Did you know? Savannah College of Art and Design alumni work at top companies around the globe like Apple, IBM, Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, and Verizon. Learn more.
What are the top graphic design schools in the South for 2024?
| Ranking | School | State | Top % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia | 1% |
| 2 | North Carolina State University | North Carolina | 2% |
| 3 | Ringling College of Art and Design | Florida | 2% |
| 4 | University of Florida | Florida | 3% |
| 5 | Full Sail University | Florida | 4% |
| 6 | Auburn University | Alabama | 4% |
| 7 | University of Georgia | Georgia | 5% |
| 8 | University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Tennessee | 6% |
| 9 | Louisiana State University | Louisiana | 6% |
| 10 | University of Central Florida | Florida | 7% |
| 11 | University of Miami | Florida | 8% |
| 12 | University of Arkansas | Arkansas | 9% |
| 13 | Florida State University | Florida | 9% |
| 14 | Appalachian State University | North Carolina | 10% |
| 15 | Tulane University | Louisiana | 10% |
| 16 | University of South Carolina Columbia | South Carolina | 15% |
| 17 | Clemson University | South Carolina | 15% |
| 18 | Mississippi State University | Mississippi | 15% |
| 19 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | North Carolina | 15% |
| 20 | University of North Florida | Florida | 15% |
| 21 | University of South Florida | Florida | 15% |
| 22 | Flagler College | Florida | 15% |
| 23 | University of Memphis | Tennessee | 20% |
| 24 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Arkansas | 20% |
| 25 | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Tennessee | 20% |
Our 2024 ranking of the Top 25 Graphic Design School Programs in the South. We considered over 150 southern colleges with graphic design programs for this year's rankings. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
We define the South as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas.
1. Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia (Top 1% of schools considered)
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a Graphic Design program that provides the opportunity to collaborate with Fortune 500 companies such as Disney and BMW through the university’s in-house design studio SCADpro. Graphic Design students also have opportunities to study abroad for a quarter at SCAD’s Lacoste, France campus. During this experience students will take field trips to historic sites and museums, interact with visiting artists, and exhibit their work at a local gallery or museum.
Each year, Savannah College of Art and Design welcomes visiting artists and other professionals that provide workshops, panel discussions, master classes, and individual critiques. Examples of recent guests include Google's UX visual design team, Coca-Cola senior creative director Henry Kim, FontLab CEO Thomas Phinney, Grammy Award-winning graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, and Pentagram partner DJ Stout.
The Graphic Design program at Savannah College of Art and Design provides four degree options: the BA and BFA in Graphic Design, and the MA and MFA in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. All options are available at the Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia campuses and through SCADnow Online. A Graphic Design Minor is also available at both U.S. campuses and online.
Across all programs, students benefit from courses taught by industry professionals from companies such as Google, Hasbro, and Airbnb; access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities; mentoring by top professionals in the design industry; and access to events such as SCADstyle, which attracts the biggest names in global art, modern design, and fashion.
All SCAD Graphic Design options offer the opportunity to add a minor to enhance the degree. Examples include Advertising Copywriting; Mobile and Interactive Design; User Experience Design; and Advertising and Branding. Students may also add the Digital Publishing Certificate. Undergraduates may choose up to 20 hours of electives, which provides additional opportunities to develop skills in multiple areas of art and design.
Course examples across the BA and BFA programs include Digital Communication; Visual Design Systems; Typography I: Anatomy, Form, and Purpose; The Evolution of Graphic Design; Typography II: Brand Direction and Activation; Studio I: Production and Technique; Studio II: Language, Expression, Media; Speaking of Ideas; Typography III: Type Design and Implementation; Studio III: Discovery, Innovation, and The Human Experience; and Graphic Design Professional Portfolio.
MA students will take courses such as Design Research, Analysis, and Discourse; Typographic Voice and Visual Narrative; Methods of Contextual Research; Visual Analysis of Static Content; and Methods of Contextual Research. MFA students will complete the same courses listed above, as well as Curated Narrative for Dynamic Content; Experience Design for Physical Spaces; User-centered Strategy and Process; and Visual Design for Interactive Contexts.
MFA students will also compete the required graduate internship and three thesis courses including Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis I: Research and Discovery; Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis II: Synthesis and Insight; and Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis III: Validation and Execution.
BA, BFA, and MA students have the option to complete an internship at a local, regional, national, or global company.
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Savannah College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue titles such as Art Director, UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Mobile App Designer, Publication Designer, Digital Designer, Creative Director, and Interactive Designer.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Disney, Google, Riot Games, IBM, Ralph Lauren, Apple, Verizon, Meta, Under Armour, Live Nation, Airbnb, Hulu, Reddit, and Hulu. SCAD alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios, while others have established successful freelance careers.
Savannah College of Art and Design has more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S. In 1979, the school opened in the renovated Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory with just one classroom, an administration building, and 71 students. Today, SCAD serves more than 17,500 students across campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCADNow.
SCAD students come from all 50 states and more than 120 countries. Programs include 100+ degrees and more than 75 minors and certificates. Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).
2. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina (Top 2% of schools considered)
The Graphic and Experience Design (GXD) program at North Carolina State University (NC State University) is one of less than 350 programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program is also recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).
Housed in the College of Design’s Department of Graphic and Industrial Design, the program has options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Degrees include the Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design (BGXD) and Master of Graphic and Experience Design (MGXD). The MGXD is one of the few graphic design graduate programs in the U.S. with STEM Classification (CIP).
The undergraduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State consists of 120 credit hours. Students in the project-based program will take specialized courses such as Image and Tech Tinkering; Branding, Interaction, and Service Design; Typography and Technology; Designing for Settings, People, and Use; Information and Publishing Design Systems; and Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading. BGXD students will also complete a graphic and experience design practicum studio; three advanced graphic and experience design studios; and design electives that focus on individual interests.
Other BGXD program features include the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or summer at the NC State Prague Institute, Greece, or other study abroad locations; professional paid internships at major design firms; and participation in sponsored studios as part of the GXD curriculum. Examples of past sponsors include Coca Cola, The National Civil Rights Museum, Hanes, Bosch, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, John Deere, Under Armour, Lowe’s, Caterpillar, BD Medical, and SAS.
Graduates of BGXD program at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions across industries. Program alumni have been hired at design firms and technology companies such as Lenovo, IDEO, R/GA, IBM, Red Hat, SAS, Pentagram, IQVIA, Willowtree, and Citrix.
The graduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State has two-year and three-year options. Both lead to a terminal degree, equivalent to the MFA, which qualifies graduates to pursue leadership roles across industries, teach at the university level, or pursue a Design PhD.
The two-year program (MGXD II) is designed for students with a graphic design BFA (or equivalent) and experience in visual communication, design, interaction design, or related field. The three-year program (MGXD III) is for students who have earned a BA in another field or a Graphic Design concentration.
All MGXD students will participate in studios and seminars such as MGXD Studio I-III; Theoretical Frameworks in Design Seminar; Advanced Graphic Design Studio; Tech Tinkering Seminar; and Design Research Methods Seminar. Electives allow students to enhance the degree. Elective examples for the MGXD II pathway include Environmental Communication; Film Production; Advanced Technical Writing and Education; Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM); and Cognitive Processes.
Elective examples for the MGXD III pathway include Responsible AI and Society; Graphic Design History; Typography I-II; Special Topics in Social Innovation; and Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM). Across pathways, students will have opportunities to take additional electives at affiliate universities such as Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.
In addition, MGXD students will have opportunities to work on collaborative projects and research with major companies and institutes such as IBM, NC State Laboratory for Analytic Sciences, Red Hat Software, SAS, and the Institute of Emerging Issues.
For their final graduate projects, MGXD students will research an area of focus, record conclusions, design studies and mock-ups, and present the project to the public.
