Thinking: Form and Space. Professional sequence courses include Typography I; Graphic Design I; Graphic Design Studio; Drawing II; Motion Design Studio; History of Graphic Design; and Interaction Design Studio.

Students will also select a number of studio art courses from a pre-determined list of options. Examples include New Genres in Studio Art; Graphic Design II; Public and Installation Art; Typography II; Electronic Media Marketing; Advanced Drawing; Printmaking I-II; Illustration Studio; Interaction Design I; Digital Imaging; Graphic Design in Multimedia; Digital Marketing; Information Graphics; Graphic Design for Strategic Communication; Brand Marketing; Printmaking Studio; and Advanced Drawing.

The Oklahoma State University Art: Graphic Design BFA program culminates with the BFA Studio Capstone and Exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate study or design roles across industries. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Brand Manager, Typographical Artist, Motion Graphics Designer, Medical Illustrator, Publications Designer, Art Director, UI/UX Designer, Advertising Graphic Designer, Environmental Designer, Interactive Designer, Package Designer, Exhibit Designer, Layout Artist, Web Designer, and Creative Director.

Recent OSU BFA graduates have been hired at places such as the Museum of East Texas, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Matchfire, and Masterwork Artistry.

The Graphic Design MFA program at Oklahoma State University is a three-year, sixty credit hour terminal degree that explores print, motion, and interaction design. Students will also develop research, writing, and presentation skills.

Three focus areas available including Visual Communications, Interaction Design (also IxD, User Experience Design or UX Design), and Motion Design (also Motion Graphics). Courses for all areas are industry-oriented and include Graphic Design Graduate Studio; Interaction Design Graduate Studio; Special Topics in Graphic Design; Motion Design Graduate Studio; and Graphic Design History.

The OSU Graphic Design MFA program culminates with a Teaching Practicum and Graphic Design Thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue teaching positions, consulting careers, research jobs, and advanced design roles across industries.

Oklahoma State University graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Walmart, Tyco, IBM, Merck, Dell, Halliburton Industries, Lockheed Martin, ConocoPhillips, JPMorgan Chase, FDIC, and Dallas Morning News/Belo Corporation.

Oklahoma State University was established on Christmas Day in 1890. The school opened as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. Today, this five-campus system houses seven academic colleges, a veterinary school, an osteopathic medical school, and several centers and institutes. Serving approximately 26,010 students, OSU provides 300+ undergraduate majors and options, 79 master’s degree programs, and 45 doctoral programs. Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Department of Visual Arts at California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton or CSUF) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Housed in the College of the Arts, the department provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include BFA, MA, and MFA degrees in Art with a concentration in Graphic and Interactive Design.

The concentration explores areas such as user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design, brand strategy, web design, data visualization, layout, interactive prototypes, and generative design. Students in the graduate programs will also focus on research, pedagogy, and advanced visual communication design. Course examples across programs include Digital Narrative Illustration; Lettering and Typography; Perspective Drawing; The Digital Studio; Printmaking Etching; Exhibition Design; Design for Interactive Art; Entertainment Graphics; Typography into Graphic Design; 2D and 3D Design; Computer Assisted Graphics; Creative Photography; and Graphic Design Practicum.

MA and MFA students will also take courses such as Seminar on the Content and Method of Art History; Graduate Seminar in Graphic Design; and Independent Graduate Research. Both programs culminate with a project and thesis. BFA students will complete an internship and final project to graduate. All students will have the opportunity to create a portfolio of their best work.

Across all CSUF art programs, students also benefit from participation in workshops; study abroad opportunities; access to the Visual Arts Complex, which house state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and equipment; seminars; visiting artists; and professional career development services.

In addition, at the end of each semester professionals from graphic design studios, advertising agencies, and other creative fields are invited to review student portfolios.

Graduates of the art and design programs at Cal State Fullerton are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Graphic and Interactive Design alumni have been hired at places such as Nickelodeon Animation Studios, LucasFilm, Billabong USA, Apple, Disney Entertainment and Disney Interactive, The Jim Henson Company, Amazon, Electronic Arts (EA), Oakley, Earthlink, Ocean Pacific Apparel Company, Creative Domain, BLT and Associates, TOKYOPOP, Paul Frank, and Landor Associates.

Some Art BFA graduates go on to pursue advanced studies at schools such as University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Rutgers University, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), New York University (NYU), and Parsons School of Design. Both BFA and MA graduates have also continued their studies by enrolling in the Art MFA program at Cal State Fullerton.

Serving more than 41,000 students, California State University, Fullerton is the largest university in the CSU 23-campus system, and the third largest in California. Founded in 1957, the school provides 110 degree programs across eight academic colleges. California State University, Fullerton is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at University of Arkansas (U of A) houses the School of Art, which provides programs in Art Education, Studio Art, Graphic or Communication Design, and Art History. Launched in 2016, the Graphic Design program explores human-centered design, branding, motion design, typography, interaction design, design research, print design, and web design. Students will also master industry-standard software and techniques through individual and group projects.

Other program features include designated workspace in the brand new Studio + Design Center in the Windgate Arts and Design District; access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Design Lab; courses and projects that take place in a collaborative studio environment; and access to the UARK Design Clinic, which is a multipurpose space that serves as a classroom, design studio, laboratory, and community center.

Graphic Design students may also participate in the UARK Internship Program and the UARK Chapter of the AIGA Student Group. This registered student organization (RSO) hosts visiting speakers, creative projects, and collaborations with the local Northwest Arkansas AIGA Chapter.

Leading to a BFA, the Graphic Design program at University of Arkansas consists of courses such as Technology in Context; Identity Systems 1-2; Human Centered Design; Studio Foundation I-II; User Experience; Art History Survey; Typographic Systems 1-3; Interactive Language; Design Tools and Concepts; and Professional Development Seminar.

The U of A Graphic Design BFA culminates with a degree project and presentation. Graduates have completed internships with or currently work for companies and organizations such as Saatchi & Saatchi X, Walmart Corporate, J.B. Hunt, Amazon Corporate, Rockfish, Sam’s Club Corporate, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Olivet, Acumen Brands, Collective Bias, Menguin, BLKBox Labs, DOXA, Hayseed Ventures, Field Agent, Elkins Design, RevUnit, and Archetype.

