| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rutgers University - Camden | Camden |
| 2 | The College of New Jersey | Ewing |
| 3 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark |
| 4 | Monmouth University | West Long Branch |
| 5 | Kean University | Union |
| 6 | Fairleigh Dickinson University | Madison |
| 7 | Ramapo College of New Jersey | Mahwah |
| 8 | Montclair State University | Montclair |
| 9 | Seton Hall University | South Orange |
| 10 | Stockton University | Galloway |
Our 2023 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in New Jersey. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Rutgers University Camden (Rutgers-Camden) provides 38 undergraduate majors and 29 graduate programs across three schools and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The largest academic unit at Rutgers-Camden, Arts and Sciences houses three schools, 16 departments, and more than 45 undergraduate majors and graduate programs.
Opportunities within the College include hands-on experience through experiential learning, internships, and study abroad experiences. Within Arts and Sciences is the Visual, Media, and Performing Arts (VMPA) Department, home to the Graphic Design Program, which has BA and Minor pathways.
Consisting of 18 credit hours, the Graphic Design Minor is an interdisciplinary program that requires the following courses: Visual Fundamentals, Digital Photography, Drawing I, Graphic Design I-II, and Typography. The Graphic Design Program requires 21 credits in the Concentration. Course examples include Graphic Design Studio I-IV, Computer Multimedia, Introduction to Video and Film, Typography, Special Topics in Graphic Design, and Artist in Society. The Electronic Arts Internship is strongly recommended, but not required.
All Graphic Design BA students will complete the Senior Capstone in Graphic Design and a professional portfolio of their best work. Student works have won awards and been recognized by organizations such as AIGA, CMYK, Applied Art Magazines, Graphis, UCDA, National DSVC Student Show, and GDUSA.
Graduates of the Graphic Design Program at Rutgers University – Camden work in fields such as Advertising, Interactive Design, Packaging Design, Marketing, Print Design, Marketing, Public Relations, and Web Design.
Rutgers University Camden is part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Founded in 1766, Rutgers is the 8th oldest university in the U.S. New Jersey’s land-grant university, Rutgers has locations in all 21 New Jersey counties. Camden was founded in 1926 as South Jersey Law School and the College of South Jersey. SJLS & the CSJ merged with Rutgers University in 1950, and became Rutgers University Camden.
Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and serving approximately 6,075 students today, Rutgers University Camden offers nearly 70 degree programs across four colleges and schools.
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is home to the School of the Arts and Communication. Within the School is the Department of Design and Creative Technology. Launched in 2021, the Department houses a Visual Arts Major with interdisciplinary Specializations in Graphic Design, Fine Art, and Photography & Video. The Visual Arts Program leads to a BFA and a Graphic Design Minor is also available.
Students in the Department of Design and Creative Technology have access to internship opportunities with major companies and studios such as DreamWorks, Amazon, Nickelodeon, MTV Networks, and NFL Films. They also have opportunities to work in teams on projects such as multimedia platforms for a local farmer’s market, and interactive art installations in downtown Trenton, New Jersey. Other Department highlights include direct mentorship from faculty members, mock interviews, and resume review sessions.
The Visual Arts BFA Program at The College of New Jersey has two options within the Graphic Design Specialization: Print and Digital Media. Coursework across options explores image making, multimedia design, typography, graphic design history, and web design. Course examples for the program include 4D, Visual Thinking, Conceptual Image, User Interface/User Experience Design, Design Fundamentals, Web 1, History of Graphic Design, Identity, 3D Graphic Design, Advanced Typography, and Motion Graphics.
The culminating experience for the Visual Arts-Graphic Design Program is the three-course Capstone. Students will complete Theories & Practice in Graphic Design, Professional Practice in Graphic Design, and Senior Portfolio in Graphic Design.
Graduates of the Visual Arts-Graphic Design Program at TCNJ Students are prepared for careers in fields such as Advertising, Publishing, Packaging, Identity Systems, Web Design, Information Design, and Digital Design. Some program alumni are have launched their own startups and studios, while others have been hired at places such as NBCUniversal Media, Target, Nickelodeon, Johnson and Johnson, CBS, The Philadelphia Eagles, Arkadium, MakerBot, Etsy, and HUGE.