Graduates of the Master of Graphic and Experience Design program at North Carolina State University have gone on to establish successful careers at consulting firms, software companies, and universities. Examples include Adobe, Carnegie Mellon University, IDEO, University of Michigan, Lenovo, Pratt Institute, IBM, University of Washington, Red Hat Software, and Accenture.
North Carolina State University employs more than 10,000 faculty and staff that serve approximately 38,440 students. This makes NC State the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides more than 250 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
3. Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida (Top 2% of colleges considered)
The Graphic Design Program at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) has been around since 1980. Students can enroll in the program’s 120 credit hour BFA or the 15 credit hour minor. Students in the minor will select from courses such as Graphic Design I-II; New Media UI/UX; Design and Typography; Expressive Typography; New Media: Music Branding; and Special Topics: Wearable Messages.
Across programs, students benefit from immersive, studio-based courses; interactions with visiting artists from major studios such as DreamWorks and creative agencies such as Push; the chance to submit work to the ADDY Awards; internships at top design studios; and the opportunity to work on real-world projects for local businesses at the school’s in-house design studio Ringling College Design Center.
Graphic Design BFA students will take a combination of required courses in general education and liberal arts; art and design history; first year community; the graphic design major; open electives; and graphic design electives. Elective examples include Word, Image and Book; Expressive Typography; Contemporary Topics in Graphic Design; Intro to Letterpress; Special Topics: Wearable Messages; and Design for Business.
In the major, students will take courses such as Graphic Design I-VI; New Media UI/UX; Visual Persuasion; Designing with Type I-II; Three Dimensional Problem Solving; and Design and Typography. First year community courses total 15 credit hours and include 2D Design I-II; Time Based Communication; and 3D Design I-II.
In the final course for the RCAD Graphic Design BFA—Portfolio (GDES 480)—students will develop interview, written communication, and job search skills; engage with guest speakers who will provide career insights; and create web-based and print portfolios that display the students best works and problem-solving abilities.
Graduates of the Ringling College of Art and Design Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue roles across industries. RCAD alumni hold titles such as Director of Product Design, Interface Designer, Associate Creative Director, Graphic Apparel Designer, Brand Manager, Junior Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Designer and Illustrator, Senior Art Director, and Multimedia Designer.
Program alumni have worked with major companies, firms, and studios such as Microsoft, Walt Disney Imagineering, Google, Apple, Saatchi & Saatchi X, Ogilvy, BBC Studios, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Target, Wieden+Kennedy, Meta, Leo Burnett, GM, Instagram, Hallmark, Cartoon Network, LinkedIn, Spotify, Hasbro, Squarespace, DAZN, Arc Worldwide, Ethos, Spark, Blue Bottle Coffee, Hype, and Loyalkaspar. Some RCAD alumni have also gone on to launch their own design firms and freelance businesses.
Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Founded in 1931 by Dr. Ludd M. Spivey (then president of Southern College) and circus baron John Ringling, RCAD serves approximately 1,700 students enrolled in 11 different majors leading to a BFA degree, two majors leading to a BA, and minor options in 10 areas.
4. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (Top 3% of colleges considered)
Established in 1925, the College of the Arts at University of Florida (UF) houses four schools; two centers, and the Digital Worlds Institute. Accreditations include the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST); and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
Among the schools in the College of the Arts is the School of Art + Art History, which provides opportunities for all students to work with clients on real-world projects. The school also provides access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences in places such as France, China, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Brazil, the UK, and Spain.
For students seeking a graphic design program, the UF School of Art + Art History provides four paths. At the undergraduate level, students can enroll in the Graphic Design BFA, minor or certificate program. Graduate students can earn a Graphic Design/Design and Visual Communications (MxD) MFA.
The Graphic Design BFA explores art history; 2D, 3D, and 4D; design; and drawing. Course examples include Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; Typography 1: Letterform; Image, Form and Meaning; Design and Professional Practice Studio; Graphic Design History I-II; Graphic Design: Visual Systems in Design; Design: Ideas and Styles; and Typography 2: Composition.
In the final semester of the program, BFA students will complete the Senior Design Studio; the Design Workshop; and a professional portfolio.
The Graphic Design minor and certificate are available to Art and Art History majors in the School of Art + Art History. Both curriculums explore graphic design thinking, methods, processes, and practices. Course examples across options include Design Studies; Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; and Typography 1: Letterform. The minor requires 18 credit hours. The certificate requires 15 credit hours.
The MxD MFA at University of Florida is a 60 credit hour, terminal degree that launched more than 20 years ago. This design-centered, interdisciplinary program consists of studios, workshops, seminars, and practicums. In addition to opportunities to develop entrepreneurial, teaching, and other skills through electives, the program allows experimentation, collaboration, and field experiences.
Elective examples include Methods of Research in Art Education; Global Entrepreneurship; Seminar in Museum Studies; Creativity in Entrepreneurship; Arts, Advocacy and Public Policy; Teaching Art in Higher Education; Creativity and Health: Foundations of the Arts in Medicine; and Creativity in Entrepreneurship. The UF MxD MFA culminates with a thesis or creative project.
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Florida are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design in industries across the U.S. and abroad. Some program alumni have gone on to teach or launch their own studios, while others have been hired at companies, studios, and organizations such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM, L’Oréal, Verizon, Twitter/X, R/GA, West Elm, IDEO, Fossil, Viacom, JetBlue, Kate Spade, Facebook/Meta, and the Miami Heat.
Graduates who have gone on to teach have been hired at UF, University of Colorado–Boulder Northern Alabama University, Auburn University, Ball State University, University at Buffalo, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Illinois State University, among others.
University of Florida traces its founding to 1853, when the East Florida Seminary opened as the state’s first state-supported institution of higher learning. Today, University of Florida is a top 10 public, comprehensive, land-grant research university with professional campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. UF serves 60,795 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 16 colleges and schools. University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
5. Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida (Top 4% of colleges considered)
Full Sail University (Full Sail) provides several paths to study Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, programs include a Visual Design certificate, and AAS and BS degrees in Graphic Design. At the graduate level, students can earn an MFA in Media Design.
The Visual Design certificate consists of 23 credit hours. Course examples include Graphic Design Principles I-II; Design Art and Theory; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; and Color Theory. Certificate students will complete the Project I: Visual Design and Portfolio I: Visual Design courses to graduate. In just 28 weeks, graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions across industries.
The Graphic Design AAS at Full Sail University is designed to be paired with Full Sail’s Visual Arts BS completion program with a concentration in Graphic Design. Delivered on campus and online, the 60 credit hour Visual Arts BS consists of courses such as Concepts in Advertising; Interactive Media Design and Usability; Packaging and Prototypes; Visual Realization; Interactive Editorial Design; and Media Integration. The program culminates with the Career Readiness course and Project and Portfolio IV: Visual Arts.
The Graphic Design AAS consists of 62 credit hours. The hands-on curriculum prepares students for entry into the BS or entry-level positions in design. Course examples for the program include Typography and Page Layout; Creative Presentation; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; Creating Brand Experience; Logos and Symbols; Digital Publishing; Concepts in Photography; and Project and Portfolio I-II: Visual Design.
The Graphic Design AAS program at Full Sail University culminates with the Professional Development Seminar II: Graphic Design course and Project and Portfolio III: Graphic Design.
The Full Sail Graphic Design BS is a 120 credit hour program that explores print publishing, interface design, advertising, branding, and integration. Students in this program benefit from opportunities to gain hands-on experience with entertainment and media companies; a project-based curriculum; professional development seminars; and seven graphic design and project portfolio courses.
Other course examples include Graphic Design Principles I-II; Media Integration; Interactive Editorial Design; Concepts in Advertising; Graphic Web Design; Popular Culture in Media; Logos and Symbols; Digital Studio; Fundamentals of Physical Science; and History of Visual Communications.
Graduates of the Graphic Design BS program at Full Sail University are prepared to pursue positions at advertising agencies, design studios, marketing companies, magazines, book publishers, public relations firms, and web design studios. Some graduates go on to pursue an advanced degree such as Full Sail’s Media Design MFA.