For students seeking a graduate degree, the University of Arkansas School of Art houses an MDes in Communication Design that can be completed in two years. Launched in 2022, the program is the first of its kind in the state of Arkansas. Students in this 60 credit hour program will take courses and electives such as Design and Technology; Applied Visual Research; Cloud Computing and Big Data; Design and Futures; Artificial Intelligence; Design and Communities; Design Pedagogy and Leadership; and Social Entrepreneurship.

Students in the MDes program will also take special topics courses, allowing students to engage in discussions about issues in the field, teaching, and content. Special topics courses also support current semester studio projects. Topic examples may include Design and Sustainability; Machine Learning; Design and Entrepreneurism; Critical Design Issues; and International Design Collaboration.

The Graphic Design MDes at University of Arkansas culminates with a final thesis project. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of graphic and communication design; academic positions at design schools, colleges, and universities; and research jobs across industries.

Established in 1871 and serving 32,140 students, University of Arkansas is the state’s first public university and the largest. This land-grant institution welcomes students from 49 states and more than 100 countries. U of A students have access to 270 majors, degrees, and certificates across 10 colleges and schools. University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Liberal Arts at Oregon State University (OSU or Oregon State) is home to the School of Visual, Performing, and Design Arts. Within the school is a Graphic Design (GD) program with BFA and Honors BFA (HBFA) options. Consisting of 180 credit hours, this professional program includes a nine-month, seven credit hour senior capstone project that will be presented at the school’s Year-End Capstone Showcase.

Course examples for the program include Introduction to the Visual Ats; Graphic Design: Collaborative Process; 2D Core Studio; Graphic Design History; Typography 1-3; Process: Making and Meaning; Graphic Design Pro Application; Contemporary Issues in Design; Interactive Design 1-2; Graphic Design Technology and Production 1-2; and Graphic Design: Professional Development.

BFA and HBFA students may focus in other areas of art and design through the required 32 elective credit hours for the program.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Oregon State University are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as advertising; branding and visual design; public relations; publication design (newspapers, magazines, catalogs); exhibition design; marketing; UX-UI (web, mobile app design, interaction); package design; motion graphics; poster design; print media; and information design.

Founded in 1856 as Corvallis Academy, Oregon State University is one of just three land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant universities in the U.S. Serving approximately 36,635 students, OSU has 12 experiment stations and campuses in Corvallis, Bend, Portland, Newport, and LaGrande, Oregon. Students at Oregon State have access to more than 200 academic programs across 11 colleges and hundreds of online degrees through the OSU Ecampus Program. The school also provides more than 36 extension programs across all 36 Oregon counties.

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Fine Arts at Florida State University (FSU) houses the Department of Art. Within the department is a Studio Art program BA, BFA, and MFA degree options. The MFA is a fully funded program, with additional scholarship/fellowship opportunities.

Across programs, students may select up to two concentrations, allowing them to customize the curriculum to match their career goals. Concentration examples include Digital Media, Book Arts, Electronic Art, Printmaking, Moving Image, Photography, and Drawing.

Ideal concentration options for graphic designers include Printmaking, Book Arts, and Electronic Art. Across concentrations, course examples include Advanced Workshop: Graphic Narrative; Advanced Workshop: Typography; 3D Foundations; Digital Foundations; Screen Printing; Web 1: Art, Design, Code; Letterpress; Intaglio Printmaking; Digital Fabrication; Book Structures; Networked Art; Advanced Workshop: Printed Book; Intaglio Printmaking: Etching; Creative Coding; and Media Workshop: Interactive Art: Electronic Objects.

Studio Art students may also double major, take several minors, and participate in several experiential learning experiences. Housed in the College of Communication & Information’s School of Information (iSchool), the Innovation minor is an ideal option for students looking to gain additional experience in graphic design. Course examples for this program include Digital Graphic Design; User Experience Design; Desktop Multimedia; Creative Inquiry; Digital Storytelling; Human-Centered Design for Social Innovation; Information and Data Visualization; Web Applications Development; and Innovation by Design.

Other Studio Art Program features include the 24/7 access to studio spaces in the Carnaghi Arts Building (CAB)—BFA students work in assigned personal studios; workshops and seminars; the Visiting Artist Lecture Series; opportunities for individualized and advanced research; and access to labs and other facilities in The Facility For Arts Research (FAR).

Part of FSU’s College of Fine Arts, FAR houses the Small Craft Advisory Press, comma, REBOOT Laboratory, and collab. Additional facilities include the Digital Media Lab, photo labs, FabLab Digital Fabrication Lab, and printmaking labs.
Additional project and installation spaces are available for MFA students in the 400-square-feet MFA Gallery. MFA students also benefit from exclusive workshops; learning experiences such as FAR&AWAY—the visiting artist series; study trips to major art hubs; additional trained access to FSU’s Innovation Hub; access to individual 235-square-feet studios and a graduate seminar room; and additional trips to hosted events and individual studio visits; and professional training in teaching art.

All BA, BFA, and MFA Studio Art students may complete a professional internship at a local, national or global company; study abroad in one of more than 20 locations through FSU Global; and participate in gallery exhibitions at the FSU Phyllis Straus Gallery housed in the Carnaghi Arts Building (CAB).

BA students will complete a final project and portfolio to graduate. The BFA program culminates with a thesis project, which will be displayed at FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts. The Studio Art MFA culminates with an exhibition event in Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Art (MoFA).

Graduates of the Studio Art programs at Florida State University are prepared to pursue art and design roles across industries. Graduate students are also prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries, teaching positions, research jobs, and consulting careers.

Founded in 1851 and serving approximately 43,700 students Florida State University is one of the largest and the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. The school provides more than 275 degree programs across 17 colleges and several campuses. Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Liberal Arts at Colorado State University (CSU or Colorado State) enrolls more than 6,900 students served by 300+ faculty. With roots dating back to 1880, the college provides 19majors, 54 concentrations, 23 graduate and PhD programs, and 35 minors across 19 departments. This includes the Department of Art and Art History.

