Top 25 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the Southwest – 2024 College Rankings

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

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

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

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

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

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Introduction to 2D and 3D; Typography; Interaction Design; Sketching; Design Research and Images in Communication; and History of Design.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baylor University (Baylor) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences. Within the college are 25 academic departments and eight academic centers and institutes, making it Baylor’s largest academic division. Established in 1919, the College of Arts and Sciences is also one of the school’s oldest units. The Department of Art and Art History here houses the Studio Art BA and BFA programs. Both allow students to focus in Graphic Design. 

Program features include smart classrooms; access to computer labs for graphic design and photography; state-of-the-art drawing, painting, and printmaking studios; and darkrooms. Course examples for the program include Typography; Digital Media for Graphic Design; Identity Design; Illustration; Package Design; Conceptual Development; Studio Topics in Graphic Design; Publication Design; and Web Design. 

All Studio Art students will complete the Internship in Studio Art and Portfolio Preparation courses. In addition to developing a portfolio of the student's best work, the Portfolio Preparation course covers interviewing, presentation skills, and job search strategies. 

Graduates of the Studio Art/Graphic Design programs at Baylor University work for advertising agencies, publishing companies, web design studios, newspapers and magazines, publishing firms, design studios, public relations firms, museums, and marketing firms. Some program alumni have launched their own design studios and advertising agencies, while others have gone on to teach or pursue graduate study. 

Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, Baylor University is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Serving approximately to 20,825 students, Baylor provides more than 250 degree programs across 12 academic divisions. Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school also earned the designation as a doctoral institution with “very high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education on December 16, 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The College of Arts & Media (CAM) at University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) houses a Digital Design program leading to a BFA or a minor. This option consists of 21 credit hours including courses such as Typography Studio; Interactive Media; Design Studio; 3D Motion Design; and History of Modern Design: Industrial Revolution-Present. The Digital Design minor can be added to any creative major. 

The Digital Design BFA program at CU Denver operates as a design laboratory with hands-on projects in graphic design, motion graphics, interactive media, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, and branding design. Led by professionals in the industry, course examples for the program include Fostering Creativity; 3D Motion Design; Typography I-II; Design Studio I-III; Art History; Interactive Media I-III; Introduction to Photography; and History of Modern Design. 

The CU Denver Digital Design BFA culminates with a thesis completed across two courses: Design Thesis Research and Design Theiss Project. 

Graduates of the Digital Design BFA at University of Colorado Denver are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Creative Director, Packaging Designer, UI/UX Designer, Video Editor, Exhibit Designer, Motion Graphic Artist, and Publications Designer. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as IBM, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Mozilla, Craftsy, Mercedes-Benz, JILA, Hewlett Packard, Unity, Fruition, Dire Wolf, and JILA. 

University of Colorado Denver opened in 1912 as an extension of University of Colorado Boulder. The school became CU Denver in 1973, making it an independent campus. Today, University of Colorado Denver serves 15,000 students enrolled in more than 110 degree programs across eight colleges and schools. University of Colorado Denver is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Utah State University (USU) is home to Caine College of the Arts (CCA). Within the college is the Department of Art and Design, which houses the Art BFA with a Graphic Design emphasis, and the Art MFA with a specialization in Graphic Design. 

Across programs, students have opportunities to complete an internship and/or co-op; annual study trips to places such as Scotland, Korea, Switzerland, or Germany; and participation in the weekly Hashimoto Communication Arts Seminar, which attracts local and regional designers. 

The Graphic Design BFA at USU requires 120 credit hours of study. Course examples include Two-Dimensional Design; Advanced Branding/Packaging Design; Illustration Concepts; Book Cover Design; Typography; Graphic Interface Design I-II; Type, Image, and Visual Continuity; and Motion Design. 

In the final semester of the Graphic Design BFA program at Utah State University students will complete the Senior Capstone course. Through lectures, critiques, and studio work, students will create a professional portfolio of their best work. The course culminates with the Annual Senior BFA Exhibition. 

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles at places such as design studios, advertising agencies, book publishing companies, museums, packaging firms, marketing companies, film and television studios, newspaper and magazine publishers, public relations firms, web design studios, and museums. 

Some program alumni go on to teach or launch their own studios, while others go on to pursue a graduate degree, such as the USU Art MFA. 