Delivered 100% online, the Full Sail Media Design MFA explores team dynamics, client communications, research methods, and motivational theories. Course examples for the program include Measuring Design Effectiveness; Brand Development; Defining Client Needs; Design Research; Effective Copywriting; Multi-Platform Delivery; Organizational Structures; and Design Integration.
In the last two months of the program, Design MFA students will complete the Professional Practice course and Thesis: Presentation of Design Solution.
The Full Sail Media Design MFA program takes just 12 months to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared for teaching positions at top universities, and advanced roles at companies, studios, and organizations. Program alumni are also prepared to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.
Full Sail University opened in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio. Today, the school is located just 35 minutes from downtown Orlando and Universal Studios. Serving approximately 21,000 students, Full Sail provides graduate certificates and degree programs at all levels in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
6. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama (Top 4% of colleges considered)
Founded in 1945 in the Auburn University School of Architecture and Applied Arts, the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) is the oldest NASAD accredited school in the state of Alabama. Today, the SIGD is part of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), which serves more than 1,800 students from around the world.
Other CADC highlights include immersive learning experiences, integrated industry partnerships, study abroad opportunities, research initiatives, and leadership opportunities. All CADC students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Wallace Hall, which features studios, classroom spaces, and fabrication shops; Dudley Shop; Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory; and the Urban Studio.
Leading to a BFA, the SIGD Graphic Design (GDES) program takes place in a professional studio environment that features hands-on design instruction; cross-disciplinary collaborations; and courses that explore illustration, typography, motion design, branding, publishing, UI/UX, packaging, and more. Course examples for this 123 credit hour program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Foundation Design I-II; Graphic Processes; Typographics; Graphic Design I-II; Interactive Media; Graphic Design History; and Photo Design.
Other program benefits include guest lecturers, exhibitions, design symposiums, and internship opportunities. Through the CADC study abroad program, BFA students also have opportunities to work and learn in places such as England, Taiwan, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Ireland.
During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University, students will complete a professional portfolio of their best work and participate in the Graphic Design Senior Show. Students may also participate in the recently launched SIGD event—Kaleidoscope: Auburn Design Show.
This juried design exhibition features carefully selected works by undergraduate students in the Pre-Graphic Design (PGDE), Industrial Design (INDD), and Graphic Design (GDES) programs, and graduate students in the Master of Industrial Design (MID) program.
Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University are prepared to pursue positions across all areas of design. Program alumni have been hired at advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, app development companies, retailers, magazines, and in-house design studios.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Chartered in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, the school went on to become the first land-grant college in the South in 1872. Today, Auburn serves a coed population of approximately 29,410 students, making it one of the largest universities in the region. Auburn University provides 150 majors and programs across more than a dozen colleges and schools.
7. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (Top 5% of colleges considered)
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at University of Georgia (UGA) houses the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Founded in 1937, the school serves more than 1,000 students across five different facilities on the UGA campus. Since 1969, the Dodd School of Art has also served over 4,000 students from 400 U.S. institutions at its year-round Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy. International opportunities in Ghana, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are also provided thru the Dodd School.
In addition to state-of-the-art studios, galleries, lecture halls, and a visual resource center, the UGA Dodd School of Art houses the Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. This interdisciplinary program features seminars; visiting artist lectures; classroom critiques and discussion; workshops; and exhibitions. Coursework explores layout, color techniques, three-dimensional design, typography, illustration, electronic design, photography, and graphic survey.
Course examples for the program include Graphic Systems; Advanced Typography; Type and Image; Topics in Digital Platforms and Dynamic Media I-II; Art and Design in the City Intensive Field Study; Data Visualization; Time-Based Media and Design; Data Visualization; Environmental Branding and Experiential Graphic Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design (examples: Letterpress and Book Arts, Character Design, and Trend Forecasting); Visual Narrative Systems; and Professional Practices: The Business Side of Art.
In addition to required courses, UGA Fine Arts BFA students must complete a certificate, minor, second major, or nine hours in an associated subject area. Examples include Marketing and Strategy; Cultural Studies; Interaction and Computing; or Communications and Media. The program also allows students to complete the Internship in Art; the Grady/Dodd Summer Studio; or Study Away in Cortona, Italy as electives.
The UGA Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design culminates with the GD Senior Capstone and participation in the Annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exit Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), IBM Design, Aveda, Meta, Bustle, Gensler, and Free People.
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, University of Georgia is the nation’s first state university. The school serves approximately 40,120 students enrolled in nearly 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Established in 1910, the Graduate School houses 250 of the school’s degree programs. University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
8. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee (Top 6% of colleges considered)
The College of Architecture and Design at University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT Knoxville or UTK) is home to the School of Design, which houses the Graphic Design BFA and the Graphic Design Studies minor.
The 15 credit hour, two-year minor is open to students from any discipline across UTK. The program consists of three lecture-based core courses and two course selections from several colleges. Core courses include The Idea of Design; The Art of Presentation Design; and The Art of Identity Design.
Students may select the remaining credits from course offerings such as Non-Major Introduction to Book Arts and Papermaking; Advertising Principles; Visual Communication for Non-Designers; User-Centered Design; Introduction to Journalism and Creative Media; and Public Relations Principles.
Students in both the minor and BFA enjoy 24/7 access to state-of-the-art production facilities; small class sizes; a studio setting; and collaborative design studios.
The UT Knoxville BFA is a four-year 120 credit hour program that emphasizes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects. All students will begin the program with a foundational studies series, which ends with a portfolio review for entry into remaining three years of study. Foundational courses include Graphic Design Foundation Studio I-III, and The Idea of Design.
After passing the portfolio review, UTK graphic design students will move on to courses such as Interaction Design; Beginning Typography; Beginning Graphic Design I-II; Written Communication; Intermediate Graphic Design I-II; Advanced Graphic Design; Graphic Design Research Studio; Special Tropics in Graphic Design; Advanced Typography; Projection and Media Design; and Graphic Design Collaborative Engagement.
BFA students may also complete the Independent Study or Foreign Study course. All students will complete the Graphic Design Capstone for presentation at the Annual Senior Show.
Graduates of the UT Knoxville Graphic Design programs are prepared to pursue positions with in-house design departments; at advertising agencies, publishing companies, and magazines; design studios, marketing companies, public relations firms, film studios, web design studios, game studios, and museums.
Over the past five years, graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Tennessee, Knoxville have enjoyed a 90% employment rate. Program alumni have been hired at major companies, agencies, and design studios such as Accenture, IDEO, Boeing, Google, Coca-Cola, Apple, Herman Miller, Facebook, Discovery, Zillow, Instagram, and HGTV.
Some UTK Graphic Design graduates have gone on to launch their own design studios and freelance businesses. Examples include Robin Easter Design, Matchstic Media, Old City Mailroom, Nathanna Design, and Morris Creative.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville was founded in 1794 as Blount College. The school serves approximately 36,300 students enrolled in more than 900 programs across 14 colleges and schools. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1897.
9. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Top 6% of schools considered)
The College of Art & Design at Louisiana State University (LSU) is home to the School of Art. Within the school is a Graphic Design concentration leading to a BFA or MFA in Studio Art. Both programs explore identity design, motion graphics, branding, typography, information design, packaging design, print and editorial design, illustration, environmental design, and digital imaging.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, the BFA curriculum consists of courses such as Graphic Design I-III; Interactive Multimedia Design; Applied Typography; Digital Imaging Techniques; Graphic Design Synthesis; Digital Art; Prepress Production Techniques; Experimental Design; and Special Studies in Graphic Design. The BFA
The LSU MFA is a 60 credit hour program that consists of workshops and lectures by visiting artists, studio art electives, and graduate studios. A Teaching Seminar is also part of the program as well as two thesis courses worth six credits. Final projects will be presented at a public exhibition.