Housed in the Visual Arts Building (VAB) and one of the largest academic departments at Colorado State, Art and Art History provides programs leading to a Studio BFA or MFA. The Art Studio program has a Graphic Design concentration at the undergraduate level, and a graphic Design specialization at the graduate level.

The BFA program begins with the CSU Foundations Program, which consists of coursework and projects that allow students to gain skills and techniques in different areas of design. The program explores emerging practices in art and design, experimentation, and research methods. After this introductory year, students will advance to coursework and projects that explore illustration, design systems, typography, printmaking, and electronic art.

Course examples for the program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Drawing Materials and Techniques; Introduction to Printmaking; Advanced Typography and Design Systems; Photo Image Making I; Advanced Illustration; Introduction to Electronic Art; and Global Art History I-III.

All Studio BFA students will work and learn in labs and state-of-the-art facilities in the VAB. This includes 4,000 square feet of studio space; the Digital Fabrication Lab; a dedicated computer lab; and Mac workstations equipped with Adobe Creative Suite and other industry-standard software. Near the VAB is the Nancy Richardson Design Center—CSU’s only interdisciplinary space focused on Design Thinking. The Center is open to students from all disciplines.

Other CSU Studio BFA benefits include internship opportunities; the Travel Abroad-Art History in Italy course; and the biennial Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition (CIIPE). This event allows students to help organize and participate in the event.

The Colorado State University Studio BFA: Graphic Design culminates with a final project and portfolio of the students best work. Program alumni are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of design. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Storyboard Artist, UX/UI Designer, Brand Designer, Advertising Graphic Designer, Publication Designer, Creative Director, Environmental Designer, Production Artist, Marketing Designer, and Environmental Designer.

The Studio MFA: Graphic Design program at Colorado State University requires 60 credit hours. This immersive program focuses on research and experimentation in studio media. Throughout the program, students have opportunities to exhibit work and give presentations at regional venues and across the U.S. Studio MFA students also benefit from access to semi-private studios; faculty mentorship; open-studio tours; group critiques; and the Masters of Visual Arts Association (MoVAA), which provides access to artis talks and workshops.

Course examples for the program include Studio Problems: Graphic Design; Printmaking Research Art, Craft, and Design; Advanced Study in Art History: Baroque and Rococo Art; Advanced Typography and Design Systems; Studio Problems: Printmaking; Advanced Illustration; Independent Study: Graphic Design; Studio Problems: Drawing; Independent Study: Printmaking; and Group Study: Multiple Media.

During the final year of the CSU MFA program, students will complete the Graphic Design Thesis course. Projects will be presented during the Spring Graduate Exhibition at the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art.

Graduates of the CSU MFA: Graphic Design program are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Examples include advertising, print publishing, web design, marketing, game design, public relations, entertainment, corporate branding, packaging, manufacturing, social media, printmaking, museums, fashion, and user experience design.

Founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, Colorado State University is a land-grant university that spans three campuses including CSU Fort Collins (the system’s flagship campus), CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global. The CSU system serves approximately 33,650 students enrolled in more than 300 academic programs across eight colleges. Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Serving approximately 3,540 students, the College of Fine and Applied Arts (CFAA) is the third largest college at Appalachian State University (App State). Program options are organized across seven departments including Applied Design; Technology and the Built Environment; Art; Sustainable Development; Communication; Military Science and Leadership; and Theatre and Dance.

Within the App State Department of Art is a Graphic Design program that features trips to New York’s major museums and design studios. Students in this BFA program also benefit from internship opportunities with companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Package Design Media, and Home Magazine; study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Germany, South Africa, the UK, and Spain; and the option to join organizations and clubs such as the Student Art League (SAL), the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Art History Club or the Arts Management Organization (AMO).

Students in all CFAA art and design programs have access to fully equipped facilities and labs, with opportunities to create environmental graphics; perform layout and design duties for print publications; build screen-based experiences and identity programs; and engage in interactive design projects.

Course examples for the program include Foundations I-II; Printmaking: Screenprinting; History of Graphic Design; Digital Imaging; Typography I-III; Interaction Design I; and Ideal Lab.

The BFA program allows students to develop skills in different areas of graphic design through electives and professional development courses. Examples include Branding and Visual Identity; Illustration; Hand-Lettering; Design Thinking and Entrepreneurial Mindset; Technical Writing; Design Methods; Video Production and Story; Interaction Design II; Exhibitions Practicum; and Special Topics in Graphic Design.

An optional Graphic Design Professional Practice course features lectures; opportunities to create self-promotional packages; research and writing skills development for job search preparedness; and portfolio development. Students in this course will also visit design studios and printing facilities in North Carolina and across the region.

Although it is not a requirement, BFA students can add a minor to further enhance the degree. Examples include Graphic Communications Management; Commercial Photography; Sustainable Technology; Art History; Communication; Apparel Design and Merchandising; and Somatic Sustainability.

The Graphic Design BFA program at Appalachian State University culminates with a two-course sequence, leading to a final project (capstone) and portfolio. Capstone projects will be presented at an exhibition.

Graduates of App State Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Most program alumni are hired right after graduation, while others pursue graduate study at places such as Pratt Institute, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Gap, Skyline Films, McCall Publishing Company, Red Hat, Tiffany and Co., Footbridge Media, Oculus Studios, Public Theater (NYC), COCG, Fifty&Fifty, CreateSpace, Beanstalk Data, Raizlabs, McKinney, Registered Creative, and Metrostar Systems.

Founded in 1899 as Watauga Academy, Appalachian State University is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. The school serves approximately 21,255 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across eight colleges and schools. Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

The College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) was founded as the College of Liberal Arts in 1929. With 20+ departments and four schools providing more than 100 areas of study, 25 master’s degree programs, and 12 doctoral options, the College of Arts and Sciences is BGSU’s largest college. Within the college is also one of the largest and oldest state art schools in Ohio—the BGSU School of Art.

Established more than 75 years ago and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1984, the BGSU School of Art houses five divisions including Graphic Design; Art History; Studio; Digital Arts; and Art Education. Across divisions, students have opportunities to complete an internship at places such as Pixar, American Greetings, PBS, Disney, and Procter & Gamble; and study abroad in places such as France, Italy, China, and Japan.

