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What are the top California graphic design school programs for 2024?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ArtCenter College of Design | Pasadena |
| 2 | California Institute of the Arts | Valencia |
| 3 | California College of the Arts | San Francisco |
| 4 | University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| 5 | Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles |
| 6 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles |
| 7 | San Diego State University | San Diego |
| 8 | San Jose State University | San Jose |
| 9 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco |
| 10 | California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton |
| 11 | California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo |
| 12 | San Francisco State University | San Francisco |
| 13 | Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach |
| 14 | California State University, Los Angeles | Los Angeles |
| 15 | Chapman University | Orange |
| 16 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach |
| 17 | Loyola Marymount University | Los Angeles |
| 18 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco |
| 19 | California State University, Northridge | Northridge |
| 20 | California State Polytechnic University, Pomona | Pomona |
Our 2024 ranking of the top 20 graphic design school programs in California. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, California
ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses a social innovation department known as Designmatters. Through this department, the school became the first design institution to be formally affiliated with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization (NGO). ArtCenter also houses the Graphic Design Department, which provides opportunities to study abroad in Berlin at the school’s satellite studio—ArtCenter Berlin. Organized like a creative agency, the studio features department led initiatives and transdisciplinary projects; sponsored studios and collaborations; and industry partnerships.
Within the department are two programs: the BFA in Graphic Design (Gx) and the MFA (MGx). Minors in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Product Design are also available through the Designmatters program, which combines immersive, real-world studios with humanities, sciences, and studio courses.
ArtCenter Gx BFA requires 132 units. The program explores both traditional and emerging media such as books, coding, press kits, apps, 3D motion graphics, packaging, and film, books. The curriculum is hands-on with courses taught by professors with expertise in visual interaction, print, transmedia design, motion, and packaging. Course examples for the program include Narrative Imaging; Communication Design 4: Identity Systems; Transdisciplinary Studio; Communication Design 5: Transmedia; Motion Design; Intro to Transmedia 1; Graphic Design History 1-2; Package Design 1: Design Principles; Visual Interaction Design 1: Intro to UI; Information Design; and Business and Professional Practice.
Throughout the program, ArtCenter Gx BFA students will complete projects in state-of-the-art facilities such as Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography and Archetype Press. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with subject experts, work on real-world digital campaigns, and create and distribute materials for ArtCenter partners such as Nike, Cedars-Sinai Research Centers, Adobe, and Homeboy Industries. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own entrepreneurial branding.
During the final term of the ArtCenter Gx BFA, students will complete the Portfolio and Career Preparation course.
The ArtCenter College of Design MGx program has both two-year and three-year options. The two-year option consists of 75 units completed across four full terms, plus one ArtCenter Lite (ACL) summer term. During the ACL, students will have the option to complete a design internship, studio independent study, or Testlab Berlin. Options are worth six credits each. All two-year students will also complete the Graduate Forum course, worth three credits.
Consisting of 86 units, the three-year MGx option is for students who need to develop additional design skills in order to be successful in the graduate program. This option consists of two additional terms. Upon successful completion of both terms, students may be admitted to the traditional graduate track.
Course examples across options include Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 1.0; Graduate Project Writing; Design Research/Strategy; Graduate Visual Interaction Design; Graduate Typography 3; Grad Studio Materials Lab; and Professional Leadership. MGx students will complete a Portfolio Lab, and a thesis project to graduate.
Students in all ArtCenter College of Design programs have the opportunity to intern, network, and interview with major companies and studios such as Amazon, Walt Disney Imagineering, Nike, Google, Blizzard Entertainment, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Ford, Riot Games, Mattel, Warner Bros., BMW, DreamWorks, Meta, Netflix, Honda, and Chronicle Books.
ArtCenter Graphic Des alumni go on to establish careers in areas such as branding and corporate identity, visual interaction design, broadcast graphics, transmedia design, information architecture, printing and poster design, web design and development, app design, motion graphics, film title design, production management, package design, art direction, publication design, environmental graphic design, and exhibition design.
Many ArtCenter College of Design graduates have been hired at places such as Google, Meta, and IDEO. Some program alumni have also been hired to work with Local Projects—an exhibition and media design firm for public spaces and museums.
ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,385 students from more than 50 countries. Founded in 1930, the school has campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, along with satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles) and Berlin, Germany. ArtCenter provides 11 undergraduate programs; 10 graduate degree programs leading to an MFA or MS; a joint MS/MBA program; and undergraduate minors for Business, Creative Writing, and Social Innovation students.
ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
2. California Institute of the Arts, Valencia, California
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is home to the School of Art. Within the school is a Graphic Design program that focuses on small critique-based courses that encourage collaboration, discussions, and debates. Led by industry professionals with years of experience, courses and projects take place in residence in communal studios with 24-hour access. Students also have unlimited access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs; the opportunity to work with faculty mentors throughout the program; study abroad opportunities; and the option to complete an internship with a major design firm or studio.
The Graphic Design program at CalArts provides two degree options: the BFA or MFA. The BFA curriculum explores all areas of graphic design through a combination of core courses, required courses, and electives. Courses are delivered as lectures, studios, labs, and technical workshops. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV (Lecture); Skills for Visualization; Graphic Design I-IV (Studio); Intro to VR Workshop; Typography I-III; Digital Design LAB I-II; and Professional Practice for Graphic Design.
To enhance the degree, BFA students may add the Digital Arts minor, which consists of 18 units of study. Students in the minor may explore areas digital bookmaking/InDesign; programming; CG art and animation; mapping techniques; advanced web design; filmmaking; and sound design.
In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at California Institute of the Arts, students will complete Professional Practice for Graphic Design, a final project, and a professional portfolio.
The Graphic Design MFA at CalArts has an Integrated Media (IM) concentration, which combines IM critiques and seminars with specialized coursework and elective courses across the Institute. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design Theory; Visual Literacy; and Typographics IA-IB. MFA students will also participate in two MFA Graphic Design Practicum workshops; Graduate Seminar I-II (Lecture); and Graduate Seminar I-II (Studio).
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at CalArts are prepared to pursue positions at design studios, advertising agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, government agencies, museums, and in-house design departments across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter), Walt Disney Imagineering, Whitney Museum of Art, Meta, North Carolina State University College of Design, Evernote, M+ Works, Kookmin University (Seoul South Korea), Museum of Arts and Design, SMOG Design, and California College of the Arts (CCA).
Walt and Roy Disney formed California Institute of the Arts in 1961 through a merger of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Chouinard Art Institute. Today, CalArts serves 1,440 students enrolled in more than 70 degree programs across six schools. California Institute of the Arts also houses the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT), located in downtown LA, and the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) with community organizations and public schools across LA County.
California Institute of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
3. California College of the Arts, San Francisco, California
California College of the Arts (CCA) has two paths to study graphic design—the BFA and MFA. The Graphic Design BFA is a STEM-designated program that features dedicated studio space for students; a Prototyping Studio and Hybrid Lab, where students can explore virtual reality and other emerging technologies; and the Book Arts and Letterpress Studio, which houses bookbinding equipment and lithography presses.
Leading to a BFA, the CCA Graphic Design program begins with the First Year Experience, where students have the opportunity to explore a variety of techniques, tools, and materials; participate in studio projects; and engage in critiques. Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Graphic Design 1-3; Advanced Interactive; Typography 1-3; Graphic Design Tools; 2D, 3D, and 4D; Media History 2: Current Issues in Design; Writing 1-2; and Professional Practice Workshop.
In the final years of the CCA Graphic Design program, students will have the opportunity to intern for technology companies, design studios, and cultural institutions in the Bay Area and beyond. The program culminates with a thesis project that will be presented to faculty and peers.
Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Packaging Designer, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer, Product Designer, Book Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Type Designer, Identity Designer, Editorial Designer, and Web Designer. Program alumni have landed positions at places such as Google, IDEO, MacFadden & Thorpe, Atlassian, California Academy of Sciences, Frog Design, Wolff Olins, Snap Inc., and Bonfire Labs.
The Design MFA at California College of the Arts is a terminal degree program that requires 90 units of study. Students in this program benefit from 24/7 access to the Hybrid Lab and Rapid Prototyping Studio; a lecture series that explores all disciplines; access to an extensive Materials Library; a yearly retreat at Headlands Center for the Arts; intensive workshops with visiting designers; and exhibitions for studio and end-of-year work.
The program also has three concentrations—Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Industrial Design—and two options including the two-year program and three-year program. The two-year option is designed for students with experience in one or more areas of design. The three-year option is for students with an undergraduate degree in an unrelated area. The first year of the three-year program allows students to develop design skills in preparation for the traditional two-year curriculum.
The CCA Design MFA provides a variety of course options including Design in Context Seminar; Digital Electronics; The Studio 2: IxD; Contemporary Design; Mechatronics; Hybrid Business Models; Interactive Media; Typography; and Professional Practice. The program culminates with the thesis project and exhibition.