All BFA and MFA students at LSU may participate in the Arts, Visualization, Advanced Technologies and Research (AVATAR) Initiative. Students also enjoy all access to the LSU Art Building, which houses classrooms, IDEA Hub, studio spaces, the Fabrication Factory, teaching labs, and the Design Shop. In addition, students may join the Digital Art and Design Association (DADA); participate in local and national design competitions; and join the Graphic Design Student Organization (GDSA), which hosts field trips to local design firms and other events.
Graduates of the Studio Art/Graphic Design programs at Louisiana State University are prepared to launch their own studios or pursue design roles in advertising, publishing, education, corporate communications, and the non-profit sectors, among others.
LSU Graphic Design alumni have been hired at places such as Pixar Animation Studios, The Washington Post, DreamWorks, Travel + Leisure, Disney, Sony Picture Entertainment, Lucasfilm, Halliburton, KPMG, Nissan North America, Hunter Museum of American Art, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Bluebonnet, Leftfield Entertainment, Baltimore Museum of Art, SVAD-NYC, Modern Media, Trace Labs, and the Modern Art Museum (Fort Worth, Texas).
Louisiana State University was founded in 1860 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy. The school is the flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System.
LSU serves approximately 37,880 students enrolled in more than 330 programs across 18 colleges, schools, and centers, and LSU Online. Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Programs in the School of Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
10. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida (Top 7% of colleges considered)
University of Florida (UCF) houses the College of Arts and Humanities. Within the college is the School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), home to the Emerging Media program with BFA and MFA pathways. The BFA has a Graphic Design track and the MFA has a Studio Art and Design track.
The UCF SVAD Emerging Media BFA is a 120 credit hour program that explores branding, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), identity systems, packaging design, typography, publication design, interactive design, broadcast graphics, web design, film, and poster design.
With 63 credit hours in the major, students will take courses such as Drawing Fundamentals I-II; Type and Design I-II; Digital Imaging Fundamentals; Intermediate Graphic Design I-II; Design Fundamentals: Three-Dimensional; Motion Design; Advanced Graphic Design; Intermediate Computer Graphic Design; Fundamentals of Interactive Design; Special Problems in Graphic Design; and Art in the Last 25 Years.
Through courses, workshops, and critiques, Emerging Media BFA students will also work on building a professional portfolio during the entire four years of the program
Other program benefits include opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams on projects and real world problems; access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs, and production studios; the option to add a minor to enhance the degree; and opportunities to complete a co-op experience or internship.
University of Central Florida’s Emerging Media MFA with a Studio Art and Design track is an immersive terminal degree program that focuses on experimentation; emerging and traditional media; mentoring; and individual and group critiques. This 60 credit hour program follows a three-year cohort style format consisting of six full-time semesters excluding summers.
Course examples include Advanced Seminar in Art History; Serial Content; The Professional Practice of Art; Design Theory and Methods; Art, Design and Human Interactions; Graduate Seminar; and Time Arts. The UCF Emerging Media MFA program culminates with a Thesis Exhibition.
SVAD Emerging Media graduate are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as advertising, marketing, publishing, multimedia, animation and film, public relations, education, research, and consulting.
University of Central Florida alumni are routinely hired at major companies and studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Google, FX Network, Universal Orlando Resort, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Walt Disney World, Microsoft, Facebook, Salesforce, and TEKsystems.
University of Central Florida was founded in 1963. The school opened its doors in 1968 as Florida Technological University (FTU). On the first day of classes, FTU had less than 2,000 students. Today, UCF is a public research university that serves 69,320 students, making it the largest university by enrollment in the state of Florida, and one of top five largest universities in the nation. UCF students have access to 240 degree programs across 13 colleges. University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
11. University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (Top 8% of colleges considered)
University of Miami (UM) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences, which houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is the Electronic Media area—home the Graphic Design and Multimedia concentration. Leading to an Art BFA, the program features interdisciplinary courses; visiting lecturers and seminars; an automatic minor in Art History; visits to galleries and museums; internship opportunities in the Miami/Broward area; and business field trips.
All BFA students also benefit from regularly scheduled critiques by visiting artists; access to studios, computer labs, drawing classrooms, and exhibition spaces; and biannual reviews that allow students to spend an entire day displaying and discussing their work with faculty from all areas.
The Art BFA consists of 123 credit hours with a maximum of 21 credit hours in the Graphic Design and Multimedia concentration. Students Course examples for the program include Introduction to 3D Design; Typography; Experimental Illustration for Print and Interactive Media; Graphic Design I-III; Modern Art; 2D and 3D Design; Multimedia I-III; History of Graphic Design; Introduction to Electronic Media; Color Digital Photography; and Drawing.
The Art BFA at University of Miami culminates with a professional portfolio and BFA Exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Digital Media Designer, Digital Artist, Layout Designer, Creative Director, Packaging Designer, 3D Artist, Brand Manager, Computer Graphic Designer, Media Specialist, Exhibit Designer, Multimedia Producer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Concept Artist, and Web Designer.
UM alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Royal Caribbean, NBCUniversal, The Miami Heat, Nestle Nespresso, ABC, Levi’s, Sundance Institute, Free People, Citibank, Pfizer, Ford, Old Navy, Chewy, Macy’s, Johnson & Johnson, Anthropologie, Grainger, ESPN, The New York Mets, Procter & Gamble, and Allstate.
Some UM BFA graduates have gone on to enroll in advanced study programs at top universities such as Harvard University, New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Yale University, Duke University, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Southern California.
Founded in 1925, University of Miami opened its doors with 646 full-time students enrolled in programs across the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Music, and the Evening Division. Today, this private research university serves more than 18,000 students enrolled in nearly 350 majors and programs across 12 colleges and schools, and three campuses including Coral Gables, Virginia Key, and downtown Miami. University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
12. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas (Top 9% of schools considered)
The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at University of Arkansas (U of A) houses the School of Art, which provides programs in Art Education, Studio Art, Graphic or Communication Design, and Art History. Launched in 2016, the Graphic Design program explores human-centered design, branding, motion design, typography, interaction design, design research, print design, and web design. Students will also master industry-standard software and techniques through individual and group projects.
Other program features include designated workspace in the brand new Studio + Design Center in the Windgate Arts and Design District; access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Design Lab; courses and projects that take place in a collaborative studio environment; and access to the UARK Design Clinic, which is a multipurpose space that serves as a classroom, design studio, laboratory, and community center.
Graphic Design students may also participate in the UARK Internship Program and the UARK Chapter of the AIGA Student Group. This registered student organization (RSO) hosts visiting speakers, creative projects, and collaborations with the local Northwest Arkansas AIGA Chapter.
Leading to a BFA, the Graphic Design program at University of Arkansas consists of courses such as Technology in Context; Identity Systems 1-2; Human Centered Design; Studio Foundation I-II; User Experience; Art History Survey; Typographic Systems 1-3; Interactive Language; Design Tools and Concepts; and Professional Development Seminar.
The U of A Graphic Design BFA culminates with a degree project and presentation. Graduates have completed internships with or currently work for companies and organizations such as Saatchi & Saatchi X, Walmart Corporate, J.B. Hunt, Amazon Corporate, Rockfish, Sam’s Club Corporate, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Olivet, Acumen Brands, Collective Bias, Menguin, BLKBox Labs, DOXA, Hayseed Ventures, Field Agent, Elkins Design, RevUnit, and Archetype.
For students seeking a graduate degree, the University of Arkansas School of Art houses an MDes in Communication Design that can be completed in two years. Launched in 2022, the program is the first of its kind in the state of Arkansas. Students in this 60 credit hour program will take courses and electives such as Design and Technology; Applied Visual Research; Cloud Computing and Big Data; Design and Futures; Artificial Intelligence; Design and Communities; Design Pedagogy and Leadership; and Social Entrepreneurship.
Students in the MDes program will also take special topics courses, allowing students to engage in discussions about issues in the field, teaching, and content. Special topics courses also support current semester studio projects. Topic examples may include Design and Sustainability; Machine Learning; Design and Entrepreneurism; Critical Design Issues; and International Design Collaboration.