Students in all divisions also have access to the BGSU Graphic Design facilities. Housed in the Fine Arts Center and Wolfe Center for the Arts, facilities include: the CAVE (Center for Advanced Visualization and Education) Lab; 20 state-of-the-art workstations equipped with the Adobe Creative Cloud and the Adobe Typeface Library; and an additional lab with access to the collaborative space—the Digital Arts Classroom.

The Graphic Design Division in the School of Art has two paths to study graphic design: the Graphic Design BFA and the Integrative Design MDes.

The MDes is a low-residency, hybrid program that requires just three campus visits each semester and a one-week visit during the summer. Consisting of 60 credit hours, the MDes has flexible two-year, three-year, and four-year options. All students will have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary activities with corporate and non-profit partners in Ohio and across the U.S.

Students in this terminal degree program will complete courses, seminars, and studios such as Graphic Design History + Integrative Models; Collaborative Design Studio I and II: Design for Social Impact; Design Studio III and IV: Integrative Strategies, Theory and Implementation; and Design Research and Methods.

MDes students may focus in an area or interest through elective such as Special Audience Research; Topics in Digital Arts; Perspectives in Visual Arts Education; Techniques in Demographic Analysis; Collaborative Multimedia Development; and Exhibit Project and Oral Defense. This capstone course leads to a public exhibition and review.

The Graphic Design BFA at Bowling Green State University is a 120 credit hour program that consists of art foundations, the graphic design studio core, studio area, art history, and other support courses. Examples include Media Studio: Space and Time; Survey of world Art; Information Design; Typography; User Experience/User Interface Design; Drawing Studio: Perception, Practice, Process; Systems-Based Graphic Design; Three Dimensional Graphic Design; Time Based Graphic Design; Graphic Design History and Integrative Models; Design for Social Impact; and Western Art.

Students in this professional degree program will also complete the Graphic Design Studio Capstone across four courses including Graphic Design Senior Thesis (three courses) and Senior Studio in Graphic Design. Student's final projects will be presented at the end-of-semester Senior Graphic Design Portfolio Show.

Graduates of the Design and Graphic Design programs at Bowling Green State University are prepared to pursue creative roles in industries such as advertising, marketing, publishing, consulting, web design, media, technology, manufacturing, food and beverage, education, insurance, government, healthcare, finance, IT, telecommunications, military, and ecommerce. MDes graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in these industries and many others.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Nike, United Health Group, F+W Media, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hobby Lobby, American Greetings, J. Crew, Progressive, Uber, Cleveland Institute of Art, Owens Corning, Toledo Museum of Art, Cooper-Smith Advertising, JP Morgan Chase, Landor Associates, Noir Marketing + PR, Root Inc., 10 Red Design, and Toledo Museum of Art.

Bowling Green State University was established in 1910 as a teacher-training institution. Today, the school provides more than 200 programs to a population of 19,600 students. Programs at BGSU are housed across six academic colleges and two campuses. Bowling Green State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design (SOAAD) at Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) provides more than 30 degrees across 14 areas in art, architecture, design, and merchandising. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, SOAAD also houses the McKinney Visiting Artist Series, which features workshops, critiques, lectures and gallery talks led by some of the nation’s most notable working artists.

Among the programs in the Eskenazi School are three options for graphic designers including the Studio Art BA, BFA, and MFA. Students in all programs may concentrate in Graphic Design. In addition to the McKinney Series, program benefits include interdisciplinary collaborations and cross-disciplinary workshops; internship opportunities at places such as Universal Studios, Amazon, Macy’s, and Urban Outfitters; and study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Florence, and Japan.

To gain work experience, all SOAAD students have opportunities to work with independent artists through the apprenticeship program, departments on campus, or at local businesses. Across programs, graphic design students will also work and in state-of-the-art facilities such as The Letterpress Studio; Student Technology Centers (STCs) equipped with Mac and PC workstations outfitted with Adobe Creative Cloud software; and Digital Printing Labs.

Part of IU Bloomington Eskenazi School since the 1960s and housed in the Fine Arts Building, The Letterpress Studio is equipped with Vandercook presses, wood and metal fonts, an Anderson Vreeland Orbital X Platemaker, a bookbinding press, a guillotine paper cutter, and a foil stamper. BFA and MFA students have access to individual workspaces, with separate shared studio spaces.

BA, BFA, and MFA Studio Art students in the Graphic Design concentration will explore imagery, systems, typography, and grids while creating posters, packaging, apps, logos, and other digital media. Course examples across undergraduate programs include Introduction to Art, Design, and Merchandising; Typography; Creative Core: 3D Design; Art History I-III; Printmaking Advanced Studio; Digital Art Survey and Practice; Interactive Multimedia; Computer Graphical Environments; and Visual Studies.

MFA students will take courses such as Graduate Graphic Design; Graphic Design Problem Solving; Graphic Design Seminar; Graduate Topics in Graphic Design; and Graphic Design Advanced Studio Projects.

The Studio Art BA program at Indiana University Bloomington culminates with a final portfolio of the student's best work. The BFA program culminates with the BFA Thesis Exhibition in Grunwald Gallery of Art at IU Bloomington. During the final semester of the Studio Art MFA program, students will complete a thesis to be displayed in the Grunwald Gallery. The MFA Thesis Exhibition opens with a reception that allows students to present a summary of their work to the public.

Graduates of the Studio Art: Graphic Design programs at Indiana University Bloomington are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Recent graduates have gone on to become Graphic Designers, Marketing Specialists, Product Designers, UX Designers, Social Media Coordinators, Digital Production Artists, Illustrators, Gallery and Museum Assistants, freelance artists, and business owners.

Program alumni hold these titles and others at places such as The E.W. Scripps Company, PwC, International Center of Photography; Interbrand, MediaFuel, Phillips Collection, Eight Wonder Studio, Colliers International, Paragon Force, LGE Design Build, Wild Spirit Designs, and Whalar, Inc.

