| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 2 | Arizona State University | Arizona |
| 3 | University of North Texas | Texas |
| 4 | Brigham Young University | Utah |
| 5 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 6 | Texas State University | Texas |
| 7 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 8 | University of Houston | Texas |
| 9 | Texas Tech University | Texas |
| 10 | Baylor University | Texas |
| 11 | Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma |
| 12 | Colorado State University | Colorado |
| 13 | University of Arizona | Arizona |
| 14 | University of Colorado Denver | Colorado |
| 15 | Texas Christian University | Texas |
| 16 | University of Texas at Arlington | Texas |
| 17 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Nevada |
| 18 | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Colorado |
| 19 | Utah State University | Utah |
| 20 | Northern Arizona University | Arizona |
| 21 | New Mexico State University | New Mexico |
| 22 | Sam Houston State University | Texas |
| 23 | University of Central Oklahoma | Oklahoma |
| 24 | University of Northern Colorado | Colorado |
| 25 | St. Edward’s University | Texas |
Our 2025 ranking of the Top 25 Graphic Design School Programs in the Southwest. We considered over 70 colleges in the Southwest with graphic design programs for this year's rankings. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here. For ranking purposes, we define the Southwest as Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona.
The School of Design and Creative Technologies at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the Design Department. Within the department is a Design Program with BA, BFA, and MFA options. A three-month, 100% online Graphic Design certificate program is available through UT Austins Center for Professional Education at UT Austin. All Design students benefit from project-based courses taught by industry professionals; dedicated studio spaces; fabrication labs; and partnerships with places such as IBM, McKinsey & Company, and Logitech. Design alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, The New York Times, Apple, Meta, Gensler, Deloitte, Razorfish, and H-E-B Digital.
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include the Design BS (BSD) in Graphic Design; the Graphic Information Technology BS (GITBS) and MS (GITMS); and the Design MS (Visual Communication Design). Across programs, students benefit from projects that focus on areas such as interaction design, motion graphics, branding, animation, and publication design; access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Digital Creative Studio, MIX Center, and Fab Lab, among others; internships with major companies and studios; and more than 300 global study options. ASU Design and GIT alumni have gone on to establish careers at places such as Amazon, Google, Intel, Apple, GoDaddy, UNICEF, Banner Health, and American Airlines.
The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) houses the Design Department, which provides a Communication Design BFA with Graphic Design and User-Experience Design (UX Design) tracks. Students in both tracks have the option to add a minor such as Printmaking; New Media Art; Photography; or Art History. The program culminates with a portfolio of the student’s best work. UNT design graduates can be found at places such as Microsoft, Nike, IBM, Disney, Apple, IDEO, Goldman Sachs, BBDO, Starbucks, Intuit, BMW, PepsiCo, Nieman Marcus, Fossil, and Capital One.
The Design Department at Brigham Young University (BYU) houses a limited enrollment Graphic Design BFA and a Graphic Design Fundamentals (GDF) certificate program. The flexible GDF certificate can be applied to the school’s BAS in Professional Studies (BAS PS) program. In addition to these programs, BYU’s Idaho location provides a Graphic Design BA degree with three emphasis options including Branding and Identity Design; UX/UI Design; and Surface and Pattern Design. Across programs, students will complete an internship and capstone project to graduate. BYU design alumni have been hired at places such as Apple, IBM, Google, Microsoft, HP, Adobe, Disney, PwC, Amazon, RTX, and Cisco.
University of Utah’s (The U) College of Fine Arts houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA that features workshops led by guest lecturers; advanced seminar courses; and studio electives that allow students to focus in other areas of design. All students will complete a portfolio and professional resume to graduate. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, museums, and universities. The U alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Pixar, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Adobe, Mariott International, American Express, Oakley, Atari, and JetBlue.
Texas State University (Texas State) has several paths to study graphic design including the Communication Design (ComDes) BFA and MFA, and the Art and Design minor. All programs take place in the Joann Cole Mitte Art and Design Building, which provides access to state-of-the-art labs and photography studios. Students also benefit from internship experiences in Texas and abroad; opportunities to earn publishing credits in trade journals such as Communication Arts, PRINT, and Logo Lounge; seminars; the visiting artists series; immersive workshops; and graduate assistantships. Texas State design graduates have been hired at places such as Disney, Cisco, Google, DDB, Amazon, Dell, Microsoft, Apple, USAA, IBM, Adidas, Deloitte, Verizon, Meta, H-E-B Digital, GSD&M, and Ascension.
The School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (Texas A&M) houses a Visualization (Viz) program that provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Visualization BS (BS-Viz), which highlights a mandatory semester abroad in places such as Italy or the UK; a Graphic Design minor; the MS-Viz, with thesis and non-thesis options; and one of the few programs of its kind in the U.S. and the only program of its kind in Texas—the MFA-Viz. All students benefit from collaborative, project-based studios; participation in design competitions; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. Graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Pixar, Amazon, IBM, Disney, ESPN, Boeing, AT&T, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, Dell, Axiom, and H-E-B Digital.