The Graphic Design MDes at University of Arkansas culminates with a final thesis project. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of graphic and communication design; academic positions at design schools, colleges, and universities; and research jobs across industries.
Established in 1871 and serving 32,140 students, University of Arkansas is the state’s first public university and the largest. This land-grant institution welcomes students from 49 states and more than 100 countries. U of A students have access to 270 majors, degrees, and certificates across 10 colleges and schools. University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
13. Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida (Top 9% of colleges considered)
The College of Fine Arts at Florida State University (FSU) houses the Department of Art. Within the department is a Studio Art program BA, BFA, and MFA degree options. The MFA is a fully funded program, with additional scholarship/fellowship opportunities.
Across programs, students may select up to two concentrations, allowing them to customize the curriculum to match their career goals. Concentration examples include Digital Media, Book Arts, Electronic Art, Printmaking, Moving Image, Photography, and Drawing.
Ideal concentration options for graphic designers include Printmaking, Book Arts, and Electronic Art. Across concentrations, course examples include Advanced Workshop: Graphic Narrative; Advanced Workshop: Typography; 3D Foundations; Digital Foundations; Screen Printing; Web 1: Art, Design, Code; Letterpress; Intaglio Printmaking; Digital Fabrication; Book Structures; Networked Art; Advanced Workshop: Printed Book; Intaglio Printmaking: Etching; Creative Coding; and Media Workshop: Interactive Art: Electronic Objects.
Studio Art students may also double major, take several minors, and participate in several experiential learning experiences. Housed in the College of Communication & Information’s School of Information (iSchool), the Innovation minor is an ideal option for students looking to gain additional experience in graphic design. Course examples for this program include Digital Graphic Design; User Experience Design; Desktop Multimedia; Creative Inquiry; Digital Storytelling; Human-Centered Design for Social Innovation; Information and Data Visualization; Web Applications Development; and Innovation by Design.
Other Studio Art Program features include the 24/7 access to studio spaces in the Carnaghi Arts Building (CAB)—BFA students work in assigned personal studios; workshops and seminars; the Visiting Artist Lecture Series; opportunities for individualized and advanced research; and access to labs and other facilities in The Facility For Arts Research (FAR).
Part of FSU’s College of Fine Arts, FAR houses the Small Craft Advisory Press, comma, REBOOT Laboratory, and collab. Additional facilities include the Digital Media Lab, photo labs, FabLab Digital Fabrication Lab, and printmaking labs.
Additional project and installation spaces are available for MFA students in the 400-square-feet MFA Gallery. MFA students also benefit from exclusive workshops; learning experiences such as FAR&AWAY—the visiting artist series; study trips to major art hubs; additional trained access to FSU’s Innovation Hub; access to individual 235-square-feet studios and a graduate seminar room; and additional trips to hosted events and individual studio visits; and professional training in teaching art.
All BA, BFA, and MFA Studio Art students may complete a professional internship at a local, national or global company; study abroad in one of more than 20 locations through FSU Global; and participate in gallery exhibitions at the FSU Phyllis Straus Gallery housed in the Carnaghi Arts Building (CAB).
BA students will complete a final project and portfolio to graduate. The BFA program culminates with a thesis project, which will be displayed at FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts. The Studio Art MFA culminates with an exhibition event in Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Art (MoFA).
Graduates of the Studio Art programs at Florida State University are prepared to pursue art and design roles across industries. Graduate students are also prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries, teaching positions, research jobs, and consulting careers.
Founded in 1851 and serving approximately 43,700 students Florida State University is one of the largest and the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. The school provides more than 275 degree programs across 17 colleges and several campuses. Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
14. Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina (Top 10% of colleges considered)
Serving approximately 3,540 students, the College of Fine and Applied Arts (CFAA) is the third largest college at Appalachian State University (App State). Program options are organized across seven departments including Applied Design; Technology and the Built Environment; Art; Sustainable Development; Communication; Military Science and Leadership; and Theatre and Dance.
Within the App State Department of Art is a Graphic Design program that features trips to New York’s major museums and design studios. Students in this BFA program also benefit from internship opportunities with companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Package Design Media, and Home Magazine; study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Germany, South Africa, the UK, and Spain; and the option to join organizations and clubs such as the Student Art League (SAL), the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), the Art History Club or the Arts Management Organization (AMO).
Students in all CFAA art and design programs have access to fully equipped facilities and labs, with opportunities to create environmental graphics; perform layout and design duties for print publications; build screen-based experiences and identity programs; and engage in interactive design projects. Course examples for the program include Foundations I-II; Printmaking: Screenprinting; History of Graphic Design; Digital Imaging; Typography I-III; Interaction Design I; and Ideal Lab.
The BFA program allows students to develop skills in different areas of graphic design through electives and professional development courses. Examples include Branding and Visual Identity; Illustration; Hand-Lettering; Design Thinking and Entrepreneurial Mindset; Technical Writing; Design Methods; Video Production and Story; Interaction Design II; Exhibitions Practicum; and Special Topics in Graphic Design.
An optional Graphic Design Professional Practice course features lectures; opportunities to create self-promotional packages; research and writing skills development for job search preparedness; and portfolio development. Students in this course will also visit design studios and printing facilities in North Carolina and across the region.
Although it is not a requirement, BFA students can add a minor to further enhance the degree. Examples include Graphic Communications Management; Commercial Photography; Sustainable Technology; Art History; Communication; Apparel Design and Merchandising; and Somatic Sustainability.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Appalachian State University culminates with a two-course sequence, leading to a final project (capstone) and portfolio. Capstone projects will be presented at an exhibition.
Graduates of App State Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Most program alumni are hired right after graduation, while others pursue graduate study at places such as Pratt Institute, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
Graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Gap, Skyline Films, McCall Publishing Company, Red Hat, Tiffany and Co., Footbridge Media, Oculus Studios, Public Theater (NYC), COCG, Fifty&Fifty, CreateSpace, Beanstalk Data, Raizlabs, McKinney, Registered Creative, and Metrostar Systems.
Founded in 1899 as Watauga Academy, Appalachian State University is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. The school serves approximately 21,255 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across eight colleges and schools. Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
15. Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana (Top 10% of colleges considered)
The School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) at Tulane University (Tulane) provides bachelor’s degrees, bachelor’s degree completion, graduate, and certificate programs. Some programs and courses may be completed entirely online. For students seeking a graphic design program, SoPA has several options. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Digital Design BA with a Graphic Design track; a hybrid Post-Baccalaureate (PBC) certificate in Digital Design with a concentration in Graphic Design; or a Graphic Design minor.
The Digital Design BA requires 42 credit hours in the major, 18 elective credit hours, and 60 credit hours in general requirements. The Digital Design PBC requires 30 major hours, and the Graphic Design minor requires 18 credit hours. Course examples across programs include History of Graphic Design; Digital Page Layout; Typography Studio; Branding and Semiotics; Digital Page Layout; Infographic Design; Digital Illustration; Digital Imaging, Interactive Design Studio I-II; Copywriting; Packaging Design; and Motion Design Studio I-II.
In addition to a variety of courses, the Design programs at Tulane provide allow students to study in other tracks; participate in professional conferences, symposiums, and social events; complete a professional internship at a regional or national company; and study abroad in places such as London, Paris, Greece, Rome, and Prague. Tulane also provides professional career services to help students develop job search, interviewing, and networking skills.
Graduates of the Design programs at Tulane University are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, entertainment, magazine, newspaper, and book publishing, web design, marketing, public relations, museums, and app design. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Print Designer, Visual Communication Designer, Brand Manager, User Interface (UI)/User Experience (UX) Designer, Front-End Web Developer, Environmental Designer, Publication Designer, Illustrator, Type Designer, Packaging Designer, and Art Director.