Graduates of the Design MFA program at California College of the Arts are prepared to pursue leadership roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Project Manager, Art Director, Senior Product Designer, Managing UI/UX Designer, Research and Development Technologist, Managing Curator, Entrepreneur, and Educator.
CCA MFA alumni have worked with or been hired at places such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Apple, The New York Times, Google, IDEO, Headlands Center for the Arts, Adobe, and Meta. Graduates have also launched their own design firms and companies. Examples include BackerKit, Sensoree, and Gold Collective.
California College of the Arts was established in 1907 as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts. When it opened, CCA had just three teachers and 43 students when it opened. Today, the school employs 420 faculty members that serve approximately 1,500 students enrolled in nearly 40 degree programs and minors. California College of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
4. University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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).
5. Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, California
Otis College of Art and Design (Otis College or Otis) provides several paths to study Graphic Design: the BFA, MFA, and a certificate. The 14-course Graphic Design certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in graphic design and it can be completed in 1-2 years. Course examples include Design for Branding and Marketing; Advanced Graphic Design; Typography I-II; Advertising Concept and Design; Digital Design Tools: Print; Digital Drawing: Illustrator; 2D Design; and Digital Design Tools: Graphics.
The Graphic Design BFA at Otis College emphasizes craft, presentation skills, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary studies. Students will explore design areas such as package design, branding and logo development, web design, interactive design, book design, poster design, and app design.
Through required coursework, BFA students will also explore UX/UI design, typography, printmaking, motion design, storyboarding, traditional letterpress, and type design. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV; Visual Culture; Typography I-IV; Thought Lab; Graphic Design/Illustration History; Creative Action Junior Studio; Systems and Identity; Visual Language; and Entrepreneurship 101.
Otis BFA students will have opportunities to develop skills in additional areas of design through electives such as Making with AI Generators; Editorial Illustration; Propaganda; and Web Coding Fundamentals.
During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program, students will complete a semester-long project. The schedule includes weekly lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and coursework that focuses on technical and critical approaches to design.
The Graphic Design MFA program at Otis College of Art and Design features an accelerated curriculum spanning four consecutive semesters completed over 14 months. The program, which typically begins in the summer semester, consists of studio projects, workshops led by visiting artists and designers, round table discussions, and courses in history and design theory. Course examples for the program include Contemporary Graphic Design Issues, Models of Practice, Seminar Studio I-IV, and Entrepreneurship.
Graduates of the Graphic Design degree programs at Otis College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as advertising, publishing, branding, environmental graphics, entertainment, packaging, emerging technologies, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), and interactive design.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Conde Nast Publications, Young & Rubicam, Disney Consumer Products, Amazon, GUESS, Google, the WB Network, Apple, Capitol Records, Metro, Hallmark, Anthropologie, Ogilvy Worldwide, Museum of Art (LACMA), Deutsch Inc., Southern California Institute of Architecture (SciArc), Los Angeles County, Gehry Partners, and Interscope Records.
Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is Los Angeles’ first professional school of the arts. This private, non-profit college serves more than 1,200 students enrolled in 11 BFA and MFA degree programs in the Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Public Practice, and Writing. A variety of minors and certificate programs are also available. Programs and courses at OTIS are led by more than 430 professors—all active professionals in their respective fields.
Otis College of Art and Design is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). OTIS is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the Partnership for Academic Leadership on Sustainability (PALS).
6. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
First organized in 1883, and founded in 1895, the Gayle Garner Roski School of Art and Design at University of Southern California (USC) is one of Southern California’s oldest art and design schools. School highlights include an experimental and collaborative approach to learning; hands-on studio courses; coveted internships at places such as DreamWorks, Lego, National Geographic, and MTV; skills-based workshops in 2D and 3D design media; seminars; and international design study tours in places such as London, South Africa, Italy, and Australia.
Within the USC Roski School of Design are several paths to study graphic design including BFA and MFA degrees in Design; an interdisciplinary Communication Design minor; and BFA/MFA Design progressive degree designed for exceptional students in the junior year of the Design BFA program. The dual degree program can be completed in less time than taking the BFA and MFA programs separately. The BFA/MFA also allows students to skip the formal graduate application.
The Design BFA is an intensive program that requires 128-units over four years. This pre-professional degree also requires a minor such as Advertising, Multimedia Experiences, Digital Experiences, Business, Communication, Marketing, Designing Products, or Entrepreneurship. Students may also choose 26 units of electives to customize a specialization in practically any area of design or other related discipline. Selections may be from the Roski School or other schools across USC, Los Angeles.