Indiana University Bloomington is the flagship campus of Indiana University’s seven campus system, which serves approximately 90,100 degree-seeking students enrolled in more than 980 academic programs. Serving 47,005 students, IU Bloomington is the largest school in the system and one of the largest universities in the Midwest. Established in 1820, the school provides more than 550 academic programs across 16 degree-granting colleges and schools. Indiana University Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) has several paths to study graphic design. Degree seekers can enroll in the Graphic Communication BS (GrC BS) or the Art and Design BFA with a Graphic Design concentration. For students seeking a shorter program, the college has a GrC minor. However, the minor can be added to any major with approval.

Across options, students have opportunities to complete an internship or co-op experience with companies such as Boeing, Apple, Disney, Amazon Northrup Grumman or the National Park Service. Other program benefits include access to more than 25 centers and institutes; more than 500 study abroad programs in 75 countries; and over 17,000 square feet of space dedicated to all types of creative work.

Spaces include studios (9,500 square feet); photography labs and equipment (5,000 square feet); and 2,500 square feet of graphic design rooms; a 1,500 square feet Photo/Video Lab; 2D Labs; woodshops; project rooms; and individual studio spaces for seniors in the Senior Studio Lab.

Part of the College of Liberal Arts’ Graphic Communication Department, the GrC BS has four in-demand concentrations including Graphic Communication Management; UI/UX; Design Reproduction Technology; and Graphics for Packaging. Students can also create their own individualized focus area through electives and other course offerings. Across all concentrations, GrC students will create, work, and learn across labs such as book and magazine technology; consumer packaging and prototyping; printing technology; user experience and experience design; and management, quality, marketing and sales.

Consisting of 180 units of study, with 29 units in the concentration, the Cal Poly GrC BS requires 60 units of upper-division and support courses such as College Physics I; Statistical Concepts and Methods; Precalculus Algebra; and World of Chemistry. Course examples for the major include Digital Typography; Applied Graphic Communication Practices; Color Management; Digital Printing and Emerging Technologies in Graphic Communication; Consumer Packaging; Materials for Graphic Communication Applications; Consumer Practices; Digital and Offset Printing Methods; and Flexographic Printing Technologies.

The Graphic Communications BS at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo culminates with the Senior Project (students’ selection, individual); Senior Project – Independent Study; or Senior Project – Applied Practices (individual or group). For each project, a presentation and report are required.

The Graphic Communications minor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo requires eight courses (27-30 units), completed over 6-8 quarters. Course examples include User Experience Methods for Digital innovation; Digital Typography; Web and Print Publishing; Digital Photography and Motion Graphics; Mobile User Experience; Applied Graphic Communication Practices; and Specialty Imaging and Graphics Techniques. The program culminates with a final project and presentation.

Part of the Department of Art and Design in the College of Liberal Arts, the Art and Design BFA requires 120 units of study, with 52 units in the Graphic Design concentration. Students in this program will explore identity design, book arts, typography, illustration, UI/UX design, design history, human-centered design, and animation.

Specific course examples include Graphic Design I-III; Packaging Fundamentals; Book Arts; Typography I-III; Advertising Design; Intermedia/Art; Interaction Design I-III; Type in Motion; Advanced Interactive Media Art; Illustration I-II; Design History; Animation, Video, and Interactive Design; and Digital Video I.

The Art and Design: Graphic Design BFA at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo culminates with the Senior Portfolio Project course.

With a 95% success rate within nine months of graduation, graduates of the Graphic Communication BS and Art and Design BFA programs are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Some program alumni go on to pursue graduate studies at places such as Stanford University and UC Berkeley, while others have launched their own creative studios or freelance businesses.

Program alumni have been hired at creative agencies and design studios; they work with in-house design teams; and they have landed jobs in the tech and entertainment industries. Some of the top hiring companies for Cal Poly graduates include Amazon, LinkedIn, Apple, Northrop Grumman, PwC, SpaceX, Applied Medical, and Workday, Inc.

Established in 1901, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is part of the 23-campus California State University System and the oldest of the state’s three polytechnic universities. The school’s campuses and ranches span 10,000 acres, which also makes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo the second largest land-holding university in California and one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation.

Serving approximately 22,285 students, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo provides more than 180 programs across six colleges. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is fully accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) is home to the College of Fine Arts, which houses the School of Art. Within the school are several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Design Arts and Practices (DAP) BA program, and the Studio Art program with BFA and MFA options.

The DAP BA program has four emphasis areas including Print Design; Spatial Design; Object Design; and Screen Design. Across areas, DAP students will develop skills in visual communication, design thinking, data analysis, project management, computational thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. DAP course examples include Information Graphics; Typography; Design Thinking; Gaze Digital Photography; Design for Web and Devices; Amalgam Mixed-Media; Design Studio; Experience, Sound, Video, and Performance; Dealing with Data; and Propaganda Design.

All DAP students have access to DAP labs and studios such as the Book Art and Letterpress Lab; the Digital Print Studio; 2D and 3D and extended media labs; design and illustration classrooms, the Animation Lab; digital print studios; darkrooms; lighting studios; video/imaging editing suites; and the Digital Negative and Digital Print Instruction Space.

DAP students also benefit from participation in the Visiting Artists and Scholars Endowment (VASE) series, which features lectures, workshops, exhibitions, seminars, and individual studio critiques led by national and international artists. All students will have opportunities to study abroad and/or complete an internship at places such as the Sonoran Institute, Tucson Museum of Art, and the Center for Creative Photography. Study abroad locations include London, Tokyo, France, Athens, Madrid, Bangkok, Rome, Barcelona, Seoul, Costa Rica, Florence, Jakarta, and Sydney.

The DAP BA program at University of Arizona culminates with a capstone project and presentation. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles in fields graphic design, art/illustration, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), product design, exhibit design, multimedia design and animation, environmental design, art direction, and web design.

Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Creative Directors, Visual Designers, Illustrators, UI/UX Designers, Brand Managers, Packaging Designers, Advertising Artists, Motion Designers, Exhibit Designers, and Multimedia Designers. Some program alumni go on to pursue graduate studies, while others have launcher their own design studios and freelance businesses.

The Studio Art program at University of Arizona has fiver emphasis areas: 2D Studies; 3D and Extended Media; Illustration, Design and Animation; Photography, Design and Animation; and Interdisciplinary Practice (MFA only). Studio Art students have opportunities to specialize further in areas such as printmaking, drawing, or interactive technologies.