Tulane University was established in 1834 as Medical College of Louisiana. Serving approximately 14,475 today, the school was the first major research institution to require public service for graduation. Tulane provides 75 different undergraduate majors and dozens of graduate programs across nine colleges and schools. Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
16. University of South Carolina Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina (Top 15% of schools considered)
The School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at University of South Carolina Columbia (UofSC or USC Columbia) is the largest school of art in the state. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Within the SVAD are two paths to study graphic design: the BA or BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I).
Classes for the programs are held in McMaster College, the design school’s 85,000-square-foot facility designed specifically for the study and creation of the visual arts.
Other program features include industry internships; the opportunity to work in the school’s McCausland Innovation Grant-funded design studio; two-week and semester-long study abroad experiences in places such as China, Spain, Italy, France and England; and participation in the South Carolina Chapter of the AIGA, which hosts workshops, guest speakers, and special design events.
The GD+I concentration explores branding, traditional illustration, interactive design, packaging, digital illustration, editorial design, multimedia, product design, packaging, design using augmented reality AI, drawing, publication design, typography, motion graphics, UX and UI design, design systems, and logo design.
The Studio Art BA is ideal for students who would like to study GD+I and other areas of art such as 3D studies, drawing or printmaking, or declare a double major. The BFA is a pre-professional degree that allows students to focus in additional areas outside of GD+I such as printmaking, drawing, painting, or photography. Specific course examples across options include 3-Dimensional Design; Typographic Design; Illustration; Visual and Verbal Interaction; Process and Systems; Advanced Illustration; Interaction Design; and Topics in Modern Art.
The Studio Art: GD+I programs at University of South Carolina Columbia culminate with a capstone experience. Students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work. BFA students will have a solo exhibition of their creative research to be judged by major faculty.
Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at places such as Nike, Google, IBM, Humana, Reebok, Lyft, Bumble, Aeropostale, Paper Source, and The South Carolina Lottery. Graduates also work with sports teams and organizations such as the Florida Marlins, Charlotte Hornets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Auburn University Athletics, and University of South Carolina Football.
University of South Carolina was founded in 1801 as South Carolina College. With eight campuses, the school serves 53,455 students enrolled in more than 350 degree programs across 16 academic colleges and schools. The flagship campus in Columbia (USC Columbia) serves approximately 31,530 students. University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
17. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina (Top 15% of colleges considered)
Clemson University (Clemson) has three paths to study graphic design across several colleges and departments. Options include BS and MS degrees in Graphic Communications (GC); the Art BA; and the Visual Arts BFA. The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business houses the Department of Graphic Communications, and the BS and MS programs. The College of Architecture, Art and Construction houses the Department of Arts and the Art and Visual Art programs.
Serving 400 students, the GC BS program provides the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience (on campus) through the Erwin Center for Brand Communications. This practitioner-based program functions like a teaching hospital, allowing students to learn through real-world, real-time experiences in areas such as advertising, media, creative development, strategy, marketing, analytics, and research.
The Graphic Communications curriculum explores all major visual communication and printing processes. This 120 credit hour program consists of courses such as Graphic Communications I-II; Introduction to Packaging Science; Ink and Substrates; Digital Imaging; Commercial Printing; Principles of Marketing; Package and Specialty Printing; Principles of Management; Current Developments and Trends in Graphic Communications; Planning and Controlling Printing Functions; and Senior Seminar in Graphic Communications.
All GC BS students must complete a specialty area consisting of 12 credits through a minor or coursework in areas such as communication studies, brand design, visual art, digital production, creative direction, packaging design, marketing, UX design, business analytics, and management information systems. Popular minors include Brand Communications, Packaging Science, and Business Administration.
Other Graphic Communications program benefits include access to the Sonoco Institute, which hosts seminars, classes, and workshops; collaborative projects with students in the Packaging Science Department; the Erwin Center for Brand Communications; access to a 14,000-square-foot main laboratory and two additional state-of-the-art labs equipped with packaging and printing equipment; and participation in Clemson study abroad programs such as Graphic Design for Packaging in a Global Marketplace in London, and European Perspectives on Marketing in Paris.
In addition, all students are required to complete a mandatory summer Co-op Education requirement and hold an industry internship for at least two semesters before graduating. The GC Department also hosts an Intern Employer Day each semester. This gives students the chance to interview with representatives from more than 40 companies.
Graduates of the Graphics Communications BS program at Clemson University have gone on to pursue design roles in graphic design, publishing, marketing, production, packaging design, printing, web design, and process engineering. They are employed in 29 states and three foreign countries. Companies that have hired GC BS alumni include R.R. Donnelley, Newell Brands, Boston Beer Company, The Hughes Agency, and Horizon Investments.
Some Graphic Communications BS graduates have also gone on to pursue graduate study at places such as Wake Forest University and Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD).
The Graphic Communications MS program at Clemson University provides access to all GC Department resources and benefits. Students in this advanced studies program have two options: Thesis and Non-Thesis. The Thesis option requires 33 credit hours and the Non-Thesis option requires 30 credit hours.
Across options, core courses include Current Developments and Trends in Graphic Communications; Commercial Printing; Package and Specialty Printing; Research Problems I-II; and Graphic Communications Graduate Seminar. For students without relevant work experience, an industrial internship is a required for both options.
The Thesis option culminates with the Master’s Thesis Research course. The Non-Thesis option culminates with a final research project. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced creative, technical, and professional careers in graphic communications. Program alumni have been placed in fields such as advertising, packaging, marketing, printing, science, publishing, sales, healthcare, marketing, education, research, and management.
The Art BA at Clemson University is accredited by National Association for Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). The program has a Digital Art and Design Media emphasis that focuses on graphic design, animation, and new media. The Visual Arts BFA has seven emphasis areas including Graphic Design, Printmaking, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Painting, and Ceramics.
Across programs, students have full access to the department’s computer labs, painting and printmaking studios, photo labs, drawing studios, sculpture labs, and clay studios. Other program benefits include the visiting artist series; and annual field trip to art centers such as New York City; a four-week summer school in Orvieto, Italy; and the opportunity to exhibit works in Clemson’s Lee Art Gallery in the senior year of the programs. In addition, Clemson Art students regularly display their work locally in the Pendleton and Greenville arts districts, and in regional and national venues.
The Art BA program culminates with a final project. The Visual Arts BFA culminates with the Senior Exhibition Internship. Across programs, graduates are prepared to pursue careers in graphic design, illustration, media, advertising, marketing, animation, publishing, exhibit design, public relations, retail, art journalism, education, and with art museums and galleries.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Anthropologie, Greenville County Schools, Museum of Cherokee, GDC Home, and Kaleidoscope Design Factory. Some alumni have also gone on to pursue graduate study at places such as Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Northwestern University, Christie’s Education, Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), and the University of Georgia.
Clemson University was founded in 1889. The school opened in 1893 as Clemson Agricultural College (CAC). On the first day of classes, CAC welcomed 446 students. Today, Clemson University serves approximately 28,750 students enrolled in more than 170 majors and minors, and 130+ graduate degree programs. Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
18. Mississippi State University, Starkville, University (Top 15% of colleges considered)
The Department of Art at Mississippi State University (MSU) is home to the state’s largest undergraduate Studio Art program. Housed in the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) and Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the program has concentrations in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, and Photography.
Leading to a BFA, the MSU Studio Art program requires 120 credit hours. The curriculum focuses on immersive studio experiences, hands-on studio learning, and professional internships. For admission to the Graphic Design concentration, Studio Art students must pass a portfolio review after completing The Foundation Program. Courses for the program include Design I-II; Three-Dimensional Design; Drawing I-II; Introduction to Computing for Art; and Fundamentals of Public Speaking.
Once admitted to the concentration, students will begin taking required courses such as Art History I-II; Printmaking Survey; Life Drawing; Painting Survey; and History of Graphic Design. Examples of upper division concentration cores and electives include Graphic Art Design I-II; Illustration; Advertising Design I-II; Graphic Design for the Internet; The Art of Typography Layout I-II; Advanced Print Production; Introduction to Multimedia I Design and Authoring; and Advanced Studio – Computer Art and Design.
