| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston University | Boston |
| 2 | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Boston |
| 3 | Lesley University | Cambridge |
| 4 | Northeastern University | Boston |
| 5 | Wheaton College | Norton |
Our 2024 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Massachusetts. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Boston University (BU) is home to the College of Fine Arts, which houses the School of Visual Arts. Within the school are three paths to study Graphic Design: the BFA, MFA, and certificate. All options are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Established in 1954, the School of Visual Arts at Boston University houses state-of-the-art facilities such as Media Center, Computer Labs, and Darkrooms; the Engineering Production Innovation Center (EPIC); and the Visual Arts Resource Library. As part of the SVA, Graphic Design students also benefit from seminars, professional internship opportunities, and visiting artists and designers.
The BU SVA Graphic Design programs consist of workshops, immersive studio experiences, and a variety of electives and minors that complement all curriculums. Elective examples include Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Exhibition Design, Experience Design, Motion Graphics, and Design for the Web.
Other program benefits include partnerships with area design studios and businesses that lead to internships and employment; participation in a two-week design intensive in Amsterdam; and a two-week Printmaking workshop at the Franz Masareel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Studio Arts program in Venice, Italy, which consists of 16-18 credit hours in graphic design, drawing, painting, printmaking, art history, and sculpture. Courses are held at Boston University’s Venice Center, with some electives provided off-site at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.
Consisting of 132 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA is a cross-disciplinary program that begins with first-year foundation courses. In the following years of the program, students can select courses from the College of Communication; Innovate@BU; the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences; Hariri Institute for Computing; and Questrom School of Business. The program culminates with the thesis project and end-of-year exhibition at the Boston University Art Galleries.
Consisting of 60 credit hours, the Graphic Design MFA program provides 24/7 access to individual private studios. Through BU’s partnership with AIGA Boston, MFA students also have opportunities to network with industry leaders through visits to local studios and campus events.
Of the 60 required credit hours for the program, 32 are in graduate graphic design courses. Other requirements include Graphic Design Theory I-II; Graduate Typography; and History of Graphic Design. Twelve required elective credits allow students to explore additional areas within and outside of design.
The BU Graphic Design certificate program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree and little to no experience in graphic design. This one-year, intensive program requires 30 credit hours of study including core studios, typography, and electives. Graduates are prepared for positions in the design industry or entry into the BU Graphic Design MFA program.
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Boston University have worked with companies such as Converse, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), and Free People. Some program alumni go on to launch their own design studios or freelance businesses.
Boston University dates back to 1839, where it began as the Newbury Biblical Institute. Officially chartered in 1869, the school serves approximately 37,560 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 22 colleges, divisions, and schools. With 10,000 faculty and staff and a 175-acre campus that houses close to 3,000 buildings, laboratories, classrooms, and libraries, BU is Boston’s largest employer. Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is located in the heart of Boston’s arts district. The school houses nearly a million square feet of studio, exhibition, living, and classroom spaces, as well as state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. All MassArt students also benefit from the school’s industry partnerships; MassArt Art Museum (MAAM); and internship opportunities with other local museums, design studios, galleries, businesses, and performance venues.
For students seeking a career in Graphic Design, MassArt has a Communication Design BFA and a fully remote Communication Design certificate program consisting of three stackable certificates (levels) that can be completed in just over two years. Course examples include Graphic Design I-III; User Experience (UX) Design; Typography; Print Production Workshop; and Advanced Interactive Projects.
In Level 3 of the certificate program, students will complete a final portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue immediate employment at advertising agencies, design studios, interactive agencies, web design companies, and non-profits as Graphic Designers, UI/UX Designers, Brand Strategists, Product Designers, and Visual Designers, among others. Graduates may also apply to the MassArt Communication Design BFA program.
The BFA explores advertising, publication design, user experience design, branding and package design, interactive communication, web and app design, and information design. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design I-IV; Advanced Web Projects; Typography I-III; Advertising and Art Direction; Print Production Workshop; Experimental Book Arts; Identity Systems; Tools for Web and App Development; Lettering in Design; Information Architecture; Programming for Designers; Poster Design; and Type Design.
MassArt Communication Design students will also complete several design studio courses; Professional Practice; Independent Study; and Advanced Projects I-II. Other program features include hands-on studio courses led by active industry; readings and presentations; Letterpress Studio; and collaborative projects.
The Communications Design BFA program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design culminates with the Senior Design Portfolio and Senior Degree Project courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, book publishing, public relations, marketing, print media, entertainment, web development, multimedia, animation, and social media.
Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own creative studios and design firms, while others have started their own freelance businesses or pursued graduate study.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first and only public college of art and design. Founded in 1873, the school serves approximately 1,940 students enrolled more than 40 degree, minor, and certificate programs. Approximately 155 continuing education students are enrolled in over 100 classes and workshops in all areas of art and design. Massachusetts College of Art and Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). MassArt is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The College of Art and Design at Lesley University (Lesley) is a professional art school accredited by the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD). The college is one of just three schools in a larger university to be accredited by the association.