Course examples for the Design BFA program include 3D Design: Materials and Tools; Publication Design; Advanced Design Projects; Art and Design Studio I-II; Web Design; and Professional Practice in Design. A professional internship in the arts is a required component of the program, as well as the Senior Thesis completed over two courses.
The Design MFA at University of Southern California is a studio-based program that requires a minimum of 56 units of study. This includes 26 elective units. Eighteen elective units must be from USC Roski School of Art and Design, and eight can be from any department or and school outside Roski.
Elective examples include Directed Research; Design Studio Co-Lab; Field Internship Experience; Design Pedagogy; and International Design Study Tour. Examples of required courses for the program include Contemporary Issues in Design; Design Theory; Individual Studies; Designers in Residence Forum; and Advancement (workshop).
The culminating experience for the USC Roski Design MFA program is the Master’s Thesis, completed across three courses totaling four units.
In addition to all USC Roski has to offer, Design MFA students benefit from partnerships with organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). The school also provides opportunities to participate in seminars, discussions, and events featuring leaders in the design industry.
The USC Roski Communication Design minor is a 24-unit program that explores digital imaging, visual literacy, communication, marketing, public relations, and business. Specific course examples for the program Design II-II; Typography; Consumer Behavior and Marketing; Graphic Design in Fashion; Advertising Media and Analysis; Ideas in Intermedia; and Histories of Art, Design and Visual Culture.
All students in the USC Roski Communication Design minor have the opportunity to participate in the New York Design and International Study Tours, or the Practicum in Marketing Communication and Promotion Design.
Graduates of the Roski School of Art and Design at University of Southern California have been hired at hundreds of major companies, studios, and organizations. Examples include Marvel Studios, L’Oreal, DreamWorks Animation, Vogue, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Conde Nast, Disney Interactive, Skechers, MTV Networks, J. Crew, Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Cisco, American Apparel, NBCUniversal, DirectTV, 20th Century Studios, Fandango, Mattel, American Express, Beats, PETA, Paramount Pictures, Macy’s, E! Entertainment, and Oliver Peoples.
University of Southern California opened in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, USC serves 47,000 students and employs approximately 4,770 full-time faculty. This makes University of Southern California the largest private sector employer in Los Angeles and the largest school by enrollment in the state of California.
Students at USC have access to more than 600 graduate and professional programs across 23 schools and divisions. University of Southern California is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
7. San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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).
8. San Jose State University, San Jose, California
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).
9. Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
Academy of Art University houses the School of Graphic Design, which has AA, BFA, MA, and MFA degree programs in Graphic Design. A 100% online certificate is also available. This program eliminates liberal arts coursework, allowing students to begin taking graphic design courses on day one. Graduates will leave the program with a portfolio of their best work.
Across all programs, students will take courses that explore communication design, print, typography, packaging, environmental design, branding, experience design, editorial design, motion graphics, innovation, and problem-solving. Students will work with all forms of media including digital, interactive, emerging, and traditional.
Course examples for the AA, BFA (and certificate) programs include Branding Principles; Introduction to Interactive Design; The Creative Process; Typography 1: Hierarchy and Form; Visual Systems; Design Technology: Digital Publishing Tools; Visual Storytelling: Editing Fundamentals for Short-Form Video Content; Package Design 1: 3D Thinking/Making; History of Graphic Design; Strategies for Branding; Strategies for Branding; Typography 2: Formalizing Structure; Social Media Content Development, Package Design 2: Executing 3D Design; Programming and Culture; and Designing Careers.
MA and MFS students will take courses, labs, and studios such as The Nature of Identity; Visual Communications Lab; Making Ideas Visible; User Experience Design; Type Forms; Visual Thinking; Integrated Communications - Message Synthesis; Making Ideas Visible; Digital Design Studio 1; Directed Study; and Professional Practices for Designers & Advertisers.
Graduates of the Graphic Design AA program will graduate with a portfolio of their best work. Program alumni may transition into the Academy of Art Graphic Design BFA program or apply for an entry-level position in the design industry.
Graphic Design BFA students will complete an internship and Senior Portfolio to graduate, while MA students will complete the 700-level MA Portfolio. MFA students will complete three Thesis courses, and Design Seminar/Portfolio to graduate.
Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Academy of Art University are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Graduate students are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries, teaching positions, and research positions.