The Graphic Design BFA Program at Mississippi State University culminates with the BFA thesis and senior presentation. Graduates of are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Potential titles include Advertising Graphic Designer, Brand Manager, Packaging Designer, Digital Publisher Interactive Designer, Art Director, UI/UX Designer, Book Illustrator, Exhibit Designers, Visual Information Specialist, Motion Designer, and Creative Director.
Mississippi State University was founded in 1878 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi. Today, this land-grant institution serves approximately 22,660 students enrolled in more than 175 programs across eight academic colleges. Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
19. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina (Top 15% of colleges considered)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) houses the College of Arts + Architecture (CoA+A). Serving 1,000 students, the CoA+A provides 33 degrees and concentrations across five departments. This includes the Department of Art and Art History—home to the Graphic Design Program.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and leading to a BFA, the program provides 24/7 access to state-of-the-art facilities in the Macy and Rowe Buildings; a project-based, interdisciplinary curriculum; participation in student organizations such as Midas Magazine, NinerDesigner, and the literary arts magazine Nova; and professional internships at places such as NASCAR, Goodwill Industries, Krispy Kreme, Saturday Brand, Charlotte Hornets, and Bechtler Museum.
All BFA students have opportunities to participate in faculty-led and other study abroad experiences such as the Creative Pilgrimage to Ireland Summer, with excursions to Dublin, Cliffs of Moh, and the Aran Islands; the Semester at E. Geppert Academy of Fine Arts & Design in Poland; the Exploration of Historical and Contemporary Ceramic Art in Limoges and Paris Spring Break Program; and the Biennial Summer Art/Art History Program in Rome.
Consisting of 120 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA at UNC Charlotte provides immersive study with 2/3 of required coursework in the major. Areas explored include advertising, design methods, branding, motion design, UX/UI, digital design, typography, web design, layout, design research, and print design. Elective courses allow students to explore other studio related disciplines such as animation, video editing, time-based media, and photography.
Course examples for the program include Graphic Design I-II; 3D Design; UX/UI Design Strategies; 4D; Typography I-II; Print Production; Communication Design; Art History Survey I-II; and Design Thinking. All students will also complete capstone courses that focus on the development of a semester-long thesis project, a public presentation, the creation of a personal portfolio, and self-promotion materials.
Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at UNC Charlotte are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as advertising, publications design, book design, web design, exhibit design, UI/UX design, public relations, animation, multimedia design, film and video, computer systems design, and digital photography.
Some top employers of UNC Charlotte alumni include Amazon, Lowe’s, IBM, Novant Health, Wells Fargo, Atrium Health, Passport, and Duke Energy.
Founded in 1946, University of North Carolina at Charlotte serves approximately 30,300 students, making it the third largest school in the 16-campus UNC System. This public research university provides more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across nine colleges. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
20. University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida (Top 15% of schools considered)
The College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) at University of North Florida (UNF) is home to the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Department has a Graphic Design and Digital Media program that leads to a BFA. This Specialized Admissions major features seminars and workshops; hands-on design projects for local businesses; the visiting artist series; internship opportunities at local design studios; and participation in two Senior Showcases in UNF Gallery Spaces.
All BFA students also have the opportunity to study abroad in places such as Rome, London, Paris, and Burgos, Spain.
The Graphic Design and Digital Media BFA at University of North Florida is a 120 credit hour program that explores areas such as packaging, advertising design, motion graphics, visual identities, and poster design. With 24 credits in the major and free electives, students have opportunities to explore other areas of art and design.
Course examples for the program include Type Communication; Graphic Symbols and Semiotics; Time-Based Media; UI and Interaction Design; Drawing I-II; GD: Process and Methods; Creativity and Critique; Graphic Design History; Evidence and Style; Digital Imaging Methods; and Art History Survey I-II.
In the final year of the UNF Graphic Design and Digital Media BFA program, COAS students will finalize their professional portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at advertising agencies, creative studios and design firms, web design companies, production studios, marketing firms, multimedia companies, public relations firms, museums, and in-house design departments.
Chartered in 1965, University of North Florida is one of 12 public universities in the State University System of Florida (SUSF). The school serves approximately 16,575 students enrolled in more than 100 degree programs across six colleges. University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
21. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida (Top 15% of colleges considered)
University of South Florida (USF) houses the College of the Arts. In 1956, the college was known as the Division of Fine Arts, within the College of Liberal Arts—one of the first four colleges at USF. In 1971, the division became its own college. Today, the College of the Arts is home to the Institute for Research in Art and four schools including, Art & Art History; Architecture & Community Design; Theatre & Dance; and Music.
The School of Art & Art History at USF is one of the most active colleges of art in the state. The school produces more than 250 events each year, including exhibitions, concerts, festivals, performances, masterclasses, and talks. The school also focuses on providing mentoring, hands-on education, and a variety of specializations within the BFA, MA, and MFA programs. Students also have access to minor and certificate programs.
For students interested in graphic design, the USF School of Art & Art History has a Graphic Arts BFA program with two concentrations: Illustration and Graphic Design. The Illustration concentration is designed for students who are interested in both graphic design and areas of fine art such as drawing and painting. The Graphic Design concentration focuses on print, image development, and screen-based graphics. Students in both concentration will take the same foundation and major core courses, with access to the same electives, and many other courses. Electives allow students to enhance the degree beyond the concentration.
Course examples across programs include History of Visual Arts I-II; Principles of Animation; Typography; Illustration I; Graphic Design; Digital Imaging; Design Signs and Symbols; Concepts and Practices I-II; Advanced Graphic Design; Intermediate Drawing; History of Graphic Design; Silkscreen; and Advanced Typography.
All Graphic Design students will take Graphic Interface and Motion Graphics and complete the Art and Art History internship. All Illustration students will take Advanced Illustration (nine credit hours) and Intermediate Printmaking OR Digital Printmaking. Students may complete an internship by selecting the Graphic Design: Internship course from available electives.
In the final year of the USF Graphic Arts program, all students will complete Graphic Design: Senior Studio; Senior Project: Research; and Senior Project: Portfolio. The program culminates with the design, organization, and promotion of an exhibition of the student's final senior project.
Graduates of the Graphic Arts program at University of South Florida are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Production Artist, UI/UX Designer, Illustrator, Logo Designer, Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Storyboard Artist, Design Consultant, Concept Artist, Comic Book Illustrator, Visual Artist, Packaging Designer, and 3D Modeler.
University of South Florida was founded in 1956. The school serves more than 50,000 students at its campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, Florida. USF provides over 240 undergraduate majors, and degree programs at the graduate, specialist, and doctoral levels across 14 colleges. University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
22. Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida (Top 15% of colleges considered)
Flagler College has a Graphic Design program with BFA and minor options. The 23 credit hour minor explores drawing, 2D concepts, and visual design. Course examples include Drawing and Composition I; Two-Dimensional Materials and Concepts; Visual Culture; Design Methodologies; and Visual Studio. The minor can be taken alone or with most majors at Flagler College.
The Graphic Design BFA is a professional degree program that requires 93 credit hours in the major and 14 elective hours that students can use to customize their studies. Throughout the program, students will complete a variety of studio projects that can be submitted to design competitions such as the AIGA Jacksonville Portfolio Review and the American Advertising Federation’s ADDY Awards.
Other program benefits include professional portfolio development; internship opportunities at places such as Cox Media Group and The Dalton Agency; the Art Study Abroad or Study Away New York electives; and connections to the Flagler creative community through the AIGA Flagler College Chapter.
Graphic Design BFA students will take courses such as Drawing and Composition I-II; Image Studio; Art History I-III; Three-Dimensional Materials and Concepts; Book Arts; Printmaking/Intaglio and Relief; Illustration I; Contemporary Drawing Practices; Screen Printing; Video Art; and Visual Culture.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Flagler College culminates with the Exhibit Portfolio courses (I and II), worth 12 credits. Program alumni are prepared to pursue design roles across industries or advanced studies at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, The American University of Paris, or Columbia University.