The three-year, 60 credit hour Art MFA with a Graphic Design specialization consists of advanced coursework in print and publication design, symbols, illustration, trademarks, typography, interactive media, motion graphics, digital imaging, and layout. Other program benefits include designated studio space; opportunities to develop skills in other areas such as Human-Computer Interface (HCI) Design; and the Design Thinking partnership with USU’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. 

The Art MFA program at Utah State University culminates with the Thesis Exhibition and Professional Portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as corporate branding, advertising, user experience (UX) design, publishing, film and television, museums, packaging, HCI design, public relations, user interface (UI) design, and web design. 

Founded March 8, 1888 as the Agricultural College of Utah, Utah State University is the state’s only land- grant institution. The school has eight statewide campuses that serve approximately 28,065 students enrolled in more than 400 programs across eight colleges. Utah State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Northern Arizona University (NAU) houses the School of Communication. Within the school is a Visual Communication program with an emphasis in Graphic Design. Leading to a BFA, the program features studio classes; a collaborative learning environment; multidisciplinary study; the opportunity to work on real-world projects in the campus-based VisualDESIGNlab and the Advanced Media Lab; off-campus internships at an agency or organization; and study abroad experiences in places such as Bolivia, Italy, and Prague. 

The Visual Communication BFA at NAU requires 120 credit hours with 70 units in the major. This includes 30 units of emphasis requirements. The program explores motion graphics, branding, interactivity, color, multimedia, photography, type and symbols, digital imagery, animation, and project management. Course examples include Graphic Design I-V; Introduction to Relief Printmaking; Color Theory; Advanced Graphic Design Topics; New Media Foundations; Lithography Printmaking; Typography I-II; Visual Communication Studios; Visual Design Lab; and Drawing Fundamentals. 

The final course for the program is Graphic Design Senior Portfolio. During this culminating experience, students will analyze, develop, and prepare a professional portfolio and written capstone statement. Self-promotion, resume, visual documentation, and an oral presentation are also required. 

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design BFA program at Northern Arizona University are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as advertising, game design, technology, publishing, marketing, animation, retail, web design, film and television, social media, research, and education. Program alumni have been hired at places such as L’Oréal, Google, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike, Amazon Games, IBM, GAP, IBM, Citigroup, GoDaddy, Teva, Motorola, and Yahoo. 

Founded in 1899 as Northern Arizona Normal School (NANS), Northern Arizona University is a public, doctoral university that serves approximately 28,195 enrolled in more than 400 programs across 17 colleges and schools. Northern Arizona University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Arts and Sciences at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is school’s the largest college. With more than 6,000 enrolled, Arts and Sciences houses 24 academic departments, including the Department of Art. Within the department are several paths to study graphic design. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BA or BFA in Studio Art. 

Both options are interdisciplinary, allowing students to gain a broad understanding of graphic design, printmaking, photography, painting, drawing, and more. The BA requires 120-122 credit hours and the BFA requires 120. Across programs, students will take courses such as Introduction to Graphic Design; Drawing I; Professional and Technical Communication; Painting I; Writing in Art; Introduction to Photography; History of Art I-II; Introduction to Printmaking; and Studio Core I: Concept Development--Process and Play. BFA students may also select 8-10 credit hours of electives in graphic design or other areas.

Studio Art BA and BFA students may participate in the NMSU Office of Experiential Learning (OEL) Co-op/Internship Program. Each year, more than 100 employer’s hire NMSU students to complete a co-op experience or internship. Examples include Disney, Amazon, Tyson Foods, GEICO, NASA, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Goldman Sachs, and the City of Las Cruces. Some co-ops and internships are paid. 

The Studio Art BA culminates with a final project and professional portfolio. The BFA program culminates with the capstone class and Senior Thesis Exhibition. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design program at New Mexico State University are prepared to pursue design roles in areas such as book design, branding, advertising, packaging design, film and television, publication design, exhibit design, marketing, app design, web design, and public relations. 

Founded in 1888 as Las Cruces College, New Mexico State University is a NASA Space Grant College that serves approximately 21,800 students across the Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Dona Ana, and Grants campuses. Approximately 14,780 students are enrolled at the school’s main campus in Las Cruces. NMSU students have access to more than 330 programs across all campuses. New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The School of Arts and Humanities at St. Edwards University (St. Edward’s) houses the Department of Visual Studies and the Graphic Design major. A 24 credit hour Graphic Design minor is also available and open to current students in any major.