Some Visual Arts graduates go on to graduate school. They attend top design colleges and other schools a such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), New York University (NYU), School of Visual Arts (SVA), and Columbia University.
Established in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, The College of New Jersey serves approximately 7,400 students enrolled in more than 50 liberal arts and professional programs across seven schools including Arts & Communication; Business; Humanities & Social Sciences; Education; Science; Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science; and Engineering. The College of New Jersey is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The J. Robert and Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) houses the School of Art and Design. Within the School of Art and Design is a Digital Design Program with BA, MS, and MFA pathways. The BA requires 120 credits, the MS (MSDD) requires 30-45 credits, and the MFA (MFADD) requires 60-75 credits.
The Digital Design BA has two Tracks: Entertainment and Interactive Media/Production(IMP). The IMP Track is suitable for students seeking careers in Graphic Design. Course examples include Communication in Art and Design: Traditional Media, Digital Design Studio I-IV, Web/Exhibit Development, Digital Marketing, Information Design Techniques, Communication in Art and Design: Digital Media, Customer Insights, Color and Composition, Simulated Environments, Collaborative Design Studio, and History of Art and Design I-II.
The Design MS and MFA are low-residency programs that prepare students for advanced or leadership positions in Digital Design. The MFA is a terminal degree that also prepares students for teaching positions. The MS combines coursework from any three Graduate Certificates: UI/UX Design Essentials, Animation Essentials, or Game Design and Interactivity Essential, plus two graduate level Digital Design Studios. The MFADD combines coursework from any three Graduate Certificate programs UI/UX, Interactivity, Animation, and Game Design, along with four graduate level Design Studios.
Courses across programs are very similar and include Graphic Design and Color Theory, Environmental Design, Visual Storytelling and Storyboarding, User Interface/User Experience in Digital Design, Physical Computing for Designers – Interaction Design, and 3D Modeling and Composition. All students will compete a Final Studio Project and a professional portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Digital Design Programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology are Graphic Designers, Pre-Viz Artists, Compositors, Creative Directors, UI/UX Designers, Storyboard Artists, Web Designers, Layout Artists, and Motion Graphics Designers. NJIT alumni have been hired at places such as Amazon, NBC Universal Studios, Facebook, SUSPECT vfx+design, KWD – Kim Wendell Design LLC, Verizon, SWD Tech Games, UPS, Method Studios, ADP, Northop Grumman, ETS, High 5 Games, NTROPIC, Grafx Co., and Prudential.
Established in 1881 as Newark Technical School, New Jersey Institute of Technology is a public, polytechnic university that serves more than 11,500 students. More than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available across six specialized schools. The programs at New Jersey Institute of Technology are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), he Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Monmouth University is home to Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Within the School is the Department of Art and Design which houses a Design and Animation Program with both Minor and Concentration options in Graphic and Interactive Design. The 15 credit hour Minor consists of courses such as Graphic Design Studio I-II, Typography, Motion Graphics for Non BFA Majors, Digital Illustration, and Web Design/Interactive I for Non-BFA Candidates.
The Design and Animation with a Graphic and Interactive Design Concentration is a professional BFA Program that explores topics such as Branding, Print Graphics, UI/UX, Web Design, and Motion Graphics. The Program also allow students to select advanced-level courses in areas such as Creative Book Arts, Interactive Deign, Explorative Typography, Digital Imaging, Photography, and Animation.
Course examples include Graphic Design Studio I-III, 3D Modeling, Lighting and Rendering, Creative Book Arts, Web Design/Interactive Design I-II, Digital Imaging, Animation/Motion Graphics, Global Understanding, Print: Intaglio/Relief, Historical Perspectives, Typography, and Advanced Digital Imaging and Illustration.
During the final year of the BFA Program at Monmouth University, students will complete a hands-on internship, the Senior Year Experience: Client/Thesis course, and the Senior Year Experience: Thesis/Portfolio course. All BFA students will participate in the Senior Show.