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 and MFA programs. Across programs, students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration; site-specific projects; dedicated facilities; 24/7 access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; internship opportunities; and participation in the BLOCK Program, which allows students to interact with professional artists and designers. The BFA culminates with a final project and portfolio to be presented at the annual Graphic Design Senior Exhibit. The MFA culminates with a thesis exhibition at University of Houston’s Blaffer Art Museum. Uh Graphic Design graduates have been hired at places such as The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFA H) Minuteman Press, Versa Creative, Page Southerland Page, FDI Creative Services, and NOV Inc.
Texas Tech University’s (TTU) School of Art houses an Art BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. Areas explored include branding, emerging technologies, typography, interactive design, and publication. Program highlights include collaborative projects and workshops; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; internships and study abroad opportunities in 50 locations; and guest artists. Graduates have gone on to secure positions at places such as The New York Times, IBM, Nike, Apple, PepsiCo, Southwest Airlines, Condé Nast Traveler, Fossil, Old Navy, Wired, M.A.C. Cosmetics and Fidelity.
Baylor University (Baylor) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences. Established in 1919 and housing 25 departments, the college is one of Baylor’s oldest and largest units. Students seeking a degree in graphic design have two options—the Studio Art BA with a concentration in Graphic Design and the Graphic Design BFA. Across programs, students benefit from mandatory internships; smart classrooms; access to state-of-the-art computer labs and production studios; and portfolio preparation courses that cover interviewing, presentation skills, and job search strategies. Graduates have been hired at places such as Deloitte, IBM, The New York Times, Disney, ESPN, Amazon, the Dallas Symphony, Meta, AT&T, and Dell.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) houses the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History, which has two paths to study graphic design: the Art BFA with a Graphic Design option and a Graphic Design MFA. OSU’s Institute of Technology (OSUIT) has an additional option—the Graphic Design Technology AAS. The MFA is the only graduate program in Oklahoma that specializes in interaction design, visual communications, and motion design. Students in all programs benefit from 24/7 access to design studios and computer labs; collaborative projects; and internship opportunities. Graduates have been hired at places such as Museum of East Texas, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Red Bull North America, IBM, Apple, Cisco Systems, Dell, Walmart, Halliburton, and the FDIC.
The College of Liberal Arts at Colorado State University (CSU or Colorado State) houses one of the school’s largest academic departments—Art and Art History. Within the department are the Art Studio BFA and MFA programs. The BFA has a Graphic Design concentration. The MFA has a Graphic Design specialization. Students in both programs benefit from participation in the biennial Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition (CIIPE); opportunities to exhibit work and give presentations at regional and national venues; access to state-of-the art production facilities; and open-studio tours. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Deloitte, Microsoft, Nike, Google, Leo Burnett, The New York Times, IBM, Crispin, Condé Nast, and UCHealth.
The School of Art at University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Design Arts and Practices (DAP) BA with an emphasis in Visual, Object or Spatial Design, and a Studio Art BFA and MFA with an Illustration, Design and Animation (IDA) emphasis. All students benefit from opportunities to complete an internship at places such as the Tucson Museum of Art or Center for Creative Photography; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as London, Rome, and Sydney. DAP and IDA graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, Disney, Fastsigns, Netflix, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pixar, Target, and Warner Bros.
The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) has several paths to study graphic design. Options include BFA degrees in Digital Design, and 3D Graphics and Animation, and the 21 credit hour Digital Design minor. The Digital Design BFA operates as a design laboratory led by industry professionals. Students engage in hands-on projects in areas from graphic design and motion graphics, to interactive media and branding design. 3D Graphics and Animation students work and learn in the state-of-the-art Digital Animation Center (DAC). Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Apple, IBM, Pixar, Google, HP, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Lucasfilm, NBCUniversal, Disney, Warner Bros., American Express, Sony, Rolling Stone, Netflix, Mercedes-Benz, and Nickelodeon.
The College of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University (TCU) houses the Department of Design. Within the department are two paths to study graphic design including the Graphic Design BFA and the Design Studies BS. Across programs, students benefit from the mandatory TCU Design Internship, which includes opportunities in places such as London, New York, Taiwan, and Chicago; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and the option to add a minor or second major. Programs culminate with a final project and presentation. Graduates can be found at places such as Apple, Pentagram, the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Loyalkaspar (LK), PACE, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Stantec, and Twilio.
The College of Liberal Arts (CoLA) at University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is home to the Art and Art History Department (AAHD). Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department houses the Art BA, BFA, and MFA programs. BA and BFA students may concentrate in Visual Communication Design. MFA students may focus in Design. Other program features include internship opportunities; access to state-of-the-art facilities; and award-winning advisors. BA and BFA students will complete a portfolio and presentation to graduate. The MFA program culminates with a thesis project and exhibition. Graduates have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, the American Heart Association (AHA), Fidelity, American Airlines, Infosys, Toyota, and Exxon.