All studio art majors will begin their studies with the First Year Experience, which focuses workshop-structured courses that introduce students to artist practice, the studio work environment, and creative methodology. All students will also have opportunities to engage in team projects with local clients; take field trips to design studios; participate in the Annual Spring Portfolio Review; complete an internship; and study abroad.

The U of A Studio Art BFA requires 125 units, including 42 in upper division coursework, and 24 in the emphasis area. Course examples for the program include 2D Studio Art; Survey of Printmaking Techniques; Illustration and Design; Typography; Design Studio; Contemporary Art; Mapping; Process and Play; Contemporary Art and History; Animation; and Photography.

The Studio Art BFA at University of Arizona culminates with the Senior Capstone. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across fields such as advertising, publishing, exhibit design, web design, animation and film, marketing, social media, public relations, packaging, and brand design.

The Arizona Studio Art MFA consists of 60 units, with 30 units in studio art courses. Course examples for the program include Mixed Media Book; Letterpress and the Multiple; Graduate Relief Printmaking; Comics and Sequential Art; Topics in Illustration; Libretto Concetti: Visual Narratives; Clients and the Community Design; Picture Book Art and Design; Combining Media; Foundation Digital 3D Modeling, Rendering and Rapid Prototyping; Advanced Imaging; Digital Fabrication; and Topics in Studio Art.

In addition, the Graduate Thesis Studio course for the Studio Art MFA culminates with a Thesis Exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across the art, design, publishing, and entertainment industries; in corporate branding and package design; and in consulting, research, and education.

Established in 1885, University of Arizona opened in 1891 with 32 students and six faculty members. Today, UA serves approximately 51,135 students, making it one of top five largest post-secondary institutions in Arizona. Students at UA have access to more than 300 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in more than 150 areas of study. Programs are offered across 20 colleges and nearly two dozen specialized schools. University of Arizona is accredited by the by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Design at Iowa State University (Iowa State) is home to the College of Design. Serving around 2,000 students, the college provides dozens of majors, minors, and certificate programs across seven departments. The Department of Graphic Design (GD) provides BFA, MA, and MFA programs. The BFA is the only public Graphic Design BFA in the state of Iowa.

In partnership with the Iowa State Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC), the GD Department also provides a unique dual degree program in graphic design and human-computer-interaction—the GD MFA/HCI MS. All programs in the Graphic Design Department are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Other department features include graphic design practic*ms that provide real-world experience with clients such as the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity; internship opportunities with more than 125 companies, studios, and design firms; and study abroad experiences through the College of Design’s flagship international program, with studio facilities at Palazzo Cenci-Bolognetti—the historic center of Rome. Students also have opportunities to participate in faculty-led short-term abroad experiences in places such as Paris, Italy, France, the UK, Ghana, Sweden, Uganda, and Greece.

The Graphic Design BFA at Iowa State University begins with the College of Design’s 31 credit hour Core Design Program (CDP). For one year, students will have opportunity to experiment with interdisciplinary work, collaborate in teams, and develop critical thinking skills. CDP course examples include Design Studio I; Critical Thinking and Communication; Design in Context; Digital Design Literacy; Drawing I; and Design Collaborative Seminar.

Upon successful completion of the CDP, students will enter the professional three-year BFA program and begin taking courses and studios that explore both traditional and new graphic design media. Course examples include Graphic Design Studio I-V; Introduction to Web Programming; Typography I-II; International Perspectives; Graphic Design History; Design Ethics; Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition; History of Art I-II; and Graphic Materials and Processes.

Throughout the BFA program, students will have the opportunity to travel to design centers across the U.S.; interact with visiting artists and lecturers; develop a market-ready portfolio of individual and group design projects; and attend theannual Design Career Fair. This “design majors only” event attracts more than 125 firms recruiting for jobs and internships. Iowa State College of Design alumni account for more than half of the recruiters in attendance.

The Graphic Design BFA program at Iowa State culminates with the Graphic Design Capstone course. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in advertising, magazine design, digital art, book design, packaging design, animated products design, web design, film and television, exhibition design, interactive media design, and newspaper design.

The MA in Experiential Graphic Design (MAxGD) requires 30 credit hours of study. The program is designed for students with little or no experience in graphic design. The MAxGD explores areas such as information design, wayfinding, interaction, placemaking, and exhibition design. Course examples include Graphic Design Theory; User Engagement; Graphic Design Graduate Studio I-II; Critical Media; Graphic Design for Behavioral Change; Studio: Exhibition Design; Audience and Perception; Studio: Wayfinding; and Design and Cultural Semiotics.

The ISU Graphic Design MFA is a terminal degree that requires a minimum of 60 credits to graduate. Students in the program may choose an elective focus area outside of graphic design to enhance the degree. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design for Behavioral Change; Critical Media; Introduction to Research Design; User Engagement; Graphic Design Theory; Audience and Perception; Design and Culture Semiotics; and Graphic Design Graduate Studio I-II.

MFA students will work closely with faculty to complete the MFA Graduate Thesis. This culminating experience takes place over three studios including Thesis Preparation Studio and Graphic Design Graduate Studio I-II.

The dual GD MFA/HCI MS is an interdisciplinary program allows students to study HCI, graphic design, game-based learning, virtual reality, and other disciplines. Course examples in addition to courses and the culminating experience for the MFA program, MFA/MS students will take HCI courses such as Visual Design for HCI; Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling; Human Factors in Product Design; Introduction to Research Design; Python Application Development in HCI; and Evaluating Digital Learning Environments. Graduates of the MAxGD, MFA, and MFA/MS programs at Iowa State University are prepared to pursue advanced design, teaching, research, and consulting roles across industries.

For graduates receiving degrees from August 2020 to May 2021, 100% were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

Founded in 1858, Iowa State University is the nation’s first designated land-grant institution. The school serves approximately 30,180 students enrolled in more than 300 undergraduate majors and fields of study leading to a graduate or professional degree. The academic programs at Iowa State are housed across eight colleges, two schools, and 150 academic departments. Iowa State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Liberal Arts at San Francisco State University (San Francisco State, SFSU, SF State) houses the School of Design. Within the school are several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Visual Communication Design BS; a Design minor; and an interdisciplinary Design MA.