Graduates of the Monmouth University BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design are prepared for career paths such as Book Designer, Editorial Designer, Graphic Designer (UI/UX, Motion, Print, Web), Illustrator, Interactive Media Designer, Trade Show or Exhibition Designer, Architectural Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Product Designer, Packaging Designer, Corporate Production Artist, Communications Designer, Marketing Manager, Interaction Designer, Signage and Information Graphics Designer, Production Artist, Layout Designer, and Web Designer.
Department of Art and Design alumni have worked or interned for employers such as Apple, Nickelodeon, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bayer HealthCare, IKEA, the NFL, and MasterCard.
Monmouth University was established in 1933 as Monmouth Junior College. Today, the school provides 33 bachelor’s, 23 master’s, and three doctoral programs to 5,675 students. Programs at Monmouth are housed in the Schools of Education, Science, and Social Work; Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences; Leon Hess Business School; Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies; the Honors School; and Graduate Studies. Monmouth University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design at Kean University is home to Robert Busch School of Design, which has a Graphic Design (GD) Program with two options—the GD BFA and second GD BFA in Interactive Advertising (GD: IA). Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Kean University Graphic Design Programs provide opportunities to work with local and regional clients through the Design Studio Practicum.
Other program benefits include internships and collaborations with nonprofit and public partners; study abroad experiences at Kean University, China; the Lecture Series; access to state-of-the-art studios, labs, and production facilities; and the opportunity to work part-time in the faculty-led studio K-Labs.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, both programs include up to 51 hours of focused Graphic Design and Interactive Advertising coursework. Advanced coursework focuses on emerging technologies, branding, sound, video, motion graphics, and interactivity. Students will also explore design in relation to immersive experiences, the web, motion graphics, user experience (UX), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and social media.
Course examples across pathways include Branding Strategy & Design, Computers in Graphic Design, Advertising I-II, Identity and Information Design, include Typography I-II, Web and Interactive Design, Promotional Design, Motion Graphic Design, Concept to Print, Visual Techniques, Design for Advertising, and Copywriting. Students graduate from the Kean Graphic Design Program with a professional portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Graphic Design Program at Kean University are Graphic Designers, Brand Designers, Senior Graphic Designers, Social Media Strategist/Designers, Art Directors, Mobile Designers, Design Directors, Web Designers, and UX UI Designers at companies and organizations such as Saatchi & Saatchi, Disney, Google, Ogilvy, West Elm, Prudential, Major League Baseball, and GLOW.
Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean University was the first public post-secondary institution in New Jersey. The school serves more than 16,000 students enrolled in 130+ academic programs, including six doctoral programs, in a variety of disciplines. Programs at Kean University are housed across more than 25 colleges, schools, and departments. Kean University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) houses Maxwell Becton College of the Arts and Sciences, home to the School of the Arts. Within the School are two paths to study Graphic Design, including a BA and a Minor. The 15 credit hour Graphic Design Minor (previously Computer Graphics) provides a foundation in Visual Communication. Students in this program will take Visual Principles in Design, Illustrator Graphics and Design, Print Layout, Creative Imagery with Photoshop, and Web Design.
The Graphic Design BA at Fairleigh Dickinson University has in-demand three concentrations including Print Design, Illustration, and Web Design. Students can take one or more concentrations, and all options provide the opportunity to enhance the focus area through electives. Examples include Literary Publishing, Editorial Design, Children’s Book Publishing, Sell Your Design Online, The Digital Children’s Book, Interactive Publishing, Mobile App Design, Fashion Illustration, Cartooning, Mobile Web Design, and Social Media Marketing Design.
Other program features include hands-on projects and internships; intensive studios that cover industry computer software such as Adobe Creative Cloud; opportunities to work for real clients through FDU Design Studio; and the chance to showcase student work through a exhibits, contests, and social media outlets.