Across programs, graduates have been recruited by major studios, companies, and organizations such as IDEO, Apple, Nike, R/GA, Google, The Clorox Company, and Square. Sample job titles include Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, Brand Manager, Product Designer, Art Director, User Experience Designer, and Creative Director.
Academy of Art University is a family-owned private university located in San Francisco—one of the world’s top cities for animation careers. Established in 1929 and serving more than 7,000 students, Academy of Art is one of the nation’s largest private art and design schools. Divided into 22 schools, Academy of Art University provides more than 125 programs across 40+ areas of study. Programs lead to the AA, BA, BFA, BS, B. Arch, MAT, MA, MFA and M. Arch degrees. Academy of Art University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
10. California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, California
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).
11. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, San Luis, Obispo California
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).
12. San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
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).
13. Laguna College of Art and Design, Laguna Beach, California
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) has a Graphic Design program with three options: the multidisciplinary Graphic Design + Digital Media (GD+DM) BFA; the Graphic Design BFA with an Illustration emphasis; and the Graphic Design BFA with an emphasis in Action Sport Design.
For students interested in a shorter program, Laguna College of Art and Design has a GD+DM minor that can be taken alone or with a related program. Other minor options include UI/UX and Motion Design.
Consisting of six entry-level courses, the GD+DM minor provides a foundation in graphic design, digital media, and related software applications. Courses include History of Graphic Design; Graphic Design 1; Fundamentals of Digital Imaging: Illustrator; Typography 1; and Fundamentals of Digital Imaging: Photoshop.
Students in all programs benefit from small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art studios and facilities; mentorships; hands-on design projects; internship opportunities; and industry partnerships with companies such as Pixar, SapientNitro, Taco Bell, Saatchi & Saatchi, Nike, Samsung, and Vans.
Taught by industry professionals, courses examples for the Graphic Design and Digital Media program include Experiential Design; Motion Graphics + VFX2; Digital Media Strategies; Color, Materials + Finishes; Graphic Design Honors Lab; Applied Design Lab; Prints + Patterns; and Professional Studies for Designers.
Illustration emphasis students will take courses such as Rendering; Package Design; Applied Design Lab; 3D Design for Motion 2; Graphic Design Honors Lab; 3D Design Zbrush; Color Illustration; and Digital Media Strategies. Students in the Action Sports emphasis will take courses such as Fundamentals of Graphic Design; Graphic Design 1-2; Action Sport Industry; Typography 1-3; Computer Imaging; and Motion Graphics + Visual Effects.
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Laguna College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have gone on to establish careers with leading companies such as Amazon, Wieden + Kennedy, Blizzard, Saatchi & Saatchi, Google, Disney Interactive, Nike, Pixar, Riot Games, Coca-Cola, Tesla, Cartoon Network, Adidas, Random House, Mattel, PayPal, MGM, Billabong, Sony, Warner Brothers, MSNBC, Sapient Nitro, Apple, Rivian, Vans, and Disney Imagineering.
Laguna College of Art and Design opened in 1961 as Laguna Beach School of Art (LBSA). The not-for-profit art and design school has a main campus in Laguna Beach, with educational affiliates in Florence (Academy of Arts in Florence, Italy); Los Angeles (Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art); and the Netherlands (Breda University of Applied Sciences).
Laguna College of Art and Design serves around 770 students enrolled in more than 20 degree programs and minors. LCAD is regionally and nationally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
14. California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
The College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) houses the Department of Art. Accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department provides BA, MA, and MFA programs in areas such as animation, studio arts, and design. A minor in art and a certificate in and Fashion, Fiber and Materials are also available.
All degree-seeking students in the Department of Art have the opportunity to present their work through weekly rotating exhibitions in the student-run COMA Gallery. Each semester, the Fine Arts Gallery of the Department of Art also hosts several events that allow students to present their work to professional artists and faculty.
MFA students present at the Graduate Thesis Exhibition and undergraduates present at the BA Capstone Show in the campus-based Ronald H. Silverman Fine Arts Gallery. Additional opportunities to present to the public are also available.
Other Department of Art benefits include access to state-of-the-art labs and studio spaces; internship opportunities with local and national host companies; and study abroad experiences in places such as Europe, China, and Italy.
For students seeking a career in graphic design, the Department of Art at Cal State LA has BA and MFA degrees in Art with a Graphic Design/Visual Communication Option, and an MA in Art with individualized and advanced study in Design.
The BA program requires 120 units, with 57 units in the major. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design; Typography; Video for Artists; Digital Image Processing and Illustration; Advertising Art Direction; Color and Digital Photography; Problems in Advanced Design; Art and Motion; Interactive Design; and Directed Field Work in Art.