As part of the School of Design, students in all programs have the opportunity to collaborate with external industry partners and/or community organizations. Students may also participate in design activities in the Fine Arts Building including letterpress printing; interactive media (AR and VR); 3D printing; bookbinding; large format printing; and rapid prototyping.

All SFSU School of Design students have full access to DESIGNSPACE—an on-campus teaching and learning workspace for students, faculty, and partners. Students may participate in the SFSU study abroad program, which features experiences in more than 20 countries with partner institutions such as Swinburne University, Australia; Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti (NABA), Italy; Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland; Brunel University London, UK; University of Technology Sydney, Australia; and Chung Yuan Christian University, Taiwan.

The Visual Communication BS program at San Francisco State requires 120 units, with 58 units in the major. The Design minor requires 19 credit hours in the Visual Communication Design pathway and 20 credit hours in the Product Design pathway. Students in the minor will take all coursework at the upper-division level. Course examples include A History of Design and Technology; Graphic Design I; Visual Design Literacy; Interactive Design I; Drafting and Sketching for Design; Product Design I; and Computer Graphic Imaging.

The BS program consists of courses such as Digital Design Foundations I-II; Graphic Design I-II; Graphic Design III: Advanced; Interactive Design I-III; and a History of Design and Technology. Students may also select 15 credit hours of major electives, which provides opportunities to explore additional areas and build a professional design portfolio. Elective examples include Publication Design and Graphics; Advanced Projects in Visual Communication Design; Visual Storytelling; Modern Letterpress Printing: Traditional and Digital Techniques; Photojournalism I: Foundations of Photojournalism; and Design Gallery: Exhibitions and Communications.

BS students may complete the Independent Study in Design course, the Graphic Design Practicum: Design Working Group, and a professional internship. The culminating requirement for the program consists of the Professional Practices for Design course and the Senior Design Project.

The Design MA at San Francisco State University requires 30 credit hours of study. Students may develop a specialized advanced study area in visual communication, industrial design, product design, or related field. Course and elective examples for the program include Seminar in Design Research; Digital Media;Seminar in Design Methodology; Technical Drawing; Seminar in Design Topics; Product Design; Seminar in Design Management; Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing Systems; Graduate Research and Writing Methods in Design; Creative Work Project; Directed Experience in Design; and Design Process.

The culminating experience for the Design MA consists of a Creative Work Project or Master’s Thesis, students choice. Graduates of the MA program are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries or a doctoral degree at a top university. Graduates of the BS and Design minor programs at SFSU are prepared to pursue creative roles across industries.

San Francisco State University graduates are routinely hired at companies such as Google, Wells Fargo, Apple, Kaiser Permanente, and Oracle. Design alumni are also in high demand at companies and studios in Silicon Valley. Graduates hold titles such as Brand Manager, Packaging Designer, User Experience Designer, Exhibit Designer, Creative Director, Layout Artist, Book Designer, Publication Designer, Art Director, and Web Designer. Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own studios and freelance businesses.

Founded in 1899 as San Francisco State Normal School, San Francisco State University serves approximately 23,700 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across six colleges, and 75 schools and academic departments. San Francisco State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at University of South Carolina Columbia (UofSC or USC Columbia) is the largest school of art in the state. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Within the SVAD are two paths to study graphic design: the BA or BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I).

Classes for the programs are held in McMaster College, the design school’s 85,000-square-foot facility designed specifically for the study and creation of the visual arts.

Other program features include industry internships; the opportunity to work in the school’sMcCausland Innovation Grant-funded design studio; two-week and semester-long study abroad experiences in places such as China, Spain, Italy, France and England; and participation in the South Carolina Chapter of the AIGA, which hosts workshops, guest speakers, and special design events.

The GD+I concentration explores branding, traditional illustration, interactive design, packaging, digital illustration, editorial design, multimedia, product design, packaging, design using augmented reality AI, drawing, publication design, typography, motion graphics, UX and UI design, design systems, and logo design.

The Studio Art BA is ideal for students who would like to study GD+I and other areas of art such as 3D studies, drawing or printmaking, or declare a double major. The BFA is a pre-professional degree that allows students to focus in additional areas outside of GD+I such as printmaking, drawing, painting, or photography. Specific course examples across options include 3-Dimensional Design; Typographic Design; Illustration; Visual and Verbal Interaction; Process and Systems; Advanced Illustration; Interaction Design; and Topics in Modern Art.

The Studio Art: GD+I programs at University of South Carolina Columbia culminate with a capstone experience. Students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work. BFA students will have a solo exhibition of their creative research to be judged by major faculty.

Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at places such as Nike, Google, IBM, Humana, Reebok, Lyft, Bumble, Aeropostale, Paper Source, and The South Carolina Lottery. Graduates also work with sports teams and organizations such as the Florida Marlins, Charlotte Hornets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Auburn University Athletics, and University of South Carolina Football.

University of South Carolina was founded in 1801 as South Carolina College. With eight campuses, the school serves 53,455 students enrolled in more than 350 degree programs across 16 academic colleges and schools. The flagship campus in Columbia (USC Columbia) serves approximately 31,530 students. University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Fine Arts at Ball State University (BSU) houses the School of Art. Within the school is a Graphic Design major leading to a BFA or BS. Program features include small class sizes; a collaborative studio environment led by instructors who are professionals in the field; opportunities to gain experience through the student design firm Studio 165+, which attracts regional, national, and international clients; and portfolio development.

The Ball State Graphic Design major leading to a BFA requires 84 credit hours. This includes 24 credits in studio art, 33 credit hours in graphic design, 21 credits in electives, and three credits in CFA SOAR. For the remaining three credits, students may choose one of the following: School of Art Internship, the Design Practicum, or Collaborative Design Studio.

The program explores user interface and user experience design (UI/UX), branding, digital design, motion graphics, publication design, typography, illustration, packaging design, wayfinding systems, app design, and web design. Course examples include Drawing Studio; Graphic Design I-II; 3D Foundations Studio; Motion Graphics for Graphic Design; History of Graphic Design; Advanced Practices 1-2; Web Design; 4D Foundations Studio; Special Topics; and Research and Professional Practices in Design.