In the final year of the Graphic Design BA at Fairleigh Dickinson University, students will complete Professional Practices, Portfolio Preparation, and a Thesis. Graduates will enter the job market with a polished portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the FDU Graphic Design BFA Program are prepared to pursue positions at design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, newspapers and magazines, packaging companies, comic book producers, marketing firms, web design studios, in-house design departments, museums, and television, film, animation, and game development studios.
Established in 1942, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) was the first American university to own and operate an overseas campus (Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, UK) and the first comprehensive university in the world to require distance learning of its undergraduates. Serving more than 12,000 students, FDU is also the largest private university in New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University provides more than 100 degrees and disciplines across two New Jersey campuses (Madison and Teaneck), the UK campus, and a campus in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. FDU also has extension sites throughout New Jersey, along with partner institutions and study abroad opportunities around the world. Fairleigh Dickinson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The interdisciplinary School of Contemporary Arts (CA) at Ramapo College of New Jersey (Ramapo College) has five Majors leading to a BA including Communication Arts, Visual Arts, Contemporary Arts, Music, and Theater. The Communication Arts Major has Concentrations in Visual Communication Design (graphic, print, digital publishing and web design, interactive animation, motion graphics); Digital Filmmaking; Global Communication and Media; and Journalism and Writing.
The School of CA Programs at Ramapo College of New Jersey provide opportunities to participate in visual arts productions and exhibitions; study abroad experiences; access to state-of-the-art editing and multimedia labs, production equipment, and the latest industry software; and Internship and Cooperative Learning opportunities. CM students have interned at places such as Fox News, Wiley Publishing, Viacom, Kenneth Cole, Dressbarn, Prestige BMW, New Jersey Devils/Prudential, the Diabetes Foundation, and At the Movies.
Course examples for Visual Communication Design Concentration include Foundations of Visual Communication Design, Idea Development, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics and Title Design, Media Issues and Ethics, Packaging Design, Typography, User Experience Design, Interactive Design, Web Design, Creative Advertising and Public Relations, Visual Identity Design, Publication Design, Media and Popular Culture, and Global Communications Campaigns.
Graduates of the VCD Programs at Ramapo College of New Jersey are prepared to pursue careers in fields such as Advertising Design, Print Design, UX/UI Design, Public Relations, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Package Design, Marketing, Book Publishing, and Motion Graphics.
Established in 1969, Ramapo College serves approximately 6,110 students enrolled in more than 40 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and graduate programs across five schools. In 2020, Ramapo welcomed students to its first doctoral program—the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Ramapo College of New Jersey is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The College of the Arts at Montclair State University (Montclair State) is home to the Department of Art and Design, which houses the Visual Communication Design (VCD) Program. Consisting of 120 credit hours, this four-year, BFA Program features small class sizes, focused studio work, and the opportunity to develop skills in additional areas of design through a variety of major courses and free electives.
Course examples for the program include See What I Mean: A History of Visual Communication Design, Design Visualization I; Concept Sketching, Digital Literacy, Visual Culture, Typography I-II, Motion Design, Visual Communication Design Studio I-III, Textiles, Advanced Innovation Design and Lean Fabrication, Innovation and 3D Printing, Creative Coding, and User Interface Design.
The Visual Communication Design Program at Montclair State University culminates with two Visual Communication Design Studio Courses including Visual Communication Design Studio IV: Thesis and Visual Communication Design Studio V: Portfolio/Thesis Exhibition. This culminating experience consists of case studies, studio projects, installing a thesis exhibition, and developing a professional portfolio. Students will also write and design résumés and cover letters, and establish a significant web presence to attract employers. Students will present their portfolios to faculty and design professionals for evaluation at midterm and the end of the semester.
Graduates of the Visual Communication Design Program at Montclair State University are prepared for careers in Graphic Design, User Interface Design, Advertising Design, Package Design, Art Direction, Book Cover Design, Publishing, Corporate Branding, Logo and Identity Design, Exhibition Design, Television Graphics, Public Relations, Type Design, Product Graphics, Magazine and Page Layout Design, Corporate Creative Services, Information Design, Interactive Design for Websites, and Teaching.