The Art MA is a 30-unit program that consists of courses such as Graduate Problems in Design; Seminar: Visual Arts; and Graduate Animation. The Art MFA is a highly selective program that requires 60 units of study to graduate. Course examples include MA/MFA Practice in Studio Art; Perspectives on Visual Art, Aesthetics, and Culture; Research Methodologies in Art; Art History Seminar: Art of Changing Eras; Seminar: Visual Arts, and MFA Professional Field Work in Art.
Students in both graduate programs will complete the MA/MFA Project Development in Design.
Graduates of the Art/Graphic Design/Visual Communication programs at Cal State LA are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as print publishing, advertising, marketing, packaging, corporate branding, book design, exhibit design, web design, UI/UX design, public relations, and social media.
Department of Art alumni have been hired at places such as Young & Rubicam (Y&R), Sony Pictures Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Japan, Marvel Studios, DreamWorks, Prologue Films, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Graphic Ink, Consolidated Design West, Harding Marketing Communications, Dynamic Dezign, Catalina Communications, Strategic Materials, and Column Five Media.
Established in 1947, California State University, Los Angeles serves approximately 22,595 students enrolled in more than 150 degree, certificate, and minor programs. Part of the 23 campus, California State University System, Cal State LA is comprised of nine colleges and the University Library. California State University, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
15. Chapman University, Orange, California
Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Chapman University (Chapman) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department is a Graphic Design program with BFA and minor options. The 24 credit hour minor consists of courses such as Advanced Typography; Visualization – Perspective and Rendering; Graphic Design; Branding and Advertising Design; Illustration; Motion Design; and Graphic Design Portfolio.
Students in both programs benefit from participation in the Margo Pawell Design Symposium (est. 2013); performance assessments by design faculty and outside professionals at the annual OC Portfolio Design Club; the Department of Art Visual Thinker Lecture Series; two portfolio workshops; intensive training in Adobe Creative Suite, laser cutting, and 3D printing; and the opportunity to work on real-world projects for outside university clients.
All Graphic Design BFA and minor students will also have the opportunity complete 120 hours of field internships with places such as Quicksilver, Seventeen Magazine, Chase Design Group, Roxy, Clear Channel Radio, O’Neil, Filter Magazine, Volcom, and St. John. BFA may also participate in the Chapman Study Abroad Program. Students have studied in places such as London, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, and South Korea.
An additional component of the Graphic Design BFA program at Chapman University is the option to integrate additional coursework from other programs such as Advertising and Public Relations, Creative Industries, Business, Marketing, and Sociology. Otherwise, students will complete 66 credits in Graphic Design.
Course examples include Introduction to Lettering and Book Arts; History of Graphic Design; Interactive, Advanced UX and Web Design; AI Research Through Design; Objects and Space; Art and Text; Advanced Graphic Design; Advanced Typography; Branding and Advertising Design; 4D Design; Sustainability and More Than Human Design Research; Information Design; and Business Practices.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Chapman University culminates with a final project and portfolio of the student's best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Chapman alumni are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, DreamWorks Animation, NBCUniversal, Google, The Walt Disney Company, Apple, CVS, Johnson & Johnson, Amazon, Warner Brothers Discovery, Panasonic, Netflix, Blizzard Entertainment, Boeing, Paramount Pictures, and MGM Resorts.
Founded in 1861 as Hesperian College, Chapman University is a business, entertainment, and technology college that serves approximately 10,000 students from just 49 states, two territories, and 82 countries. The school provides around 200 programs across 11 schools and colleges. Chapman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).
16. California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, California
The School of Art (SoA) at California State University-Long Beach (CSULB or CSU Long Beach) serves nearly 2,000 students, making it the largest school on the CSULB campus. Part of the College of the Arts, the SoA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1970. Other SoA features include access to state-of-the-art production facilities, work studios, and seven configurable galleries; the guest artist series; an Art BFA with a Graphic Design Option; and internships at local and national companies.
In addition to internship opportunities, SoA Art: Graphic Design students may participate in summer study abroad workshops. Past experiences include the Letterpress Workshop in Berlin, Germany; Visit to UMPRUM Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague, Czech Republic; and Brand Design Workshop with HAW University in Hamburg, Germany.
