| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan State University | East Lansing |
| 2 | College for Creative Studies | Detroit |
| 3 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Flint | Flint |
| 5 | Wayne State University | Detroit |
Our 2025 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Michigan. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD) at Michigan State University (MSU) has several paths to study design including a Graphic Design BFA and minor, and the Create Your Own Pathway, fully funded MFA. BFA students can work in the AAHD Design Center, which creates packaging, logos, websites and brochures for local businesses in an agency-like setting. MFA students benefit from dedicated studios; opportunities for external study; generous summer, research, and dissertation completion fellowships; and individual studio visits by 45 visiting artists throughout the program. MSU design graduates can be found at places such as Leo Burnett, GM, Rocket Mortgage, and TechSmith.
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) houses a STEM-Designated Communication Design and Strategy BFA that explores graphic design, UI/UX, motion graphics, and more. Other program features include real-world projects; visiting designers; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internships at places such as Microsoft, FCB Global, and Chrysler; and semester- or year-long study abroad experiences in places such as Austria, Mexico, and Paris. Graduates can be found at places such as Microsoft, Disney, Google, Sony, HP, National Geographic, Adobe, Mattel, Apple, IDEO, Mercedes-Benz, Nike, and Lego.
The College of Business at Ferris State University (Ferris State) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Graphic Communication AAS; a Graphic Design BFA; the Design or Graphic Media Management BS; and certificates in Graphic Design and Graphic Production Solutions. All programs are hands-on and collaborative with opportunities to work on real-world projects. Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art computer and production labs; workshops and seminars; visiting artists; professional internships; courses taught by industry professionals; and faculty-led study abroad experiences. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Microsoft, Hallmark, Riot Games, Amazon, BBDO, Dior, Google, IBM, Nike, Ford, GM, Whirlpool, Rubbermaid, and Gensler.
The College of Arts, Sciences and Education at University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint) houses the Art and Digital Design BFA program. Students may concentrate in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, or Digital Media Design. Other program benefits include professional internships at places such as Buckham Gallery; participation in the UM-Flint’s annual Student Art Exhibition at the Greater Flint Arts Council Gallery in downtown Flint; and the opportunity to help with the layout, design, and website for the student-run Qua and Michigan Times magazines. The program culminates with the presentation and review of a design portfolio. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Ford, Verizon, GM, Nexteer, Toyota, United Wholesale Mortgage, Lear Corporation, Medical Advantage, and Spicer Group.
The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University (WSU) houses the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. Within the department is a Design BFA with the opportunity to complete an internship with WSU’s Expressions Magazine or partners such Microsoft, Ford, Amazon, or GM. Other program benefits include courses taught by industry professionals; project-based learning; and access to state-of-the-art studios and labs. The program culminates with the Senior Seminar and Senior Studio courses. Graduates can be found at Amazon, the National Gallery of Art, Vera Wang, Carhartt, University of Michigan Medicine, Ella Sharp Museum, WDVD-FM, and Hour Magazine.