Montclair State University alumni have been hired at places such as Simon & Schuster, L’Oreal, Ogilvy, MSNBC, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Instagram, Saatchi & Saatchi, CBS Local, MLB Network, Dressbarn, Fanbrandz, VSA Partners, UP Design, and CDGNYC.
Some program alumni are Educators and teach at schools such as The Cooper Union, City College of New York (CUNY), and School of Visual Arts.
Montclair State University was founded in 1908 as New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair. Today, Montclair state serves approximately 21,785 students across locations in the New Jersey communities of Montclair, Little Falls, and Clifton. More than 300 majors, minors, concentrations, and certificate programs are offered across 10 academic colleges and schools. Montclair State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The College of Communication and The Arts at Seton Hall University (SHU) has a 97% employment rate and a 100% graduate school acceptance rate. Serving 385 students, the College houses an Art, Design and Interactive Multimedia BA Program with a Graphic Design and Advertising Track. The Track consists of 51 credit hours, and it can also be taken as an 18 credit hour Minor. This shorter program consists of 15 credit hours of required courses and a three-credit elective. Course examples include Graphic Design and Advertising Art I-II, Typography, and Digital Art and Design.
The Graphic Design and Advertising Track at SHU consists of courses such as 3D Packaging & Exhibition Design, Typography I-II, 2D Design and Color, Web Design, Digital Art and Design, and History of Graphic Design. Elective examples include Video Animation & Motion Graphics, Designing for Web and Mobile, Digital Drawing, 3D Computer Graphics, and Digital Photography.
A major component of the Art, Design and Interactive Multimedia Program at Seton Hall University is the internship. As of March 2023, more than 180 Seton Hall students were completing internships at over 100 major companies and studios. Examples include Marvel Comics, Warner Bros. Pictures, Mercedes Benz, Lifetime, CBS News, Lincoln Center, Conde Nast Publications, Johnson and Johnson, Comedy Central, Carnegie Hall, The New Victory Theater, Satellite Advertising, Brant Publications, LexisNexis, St. Jacques Advertising, Life Services Network Marketing, Essence Designs, Nylon Magazine, and Buffalo Communications.
Other program features include access to state-of-the-art equipment, studios and labs; the study abroad program; and participation in a variety of student organizations.
The Art, Design and Interactive Multimedia Program at Seton Hall University culminates with the annual Walsh Library Gallery Art and Design Exhibition and/or the Art, Design and Interactive Media Portfolio Review.
Graduates are prepared to pursue positions such as Graphic Designer, Brand Identity Designer, Photo Editing Artist, Logo Designer, Advertising Designer, User Interface (UI) Designer, Packaging Designer, Creative Director, Layout Artist, User Experience (UX) Designer, Exhibit Designer, Book Designer, and Publications Designer.
Seton Hall University was founded as Seton Hall College in 1856 by Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley. This private, Catholic research university serves approximately 9,625 students enrolled in 90+ Majors and Programs across nine colleges and schools. Seton Hall University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The School of Arts and Humanities at Stockton University (Stockton) has a Visual Arts BFA Program with a Visual Communications-VCOM (Graphic Design) Concentration. The Program explores areas such as computer graphics, typography, illustration, and photography. Course examples include Form, Color and Content, Package Design, 3D Computer Modeling, Image and Typography, Graphic Design I-II, Photoshop, Exploring Animation, Design for Word Press, Art History, Printmaking, and Interactive Media Design.
In the final year of the Visual Arts BFA-VCOM Program at Stockton University, students will complete the two-semester Capstone (Senior Project in Visual Communication I and II) courses. The BFA culminates with the Senior Project Thesis Exhibition in the Stockton Art Gallery.
Graduates of the Visual Communication Program have gone on to establish careers in fields such as Advertising and Marketing, Corporate Design, Branding, Packaging, Exhibit Design, Publishing, and Multimedia Design. Some alumni have launched their own studios and freelance businesses, while others have been accepted into top-ranked graduate programs.
Founded in 1969, Stockton University held its first classes in 1971. This public university serves 9,080 students enrolled in more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programs across seven schools. Stockton University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