Serving approximately 700 students, Lesley College of Art and Design features small class sizes; a 92% placement rate; and opportunities to combine art and design or liberal arts majors, with one of 45 minors, or a second major. Examples include: Fine Arts + Business Management/Brand Design and Marketing; Graphic Design + Political Science; Visual Narrative + History; and Animation + Creative Writing.
Examples of formal programs include Animation and Motion Media; Graphic Design; Interactive Design; Illustration; Game Design and Immersive Technology; Photography; and Visual Narrative.
The Graphic Design program has two options: the BFA and a certificate. A major component of the Graphic Design BFA program is the design or community design internship. This core requirement provides opportunities to work at places such as New Balance, American Repertory Theater, Puma, Hasbro, Rue La La, and Arnold Worldwide.
Consisting of 123 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA at Lesley requires 45 credits of core courses; 12 credits in foundations; nine credits of design and media electives; 15 art history credits; 27 general education electives; and 15 credits in free electives. Course examples for the program include Visual Communication I-III; Drawing Intensive; Typography I-III; Language of Design; 3D Concepts; Junior Design Studio; Interactive Workshop; Visual Culture Seminar; Art Across Borders; and Professional Practices.
Elective options provide additional opportunities to develop skills in other in-demand areas of art and design. Elective examples include Principles of Animation; Letterpress Studio; Screenprinting I; Digital Filmmaking Techniques 1; Visual Books; Storyteller: Introduction to Digital Filmmaking; Principles of Illustration; Assemblage/Mixed Media; Color and Composition; Wood Working; and Abstract Drawing.
Other electives, such as Graphic Design London, allow students to study overseas during spring break.
Like students in all Lesley programs, students in the Graphic Design BFA can craft a creative combination by pursuing a second major or minor. These creative combinations can lead to interesting roles that combine art with other in-demand areas. Examples include Graphic Design + Political Science = Urban Planner or Graphic Design + Sports Marketing and Management = Senior Designer for On-Field Jerseys and Apparel.
In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at Lesley University, students will spend a semester in the Design Senior Portfolio course. Set up as a studio, the course consists of resume-building, crafting business cards and a website, and developing a professional portfolio.
The final course in the program is the Design Senior Capstone course, culminating with a presentation of works to a jury of professionals from the design community.
The Graphic Design certificate at Lesley University is a fully online, post-baccalaureate program that consists of 18 credit hours. Courses are delivered in accelerated eight-week terms. Required courses include Visual Communication I; Language of Design; Typography I-III; and History of Modern Design. The Graphic Design Certificate program can be completed in one year, part-time.
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Lesley University are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Possible job titles include Commercial Graphic Designer, Packaging Designer, Book Illustrator, Publications Designer, Advertising Designer, Wayfinding Signage Designer, Brand Manager, Web Designer, Information Designer, Creative Director, Exhibit Designer, and Mobile App Designer.
Lesley University was founded in 1909 by educational leader Edith Lesley. Today, the school serves more than 6,000 students making it the largest educator of teachers and counselors in New England. As a professionally-focused liberal arts college, Lesley provides more than 100 different programs across four colleges. Lesley University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
The College of Arts, Media and Design (CAMD) at Northeastern University (Northeastern) houses the Division of Design and the Division of Creative Media. Across divisions, students may participate in the student-led design studio SCOUT; the Center for Design—a space for collaborative design research; the Design for Dignity Studio course; and the Northeastern University Visualization Consortium (NUVis), which sponsors talks, seminars, workshops, hackathons, and student poster exhibitions.
The CAMD Division of Design at Northeastern houses 10 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For students interested in a career in graphic design, the division has a Graphic and Information Design BFA that provides co-op opportunities in design and media; mews and publishing; food and beverage; fashion and travel; health care and pharmaceuticals; financial and business; arts; and education.
Examples of participating companies include NBC Universal, Dana-Faber Cancer Institute, New Balance, The TJX Companies, Ogilvy, Thomas Reuters, Reebok International, The Boston Globe, The Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Beer Company, edX, City of Boston, MassDOT/MBTA, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, AutoDesk, Fidelity Investments, and Education First.
In addition to co-op experiences, all Northeastern University CAMD students have the opportunity to complete an internship and/or study abroad at the University of Arts London and Central Saint Martins. Other study abroad options include a semester in places such as Rome, Ireland, Cuba, or Berlin.
Students in the Design BFA Program at Northeastern University will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work.
At the graduate level, Division of Design students can earn an MFA, MS, or certificate in Information Design and Data Visualization. All options prepare students for positions such as Graphic Designer, User Experience Designer, Product Manager, Futuristic Product Designer, Creative Director, Design Strategist, Design Consultant, and Exhibition Designer.