The Art: Graphic Design BFA at CSU Long Beach requires 132 units of study, with more than 50 units in the major and related courses. Course examples include Artists in Their Own Words; Graphic Design Workshop; Writing About Visual Art; Advanced Studio: Graphic Design 5D; History of Graphic Design; Advanced Typography; Core Studio: Graphic Design – Packaging; Global Art Scenes; Core Studio: Graphic Design Exploration and Experimentation; and Media Design: Motion Graphics.
The Art: Graphic Design BFA at CSU Long Beach culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in advertising, publishing, packaging design, corporate design, public relations, user experience design, brand management, digital design (UX/UI), industrial design, web design, consulting, industrial design, exhibit design, and consulting.
California State University, Long Beach was established in 1949 as Los Angeles-Orange County State College. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University System, CSULB serves approximately 39,970 students enrolled in over 300 programs across eight colleges. California State University, Long Beach is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
17. Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California
Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is home to the College of Communications & Fine Arts (CFA), which houses a Studio Arts program. Based on LMU’s Burns Fine Arts Center, this specialized BFA degree has seven concentrations including Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design); Painting; Art Education; Drawing; Multimedia Arts; Photography; and 3D Studies.
Students in all LMU CFA concentrations will work and learn in Burns’ 96,000 sq. ft. mixed-use facility including studios, lecture halls, lab spaces, and two art galleries—Laband Art Gallery and the Thomas P. Kelly Student Art Gallery. LMU’s Foley Building houses additional state-of-the-art computer and teaching labs for Multimedia Arts and Visual Communication Design students.
The LMU Studio Arts BFA with a concentration in Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) is an intensive four-year degree explores areas such as image making, typography, and visual storytelling. Students will begin the program with Foundations I-III and the Freshman Workshop in Studio Arts. Students will then move on to lower division requirements such as Typography I; Design Literacy: Two-Dimensional Design; Social Design; and Portfolio Workshop in Studio Art 2. Students will also select one art history elective such as Modernism or Foundations of Western Art.
Once lower division requirements have been completed, the BFA program progresses to upper division requirements including 46 semester hours of upper division courses; 38 semester hours of studio arts; and eight semester hours of art history. Course examples include Typography II; Design Concept to Form; Visual Communication Design I-II; Experimental Typography; Design Praxis; World Typography; History of Design; and Design Entrepreneurship.
The Studio Arts BFA program at Loyola Marymount University culminates with the Senior Design Thesis course and exhibit. In 2023, the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts hosted SHIFT. The event consisted of exhibitions designed and assembled by graduating seniors in the Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) program.
Program alumni are prepared to pursue design roles across industries, teach studio art, or pursue a graduate degree. Possible job titles include Graphic Designer, Multimedia Artist, Package Designer, Museum Publication Director, Advertising Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UX/UI Designer, Printmaker, Project Manager, Motion Designer, Editorial Designer, and Art Director.
Established in 1911, Loyola Marymount University serves approximately 10,000 across campuses two campuses in Los Angeles, and one in Playa Vista, California. The school provides more than 170 minors, credential, and degree programs across seven colleges and schools. Loyola Marymount University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
18. University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California
The College of Arts and Sciences at University of San Francisco (USF) houses the Department of Art + Architecture. Within the department is an interdisciplinary Design program that explores graphic, environmental, and digital media design. A 20-unit Design minor is also available for students in other majors. Course examples for this program include Design Fundamentals; Visual Communication; Design for the Web; Typography; Interaction Design; Information Visualization; and Digital Media Design.
Leading to a BA, the four-year Design program allows students to gain hands-on experience working in USF’s Graphic Center. This student-run organization designs brochures, posters, banners, flyers, and t-shirts for faculty, departments, and club on campus.
Othe program benefits include access to state-of-the-art studio facilities such as XARTS and 2D-3D studios; a mandatory internship within a professional Bay Area design setting; participation in design competitions such as Adobe’s Creative Jam; and the Design Collectives—a student group hosts discussions and community events.
In addition to the design internship and USF’s Graphic Center, BA students have the opportunity to gain even more experience through the Exhibition Design Practicum. In this studio elective course, students will curate, design, organize, and launch an exhibition for the university’s Thacher Gallery.
The Design BA at USF requires 49 units in the major. Course examples include Visual Communication; Copy Culture; Design for the Climate Crisis; Typography; Fabrication Lab; Design for the Web; Information Visualization; Digital Media Design; Critical Brand/Package Design; and Professional Practice in Design.
The USF Design BA Program culminates with the Senior Thesis Exhibition in the SOMArts gallery in downtown San Francisco. Graduates will also assemble a professional portfolio of their best work.