The Department of Art at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) houses a Graphic Design and Media BS program that focuses on graphic arts, visual design, and media. For students seeking a shorter path, UNLV has a Graphic Design certificate program. The studio-based BS highlights workshops; internship opportunities; study abroad experiences; and interactions with visiting artists. For the culminating experience, students will create works for a final portfolio and website; build a resume; and design promotional materials such as logos, letterhead, and business cards. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as Tesla, MGM Resorts, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and ITS Logistics.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) has two paths to study graphic design. Options include the Graphic Design BFA and an Illustrative Design BFA that blends graphic design, data visualization, branding, and motion design with illustration. Both programs feature hands-on projects for real-world clients; internship opportunities; teaching engagements and presentations led by design professionals; immersive workshops; and the option to complete the courses 100% online or through the hybrid online/campus pathway. Graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Dell, IBM, Marvel, KPMG, Deloitte, Pixar, EY, Accenture, Disney, and Deck Nine Games.
Caine College of the Arts (CCA) at Utah State University (USU) houses the Department of Art and Design. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA and an Art MFA with a specialization in Graphic Design. Across programs, students have the opportunity to participate in the co-op program and annual study trips to places such as Switzerland, Germany, and Korea. In addition to co-op opportunities, students may complete a professional internship. All students also benefit from the weekly Hashimoto Communication Arts Seminar, which attracts local and regional designers; studio work; and critiques. Graduates will present final works at an exhibition. Program alumni go on to land positions at places such as Apple, Under Armour, Nestle, Deloitte, General Mills, American Express, and Goldman Sachs.
The Visual Communication BFA program at Northern Arizona University (NAU) explores interactivity, multimedia, animation, motion graphics, photography, and more. Housed in the School of Communication, the program also has two emphasis areas, including Graphic Design and Animation. Other program highlights include opportunities to work on real-world projects in the campus-based VisualDESIGNlab and the Advanced Media Lab; study abroad experiences in places such as Prague and Italy; a collaborative learning environment with immersive studios; and professional off-campus internships. Graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, Google, L’Oréal, IBM, Deloitte, Yahoo!, Gap, Motorola, Nike, Citigroup, Abercrombie & Fitch, Vanguard, GoDaddy, Cigna, Teva, and Groupon.
The Department of Art at New Mexico State University (NMSU) provides two paths to study graphic design: the Studio Art BA and BFA. These interdisciplinary programs explore graphic design, media arts, printmaking, photography, drawing, and art history. Course examples include Intro to Graphic Design; Digital and Analog Drawing; Intro to Printmaking; and Formal Structure Tools and Techniques (Studio). Other program features include access to the state-of-the-art Graphic Design and Media Arts Lab; paid co-op experiences or internship opportunities at places such as Lockheed Martin, Disney, Amazon, NASA, and IBM; and the Senior Thesis Exhibition. NMSU Art and Design graduates have been hired by the U.S. Navy and at places such as Disney, GM, First American Bank, Abbot Laboratories, and Merck.
The College of Arts and Media at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA) and an 18 credit hour Graphic Design minor. This option is available to students in all other majors. BFA students have the option to add another complementary minor or teaching certification. Other program benefits include workshops and portfolio critiques led by professional designers; professional internships; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with the Graphic Design Senior Show at the University Art Gallery. Graduates of have gone on to establish careers at places such as Disney, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Fastsigns.
The School of Design at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) is home to the Graphic Design Program, which has BFA and minor options. 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. Program highlights include the mandatory internship; the Study Tour in Design elective; and advanced portfolio development courses. The program culminates with a final project and show. Graduates have been hired by the Oklahoma City Thunder and at places such as Apple, Hobby Lobby, Fulton Brewing Company, Griffin Media, the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, and Paycom.
The School of Art and Design at University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has two paths to study graphic design. Options include the Graphic Design BA and the Art and Design MA. BA students have the option to add the Arts Entrepreneurship certificate. Students may also participate in the Exhibition Program; the American Advertising Federation (AAF); and the Southard Art Awards Competition. Courses for the Art and Design MA are taught as studios. Examples include Computer Graphics; Integrated Media Arts; Multimedia in Arts; and Printmaking. The culminating experiences for the programs are the Senior Project (BA), and the Research Capstone (MA). UNC alumni go on to land positions at places such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, Delta Air Lines, Boston Scientific, NVIDIA, Toyota, P&G, and Novo Nordisk.
The Department of Visual Studies at St. Edwards University (St. Edward’s) houses the Graphic Design BA and minor programs. Both options highlight hands-on experiences in shared interdisciplinary labs and studios; opportunities to work with campus publications such as Sorin Oak Review, Arete, and Hilltop Views; and coursework that explores motion graphics, publishing, design history, typography, image making, and experimental design. The BA culminates with a thesis. Graduates have been hired at places such as The New York Times, Amazon, USAA, Deloitte, H-E-B, Meta, Whole Foods, and the Texas Senate.