The Information Design and Data Visualization programs at Northeastern University are STEM-designated. All options feature studio courses; opportunities to create focus areas through electives; seminars; visiting artists and researchers; and workshops. The MFA and MS programs provide the opportunity to participate in the co-op program. Examples of participating companies for graduate students include the Broad Institute, Philips Research, Thomas Reuters, and MassDOT/MBTA.
The 60 credit hour Information and Data Visualization MFA explores design, programming, data analysis, and research methods. Course and elective examples include Graphic Design Synthesis; Visual Communication for Information Design; Prototyping for Experience Design; Telling Your Story with Data; Design Studio: Dynamic Mapping Methods; Notational Systems for Experience; and Designing Extended Realities (XR).
In the final year of the Information Design and Data Visualization MFA at Northeastern University, students will complete three requirements including the Critical Design and Research Seminar; the Thesis course; the Design Project and Exhibition. Students can complete the MFA program in two years.
Available at Northeastern University’s Boston and Vancouver, British Columbia campuses, the Information Design and Data Visualization MS is a one-year, 32 credit hour program that explores areas such as design process, user testing, user-scenario mapping and observation, human factors, programming, and data physicalization. MS students will take many of the same courses as students in the MFA program. The program culminates with a thesis project that may be presented at festivals, conferences, and exhibitions.
The Information Design and Visualization graduate certificate at Northeastern University consists of 16 credit hours. Designed for students looking to complement degrees in areas such as Communications, Data Science, Design, or Media, this multidisciplinary certificate program explores visual communication, design processes, programming, user testing, design critique, and data analysis. Upon completion of the certificate program, students are prepared to work in graphic design, design research, user experience design, visualization research, interaction design, and information design.
Graduates of the Information Design and Visualization MFA and MS programs at Northeastern University are prepared to pursue leadership roles at creative agencies, research institutions, global companies and studios, and public institutions. Potential job titles include Design Researcher, Educator, Data Visualization Expert, Design Consultant, Visualization Researcher, Design Manager, Visual Art Director, User Experience Manager, Communication Expert, Design Lead, Visual Strategist, Product Manager, and Entrepreneur.
Northeastern University began as the Evening Institute of the Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in 1898. The school serves approximately 47,770 students enrolled in more than 500 programs across nine colleges and schools. Northeastern has campuses in Boston, Massachusetts; Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; Silicon Valley; San Francisco, California; Toronto, Ontario Canada; Vancouver, BC Canada; London, UK; Portland, Maine, and the Massachusetts communities of Nahant and Burlington. Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
The Visual Art and History of Art Department at Wheaton College (Wheaton) houses the Design program Leading to a BA, the program has a Graphic and Visual Communication concentration. Students in this program have opportunity to study in France for the first semester. Known as the WheaGo Global First Semester Study Abroad Program, this experiential learning opportunity at Paris College of Art features courses such as Introduction to Visual Culture; City as Studio; Introduction to Digital Media; Drawing I; Introduction to Art and Design; Art Criticism Writing; Black and White Photography; Materials and Dimensions; and Photography Since 1960.
Other program features include small class sizes; opportunities to participate in other experiential learning such as an internship or research project; access to state-of-the-art studios, maker spaces, and laboratories such as the digital, fab, idea, and fiber, labs; hands-on productions and projects; participation in competitions such as the Global Marketing Pitch Competition; and opportunities to pursue subjects in Liberal Education and Professional Services (Leaps).
The multidisciplinary Design: Graphic and Visual Communication BA at Wheaton requires 120 credit hours of study, with a minimum of 44 credits in the major and 15 in the concentration. Design course examples include Illustration; Two-Dimensional Design; Color Theory; Human-Centered Design; Digital Tools for Art and Design; Designing Interactions; Exhibition Design; Digital Fabrication; Design History and Theory; Drawing I-II; Mechanical and Electronic Design; and Three-Dimensional Design.
The concentration requires Graphic Design I; two practice courses; and two theory courses. Examples include Graphic Design II; Printmaking for Social Change; Comics and Graphic Novels; Interactive Information Design; Visualizing Cultural Data; Design Studio; Animation I-II; Web Design; Digital Marketing; Information and Communication Technologies; and Introduction to New Media.
The program culminates with the Senior Design Projects Capstone course. Students will graduate with a portfolio of their best work. Program graduates are prepared to pursue careers in fields such as advertising design, industrial design, marketing, web, design, digital interface design, public relations, exhibit design, book publishing, special effects, animation, magazine and newspaper publishing, comic book publishing, packaging design, brand identity design, museums, research, consulting, and education.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as Apple, Conde Nast Entertainment, Lenovo, Miami Marlins, Wayfair, Design Imports, WEX, Meridia, Amplify, Image Marketing Consultants, Kiip Inc., Argot Partners, Northeastern University, Athenahealth, Intralinks, Ximedica, Convertiv, and Toast.
Wheaton College was founded in 1834 as a female seminary. The school was chartered as a four-year liberal arts college in 1912 and became coeducational in 1988. serves approximately 2,800 students enrolled in more than 100 academic programs across 30+ departments, divisions, and schools. Wheaton College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