Flagler College graduates enjoy a 100% success rate. Alumni have been hired by places such as Lucas Films, Disney, Amazon, Walmart, CNN, Marvel, Wall Street Journal, Publix, and United Healthcare.
Flagler College was founded in 1968. This private, liberal arts college serves more than 2,100 students at the St. Augustine campus and approximately 180 the school’s Tallahassee location. Flagler provides 44 majors leading to a bachelor’s degree; two pre-professional programs; two master’s degree programs; and more than 40 minors across disciplines. Flagler College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
23. University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (Top 20% of colleges considered)
The Department of Art and Design at University of Memphis (UofM) is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Housed in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, the department provides more than 25 programs leading to a BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MAT, minor or certificate.
For students seeking careers in graphic design, the department has several options. Degree seekers can earn BFA, MFA, or accelerated BFA/MFA (ABM) degrees in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design.
For students seeking a shorter program, the Department of Art and Design has an 18 credit hour minor and a 12 credit hour graduate certificate. Courses for the Graphic Design minor include Typograpihc Design I-II; Computer Assisted Graphic Design; Visual Thinking; Image Design; Visual Thinking; and History of Graphic Design.
Launched in Fall 2021, the curriculum for the Graphic Design certificate explores the collaborative process, technology and interaction, and communication and methodology. Courses may be taken in any sequence and include Print Communication Design; Interactive Media Design; History of Graphic Design; and Writing/Design Process.
The Art BFA and MFA programs at University of Memphis explore print and digital design; industry-standard computer applications; visual communication; and creative solutions. Program features include access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; courses taught by instructors with professional and design education experience; and internship opportunities at creative studios, agencies, design firms, and companies.
The Art BFA: Graphic Design requires 120 credit hours and the MFA requires 60 credit hours. BFA students will complete 67 hours in the major. Course examples include Visual Thinking; Design Practice Studio; Typographic Design I-II; Computer Assisted Graphic Design; Print Communication Design; Interactive Media Design; Graphic Design Method; and History of Graphic Design.
The Art BFA: Graphic Design program culminates with the Graphic Design Portfolio course, which leads to an extended visual communication project; written proposal; preparation of comprehensive layouts; and oral/visual presentation of a final project.
The Art MFA: Graphic Design consists of 42 credit hours in 7000-level courses. Course examples include Problems in Graphic Design; Visual Communication Research; and Graduate Studio Seminar. Completed on a three-year, full-time schedule, the MFA culminates with a Thesis Exhibition.
The ABM at UofM allows exceptional undergraduates to begin coursework for the Art MFA during their junior year. This means, ABM students can complete both programs in a much shorter amount of time than it takes to complete the BFA and MFA separately.
Graduates of the Art: Graphic Design programs at University of Memphis are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Computer Graphic Designer, Design Director, Multimedia Artist, Digital Media Designer, 3D Artist, Packaging Designer, Layout Designer, Advertising Designer, Exhibit Designer, Brand Manager, User Experience (UX) Designer, Illustrator, Multimedia Producer, Concept Artist, Web Designer, and Digital Artist.
University of Memphis was established in 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School. This public research institution provides degrees in 375 areas of study across 13 colleges and schools. Serving approximately 21,735 students, UofM is the second largest university in Tennessee. University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
24. University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas (Top 20% of colleges considered)
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) is home to the School of Art and Design. Within the school are several paths to study graphic design. Degree seeking students can earn an Art BA or BFA in Studio Art. For students seeking a shorter path, the school has a 30 credit hour Graphic Design Technical Certificate.
Across programs, students have access to the Windgate Center of Art + Design (WCAD), which houses several galleries; collaborative classrooms; more than 15 studios; and state-of-the-art labs with a student work area within a 65,500 square foot facility. The WCAD is also LEED certified, with digital fabrication, woodworking, metal fabrication, and ceramics studios. Other program benefits include workshops, research opportunities, and mentorship.
The Graphic Design Technical Certificate explores typography; digital media; print and package design; drawing; motion graphics; computer applications in art; and photography. Students may select six credit hours from electives, allowing them to develop additional skills. Elective examples include Vector Graphics for Illustrators and Designers; Web Design; and Digital Imaging for Illustrators and Designers.
Upon completion of the Graphic Design Technical Certificate program, students will have a portfolio of their best work. Graduates are prepared to seek employment in fields such as user experience/user interface design (UX/UI), exhibition design, web design, product design, typeface design, and art direction.
The Art BA at UA Little Rock is a liberal arts degree that allows students to explore multiple areas of art and design. With a Studio Art concentration, the program highlights courses such as Introduction to Graphic Design; Computer Applications in Art; Introduction to Illustration; Printmaking Basics; Art Theory and Criticism; Two-Dimensional Design; World Art Survey I-III; Drawing: and Creative Invention. All BA students will select a minor. Examples include Digital Art; Studio Art; and Art History.
The Studio Art BFA at UA Little Rock has 10 emphasis areas. Examples include Graphic Design, Illustration, Printmaking, Drawing, and Photography. All areas require 12 credit hours selected from a list of sequence courses. Graphic Design courses include Typography; Print Design; Web Design; Package Design; and Advanced Problems in Design.
The Illustration emphasis also includes the Advanced Problems in Design course as well as graphic-design related courses such as Vector Graphics for Illustrators and Designers; Motion Graphics; Sequential Media; Visual Storytelling; and Digital Imaging for Illustrators and Designers.
All degree-seeking students will complete an internship with a professional artist, business, agency, or other organization OR the Professional Practice course. This course includes topics such as building a brand, marketing plans, business structures, legal concerns of the artist-entrepreneur, and managing visual assets. BFA students will also complete a final project (thesis) to include a portfolio of work, an artist’s statement, and thesis exhibition.
Students in the School of Art and Design also have opportunities to display their works in campus galleries such as the Brad Cushman Gallery and the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery.
Graduates of the Art: Graphic Design programs at University of Arkansas at Little Rock are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Examples include film and television, advertising, publishing, marketing, public relations, packaging, corporate branding, retail, media and communications, design consulting, research, and education. Potential employers include Google, Nike, CBS, Amazon, Under Armour, Aldi, Capital One, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Dell, General Motors, and Conagra.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock was founded in 1927 as Little Rock Junior College. The school became Little Rock University in 1957, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1969. This public research institution serves approximately 8,100 students enrolled 155 programs of study across seven colleges and departments. University of Arkansas at Little Rock is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school is also an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
25. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee (Top 20% of colleges considered)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC or UT Chattanooga) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), which houses 14 academic departments and over 70 degree programs. This is the largest college on the UTC campus. Within the CAS is the Department of Art (UTC Art) which provides a Graphic Design concentration for qualifying majors.
Leading to an Art BFA, the program features cooperative education assignments with partner companies; internships with local and national creative firms and studios; and access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment across five buildings on the UTC campus. Third and fourth year students also have access to private and shared studio spaces. Upper division students will participate in regular studio visits, faculty mentorship, and critiques.
The Art BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design consists of 120 credit hours of study. Course examples for the program include Expanded Drawing; Processes and Materials for Graphic Design; Typography I-II; Visual Literacy for Graphic Design; Space and Sequence; Interactive Media; Studio Processes; Graphic Design Workshop I-II; Design History; and Professional Practices in Graphic Design.
The Art: Graphic Design BFA program at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga culminates with a thesis project. In partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Department of Art hosts a Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Thesis Exhibition. All Graphic Design BFA students will have the opportunity to showcase their work at this annual public exhibition and artist lecture series.
Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at advertising agencies, magazines, book publishing firms, creative studios, marketing agencies, comic book publishers, newspapers, technology companies, web design studios, production studios (film and television), and public relations firms.
Founded in 1886, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga serves 11,380 students enrolled in over 250 undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate programs across five colleges and UTC Graduate School. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).