| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin |
| 2 | University of North Texas | Denton |
| 3 | Texas State University | San Marcos |
| 4 | University of Houston | Houston |
| 5 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock |
| 6 | Texas A&M University | College Station |
| 7 | Baylor University | Waco |
| 8 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth |
| 9 | University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington |
| 10 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville |
Our 2024 ranking of the top 10 graphic design school programs in Texas. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
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 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).
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).
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).
Baylor University (Baylor) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences. Within the college are 25 academic departments and eight academic centers and institutes, making it Baylor’s largest academic division. Established in 1919, the College of Arts and Sciences is also one of the school’s oldest units. The Department of Art and Art History here houses the Studio Art BA and BFA programs. Both allow students to focus in Graphic Design.
Program features include smart classrooms; access to computer labs for graphic design and photography; state-of-the-art drawing, painting, and printmaking studios; and darkrooms. Course examples for the program include Typography; Digital Media for Graphic Design; Identity Design; Illustration; Package Design; Conceptual Development; Studio Topics in Graphic Design; Publication Design; and Web Design.
All Studio Art students will complete the Internship in Studio Art and Portfolio Preparation courses. In addition to developing a portfolio of the students best work, the Portfolio Preparation course covers interviewing, presentation skills, and job search strategies.
Graduates of the Studio Art/Graphic Design programs at Baylor University work for advertising agencies, publishing companies, web design studios, newspapers and magazines, publishing firms, design studios, public relations firms, museums, and marketing firms. Some program alumni have launched their own design studios and advertising agencies, while others have gone on to teach or pursue graduate study.
Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, Baylor University is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Serving approximately to 20,825 students, Baylor provides more than 250 degree programs across 12 academic divisions. Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school also earned the designation as a doctoral institution with “very high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education on December 16, 2021.
The College of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University (TCU or Texas Christian) is home to the Department of Design, which houses the Graphic Design program. Leading to a BFA, the program requires all students to complete the TCU Design Internship during the third year of study. This requirement gives students the chance to work at advertising agencies and design studios in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, across the U.S., and abroad.
TCU Design students have completed internships in places such as London, New York, Peru, Chicago, Panama, Miami, Taiwan, and Los Angeles. Many design students receive offers to remain with the studio or agency part-time during their senior year, while others have been recruited for full-time positions after graduation.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA program at Texas Christian University explores advertising, typography, corporate identity, packaging, web and interactive media, publications, and branding. Students will complete a total of 51 credit hours in Graphic Design. Course examples include Computer Applications I-II; Typography; Publication Design; Corporate Identity; Experience Design; Packaging; Creative Practice; Advertising Design; Illustration; 3D Design Principles; Survey of Art History; Design Entrepreneurship; Visiting Designers; and Business of Design.
The TCU Graphic Design program culminates with the capstone classes: Portfolio and Marketing, and Senior Thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries.
For the past four years, program alumni have enjoyed a near 100% job placement rate. Graduates have gone on to become Graphic Designers, Art Directors and Brand Managers at advertising agencies, design studios, and in-house design departments in places such as New York, London, Los Angeles, Peru, Miami, Germany, San Francisco, Guatemala, Chicago, Panama, Seattle, and Nicaragua.
Examples of companies that have hired TCU Graphic Design graduates include Pace Communications, Warren Douglas Advertising, Loyalkaspar (LK), Deep Focus, Pentagram, and Twilio.
Established in 1873 as one of the Southwest’s earliest co-educational universities, Texas Christian University serves approximately 12,275 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 10 colleges and schools. With more than 60 faith traditions represented, TCU students come from 50 states and 76 nations. Texas Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The College of Liberal Arts (CoLA) at University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) houses the Art and Art History Department (AAHD). Programs in the department are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). With in the AAHD is a Visual Communication Design (VCD) concentration that serves more than 300 students, making it the largest program in the department. In addition, since 2001, VCD students have won over 130 state, regional, and national awards.
Degree programs in the Art and Art History Department include the BA, BFA, and MFA. Students in all programs have access to advanced digital studios and printing labs; the Corrugated Prototype Design and CAD Production Lab; the Studio Createc Gaming Studio; and over 40 Mac Computers. All VCD studios are equipped with Adobe Suite and other industry-standard programs.
Undergraduate students will take courses such as Electronic Design/Web Typography; Advertising Design; Visual Identity Systems; Sustainable Design; Emerging Technology Studio; Publication Design; Packaging and 3D CAD; Mobile App Design; Interactive Design/Information Visualization; Advanced Typography; and Illustration. All undergraduate VCD students will complete a Portfolio and Presentation to graduate.
The MFA program at University of Texas at Arlington consists of 60 credit hours, with 39 in Visual Communication Design. Course examples include Creative Strategies; Research in Visual Communication; and Topics in the History of Art and Design. The VCD MFA culminates with a thesis project and exhibition. Across programs, graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries.
Program alumni have been hired by top design agencies and studios in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and across the U.S. Job titles include Graphic Designer, Animator, Exhibit Designer, Illustrator, Book Designer, Printmaker, App Designer, Art Director, Exhibition Designer, Web Designer, Brand Manager, and Packaging Designer.
Founded in 1895 as a private liberal arts college, University of Texas at Arlington is a Carnegie Research 1 institution that serves approximately 45,950 students. The largest university in North Texas and the second largest in the University of Texas System, UTA provides more than 180 degree programs across nine colleges. University of Texas at Arlington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The College of Arts and Media at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department is a competitive Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA) program that begins with the Art program. Before continuing into the GD BFA, Art students must successfully complete the Workshop in Art Studio and History (W.A.S.H), and pass a BFA portfolio review in the sophomore year.
The SHSU Department of Art also provides an 18 credit hour Graphic Design minor for students in other majors. Course examples for the minor include Foundations in Digital Art; Principles of Graphic Design; and Typography. For the remaining courses, students will choose from options such as Interactive Design; Corporate Identity Design; Graphic Design in Context; Web Site Development; Advanced Typographic Design; and Design History.
Upon completion of the Graphic Design minor, students will have a general understanding of the language of graphic design, typography, and concept development. Students will also have working knowledge of image and color, and industry-standard software.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Sam Houston State University allows students to add a complementary minor and/or teaching certification. Popular minor options include Two-Dimensional Art, Film Studies, Technical and Professional Writing, Photography, and Three-Dimensional Studio Art.
All students in the 120 credit hour BFA program will explore areas such as visual organization, ideation, production tools, typography, and technology. Course examples for the program include Drawing I-II; Photographic Concepts; Packaging Design; Motion Graphics; Advanced Interactive Design; Corporate Identity Design; Illustration; Typography; Graphic Design Production; and Design History.
Throughout the Graphic Design BFA Program, students will participate in workshops and portfolio critiques led by professional designers. Students will also have opportunities to complete a professional internship.
The SHSU Graphic Design BFA culminates with the Senior Studio in Graphic Design, which leads to a final project to be presented at the Graphic Design Senior Show. This event takes place at the University Art Gallery.
Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Sam Houston State University are prepared to pursue positions in areas in industries such as advertising, book publishing, television and film, marketing, newspaper and magazine publishing, public relations, social media, and web design studios.
Founded in 1879 as the Sam Houston Normal Institute, Sam Houston State University serves approximately 19,375 students enrolled in more than 170 fields of study, including the nation’s first PhD in Forensic Science. Programs at SHSU are housed across eight colleges and schools, three campuses, and the Online Division. Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