USF Design BA alumni go on to work at design studios, museums, start-ups, and in design departments across just about every industry. Some graduates go on to pursue graduate studies at institutions such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), New York University (NYU), Pratt Institute, DePaul University, Rhode Island School of Art and Design (RISD), Pratt Institute, University of the Arts London, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
Companies and organizations that have hired USF Design alumni include Apple, Disney, Google, Harper Collins, Oracle, Ubisoft, The Discovery Science Center in Orange County, Etsy, Twitter, Dwell Media, San Francisco Magazine, ACLU, Pandora, Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, SFO Signage & Wayfinding, Benefit Cosmetics, Big Fish Games, Project Open Hand, and Teach for America.
Established in 1855 as the St. Ignatius Academy, University of San Francisco is the city’s first institution of higher education and it’s only Division I university. When it opened, this private, Jesuit institution had just three students and three faculty. Today, University of San Francisco serves approximately 9,210 students enrolled in more than 140 programs across five colleges and schools. University of San Francisco is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
19. California State University Northridge, Northridge, California
California State University Northridge (CSUN) is home to the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication (AMC), which houses the Entertainment Industry Institute (EII) and IntersectLA. The EII supports campus programs involving the entertainment industry, curriculum development, career preparation, internships, industry partnerships, and community arts.
IntersectLA is a student-run, full-service brand and creative strategy agency that allows students to connect and work with major studios, agencies, and other businesses.
Also housed in the AMC is the Department of Art and Design, which provides primary undergraduate concentration areas such as Communication (Graphic Design), Illustration, Printmaking, Drawing, Photography/Video, and Art Education. The Communication (Graphic Design) concentration consists of six courses including Introduction to Digital Design Tools; Introduction to Typography; Communication Design I-III; and Advanced Typography.
Leading to a BA in Art, all concentrations require courses such as Drawing I; Beginning Two-Dimensional Design; and Beginning Three-Dimensional Design. Students may then select from courses such as World Arts: Asia; Core Art Studio; Communication Design Seminar; Animation III; History of Contemporary Arts; Survey of 19th and 20th Century Arts; Teaching Art in PK-12; and Senior Projects in Studio Art. The program requires 120 credit hours to graduate.
Art BA students will graduate with a portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are prepared to pursue creative roles across the art and design industries.
CSUN alumni have been hired at companies and studios such as Universal Pictures, Paramount, Apple, Google, Walt Disney Company, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, NBC, Warner Bros., MGM Studios, Northrup Grumman, Capitol Latin, Netflix, Bank of America, Amgen, and CSUN.
Serving more than 38,500 students, California State University Northridge is one of the largest universities within the 23 campus California State University System. Founded in 1958, this liberal arts institution comprises nine colleges, The Tseng College, and the University Library. Led by more than 2,000 faculty and staff, CSUN provides close to 300 undergraduate majors, minors, certificates, and graduate programs across nine colleges.
California State University Northridge is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
20. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, California
The College of Environmental Design at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) houses the Department of Art, home to the Visual Communication Design (VCD) Program. Leading to a BFA, the VCD Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Other program features include hands-on projects and studios, design workshops, opportunities to exhibit work throughout the program, internships, and the option to enhance the degree through 26 units of electives.
Course examples for the program include Visual Thinking, Typography Activity, Visual Communication Design 1-2, Foundations in 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D Design, and Digital Photography. Elective examples include Contemporary Art, Workshop: Illustration, Promotional Strategies, Brand Impression and Management, Studio Arts: Print Process, Consumer Behavior, and Workshop: Typography.
All students will complete Professional Practices in Visual Communication Design—culminating experience (Capstone) for the program. The Final Portfolio Review for the Cal Poly Pomona VCD Program will be conducted by alumni who are design professionals and leaders in the industry.
Graduates of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona enjoy a 95% job placement or graduate school rate. Alumni have been accepted into graduate programs at UCLA, Boston University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Southern California (USC), and National Taiwan University. Examples of companies that have hired Cal Poly Pomona graduates include Amazon, Disneyland Resorts, NASA, Netflix, Sony Pictures, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, 20th Century Fox Television, Communicus, and Think Now Research.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona opened in 1938 as the Voorhis Unit of California State Polytechnic College. The school began with an all-male population of 110 students. Today, Cal Poly Pomona is a co-educational institution that serves approximately 29,100 students from the U.S. and around the world. One of the two polytechnics in the California State University System and one of only seven nationwide, Cal Poly Pomona provides more than 150 programs across eight academic colleges.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).