Across programs, students have opportunities to work on projects for Hilltop Views—the campus newspaper, or campus publications such as Arete or Sorin Oak Review. Students may also participate in on-campus exhibitions and join graphic design student organizations such as Command G, which hosts workshops, roundtables, and studio visits. 

The Graphic Design BA at St. Edward’s is a 120 credit hour program that combines foundations coursework, visual studies, graphic design, and art. Students will complete 49 hours of major courses and 57 hours of general education courses. Students can reach the required 120 hours through electives in an additional area (or areas) of interest. 

Course examples for the program include Creativity and Making; Studio I-II; Visual Studies Seminar; rt History I-II; Foundation Art and Design; Typography I-II; Design History and Theory; Lab I-II; Professional Practices; Internship; and Special Topics in Graphic Design. 

The internship course (GDES 4350) is a required component of the St. Edwards Graphic Design program. Recent internship placements include Houndstooth Studio, Bakery—a creative and technology agency, Chaotic Moon Studios, and Realty Austin. 

The Graphic Design BA program at St. Edward’s program culminates with a final project completed over two courses: Senior Studio I and Senior Studio II. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles at places such as advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, design studios, packaging firms, film and television studios, web design companies, and public relations firms. Program alumni are also prepared to launch their own studios or freelance businesses or pursue graduate study. 

Companies that have hired St. Edward’s Graphic Design graduates include Visa, USAA, The Barbarian Group, FODA Studio, Mighty Arsenal, Chaotic Moon Studio, Houndstooth Studio, Accomplice, Mood Media, James Avery Artisan Jewelry, and Blackbaud. 

Founded in 1885, St. Edward’s University serves approximately 3,310 students enrolled in more than 100 majors, minors, and certificate programs across four schools and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies. St. Edward’s University is accredited by the is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

The School of Design at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is part of the UCO College of Fine Art and Design. Within the school is a Graphic Design program leading to a BFA or a minor. Established in 2001 and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the program is the largest of its kind between Kansas City and North Texas. 

The Graphic Design minor is an option component of a student’s degree. The program requires 24 credit hours, including courses such as Design Foundations I-IV; Print Media and Market; Graphic Design I; Design in Global Culture; History of Graphic Design III; Typography; and Computer Graphics I. With approval, the minor can be added to most majors. 

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Central Oklahoma takes place in a simulated studio environment. Consisting of 124 credit hours, the program requires 80 credits in the major. Courses explore areas such as advertising, package design, computer graphics, and more. 

Course examples include Design Foundations I-IV; Package Design; Computer Graphics I-IV; Advanced Typography; Illustration I; Production for Graphic Design; History of Graphic Design I-III; Interaction Design; and Internship in Design (required). To enhance the degree, students may take electives such as Bookmaking and Prototyping; Design Oklahoma; Advanced Bookmaking; Design Entrepreneurship; and Study Tour in Design. Note that students may complete more than one work experience. 

All Graphic Design BFA students will complete 18 credit hours of professional preparation courses. Examples include InkTank; Character Design; Advertising Design; Illustration for Children’s Books; Advanced Letterpress; ClockTower Studio; Portfolio Development; and Advanced Portfolio Development. The program culminates with a final project and show. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at University of Central Oklahoma are prepared to pursue design roles in areas such as book publishing, advertising, package design, commercial design, newspaper and magazine publishing, film and television, web design, and public relations.

Some program alumni designers go on to pursue graduate study, such as the Design MFA at UCO. This 60 credit hour program features courses such as History of Graphic Design I-III; Business of Design and Illustration; Typography Studio; Teaching Design; Design Studio I-IV; Visualization Studio; Design Research Methods; Computer Graphics Studio; Teaching Design; Criticism Seminar; Internship in Design; and Portfolio Development. 

The Design MFA program at University of Central Oklahoma culminates with the Thesis in Design course. Graduates are prepared to pursue teaching, research, consulting, and leadership roles across industries. 

Serving approximately 12,150 students, University of Central Oklahoma is the largest metropolitan university in the state. Founded in 1890 as Oklahoma’s state teaching college, the school provides more than 170 academic programs across six colleges, one institute, and UCO Connected. University of Central Oklahoma is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).