The Ball State Graphic Design major leading to a BS requires 48 credit hours. Course examples include Graphic Design I-II; Cross Media Communications; Packaging Technology; Web Design; Screen and Specialty Graphics; Advanced Practices 2; Impact Printing Processes; and Art History: Global Traditions. Students will also take career development courses such as Transition to the Profession: Careers In, Around, and Beyond the Arts; and Creating Your Career: Essential Skills and the Arts.

The Ball State Graphic Design BFA and BS programs culminate with the Senior Project and Portfolio course. Graduates of are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. As part of Ball State University, program alumni enjoy a 90% job placement rate. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Communications Manager, Advertising Designer, Video Editor, Book Designer, Creative Director, Packaging Designer, Illustrator, Exhibit Designer, Brand Manager, and Web Designer.

Program alumni have worked at places such as Google, Walt Disney World, NASA, Herron School of Art + Design, the Seattle Seahawks, UPS, the Star Tribune, Bradley and Montgomery, VMware, LPK, Hirons Advertising, High Alpha Studio, Optum, Hook Studios, and The Ohio State University.

Founded in 1918 as the Indiana State Normal School Eastern Division, Ball State University serves approximately 20,440 students enrolled in 113 majors and 12 preprofessional options across seven academic colleges. The school also houses 357 student organizations and more than 150 study abroad programs. Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Clemson University (Clemson) has three paths to study graphic design across several colleges and departments. Options include BS and MS degrees in Graphic Communications (GC); the Art BA; and the Visual Arts BFA. The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business houses the Department of Graphic Communications, and the BS and MS programs. The College of Architecture, Art and Construction houses the Department of Arts and the Art and Visual Art programs.

Serving 400 students, the GC BS program provides the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience (on campus) through the Erwin Center for Brand Communications. This practitioner-based program functions like a teaching hospital, allowing students to learn through real-world, real-time experiences in areas such as advertising, media, creative development, strategy, marketing, analytics, and research.

The Graphic Communications curriculum explores all major visual communication and printing processes. This 120 credit hour program consists of courses such as Graphic Communications I-II; Introduction to Packaging Science; Ink and Substrates; Digital Imaging; Commercial Printing; Principles of Marketing; Package and Specialty Printing; Principles of Management; Current Developments and Trends in Graphic Communications; Planning and Controlling Printing Functions; and Senior Seminar in Graphic Communications.

All GC BS students must complete a specialty area consisting of 12 credits through a minor or coursework in areas such as communication studies, brand design, visual art, digital production, creative direction, packaging design, marketing, UX design, business analytics, and management information systems. Popular minors include Brand Communications, Packaging Science, and Business Administration.

Other Graphic Communications program benefits include access to the Sonoco Institute, which hosts seminars, classes, and workshops; collaborative projects with students in the Packaging Science Department; the Erwin Center for Brand Communications; access to a 14,000-square-foot main laboratory and two additional state-of-the-art labs equipped with packaging and printing equipment; and participation in Clemson study abroad programs such as Graphic Design for Packaging in a Global Marketplace in London, and European Perspectives on Marketing in Paris.

In addition, all students are required to complete a mandatory summer Co-op Education requirement and hold an industry internship for at least two semesters before graduating. The GC Department also hosts an Intern Employer Day each semester. This gives students the chance to interview with representatives from more than 40 companies.

Graduates of the Graphics Communications BS program at Clemson University have gone on to pursue design roles in graphic design, publishing, marketing, production, packaging design, printing, web design, and process engineering. They are employed in 29 states and three foreign countries. Companies that have hired GC BS alumni include R.R. Donnelley, Newell Brands, Boston Beer Company, The Hughes Agency, and Horizon Investments.

Some Graphic Communications BS graduates have also gone on to pursue graduate study at places such as Wake Forest University and Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).

The Graphic Communications MS program at Clemson University provides access to all GC Departmentresources and benefits. Students in this advanced studies program have two options: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The Thesis option requires 33 credit hours and the Non-Thesis option requires 30 credit hours.

Across options, core courses include Current Developments and Trends in Graphic Communications; Commercial Printing; Package and Specialty Printing; Research Problems I-II; and Graphic Communications Graduate Seminar. For students without relevant work experience, an industrial internship is a required for both options.

The Thesis option culminates with the Master’s Thesis Research course. The Non-Thesis option culminates with a final research project. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced creative, technical, and professional careers in graphic communications. Program alumni have been placed in fields such as advertising, packaging, marketing, printing, science, publishing, sales, healthcare, marketing, education, research, and management.

The Art BA at Clemson University is accredited by National Association for Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). The program has a Digital Art and Design Media emphasis that focuses on graphic design, animation, and new media. The Visual Arts BFA has seven emphasis areas including Graphic Design, Printmaking, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Painting, and Ceramics.

Across programs, students have full access to the department’s computer labs, painting and printmaking studios, photo labs, drawing studios, sculpture labs, and clay studios. Other program benefits include the visiting artist series; and annual field trip to art centers such as New York City; a four-week summer school in Orvieto, Italy; and the opportunity to exhibit works in Clemson’s Lee Art Gallery in the senior year of the programs. In addition, Clemson Art students regularly display their work locally in the Pendleton and Greenville arts districts, and in regional and national venues.

The Art BA program culminates with a final project. The Visual Arts BFA culminates with the Senior Exhibition Internship. Across programs, graduates are prepared to pursue careers in graphic design, illustration, media, advertising, marketing, animation, publishing, exhibit design, public relations, retail, art journalism, education, and with art museums and galleries.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Anthropologie, Greenville County Schools, Museum of Cherokee, GDC Home, and Kaleidoscope Design Factory. Some alumni have also gone on to pursue graduate study at places such as Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Northwestern University, Christie’s Education, Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), and the University of Georgia.

Clemson University was founded in 1889. The school opened in 1893 as Clemson Agricultural College (CAC). On the first day of classes, CAC welcomed 446 students. Today, Clemson University serves approximately 28,750 students enrolled in more than 170 majors and minors, and 130+ graduate degree programs. Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).