| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Minneapolis |
| 2 | University of Minnesota Twin Cities | Minneapolis |
| 3 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead |
| 4 | Minnesota State University | Mankato |
| 5 | University of Minnesota Duluth | Duluth |
Our 2024 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Minnesota. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Graphic Design Department at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) provides a Graphic Design BFA and a minor; a Graphic and Web Design MA; an interdisciplinary MFA; and a User Experience (UX) Design certificate that can be completed entirely online. The 15 credit Graphic Design minor is a collaborative program that allows students to develop intermediate skills through required courses such as drawing and painting, and hands-on studio electives.
Students in all MCAD Design programs benefit from critiques and collaborative projects; hands-on training through internships and client projects; and study abroad experiences in places such Italy, England, Japan, Ireland, and Germany.
The 120 credit hour Graphic Design BFA at MCAD consists of 36 credit hours of core courses, 19 credits in foundation studios, 26 studio elective credits, and 39 credits in humanities and sciences. Course examples for the program include Introduction to Art and Design History 1-2; Publication Design; Graphic Design 1-3; Digital Production; Narrative Design; Web and Screen; Type Plus; Coding Concepts: Expressive Computation; Ideation and Process; Media Art Tools and Technique; Art and Globalization in the Atlantic World and Advanced Graphic Design Seminar.
The MCAD Graphic Design BFA culminates with the Senior Project: Graphic Design course, worth six credit hours.
The Graphic and Web Design MA at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a 30 credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. The program explores design principles, typography, web design, programming, research, and workflow management. A major component of the program is the opportunity to work in teams to complete industry projects and solve problems.
Course examples for the program include Design in Context; Experimental Interaction; Typography; Motion Design; Web Development; User Experience Design; and Design Studio.
The Interdisciplinary MFA at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a unique program that allows students to pursue creative work in one or more areas. Examples include graphic design, sound art, interactive media, animation, drawing and painting, book design, installation, comic arts, illustration, digital media, public arts, textiles and fiber arts, performance, social practice, and sculpture.
Consisting of 60 credit hours, the program also emphasizes one-on-one work with a mentor (the core of the MCAD MFA curriculum); independent and collaborative studios; and participation in opportunities in the Twin Cities’ creative community including art centers, fundraisers, nonprofit organizations, and galleries.
Graduates of the Design programs at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Brand and Logo Designer, Editorial Illustrator, User-Experience (UX) Designer, Art Director, Production Artist, Front-End Developer, Exhibiting Artist, Web Designer, Arts Educator, and Arts Administrator.
MCAD alumni can be found at design firms, advertising agencies, publishing companies, large corporations, museums, government agencies, small businesses, production studios, and start-ups. Some graduates have launched their own design studios or freelance businesses.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design was established in 1886 by the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts. The school serves approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. Programs include 14 undergraduate majors leading to a BFA or BS, three MA degrees, one MFA degree, and seven professional development certificate options.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school is also affiliated with the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD).
The College of Design at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (U of M Twin Cities) is a comprehensive design college with more than 40 programs. This includes a Graphic Design BFA program, and MA, MFA, MS, and PhD degrees with an optional Graphic Design track. Students in all programs will participate in workshops, advanced studios, individual and collaborative design projects, internships, and the study abroad program.
Consisting of 120 credit hours the Graphic Design BFA at U of M Twin Cities explores both traditional and technological production techniques. Students will study areas such as typography, data visualization, digital drawing, color theory, hand-drawing, illustration, animation, web design, and photography through major coursework (80-89 credits) and electives.
Course and elective examples for the program include Identity and Symbols; Typography; Packaging and Display; Product Innovation Lab; Interaction Design; Storytelling and Design; Data Visualization Studio; Digital Illustration and Animation; Design Process: Photography; Travels in Typography; Advanced Web Design; Concept Sketching; Text and Image; User Experience in Design; Design and Visual Presentation; Human Factors in Design; Product Innovation Lab; and Advanced Graphic Design Print Projects.
The Graphic Design BFA Program at University of Minnesota Twin Cities culminates with the Senior Thesis and Exhibition. This major event allows students to present their work to the faculty, peers, and the design community. Students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best work.
The MA and MS programs with a Graphic Design track at University of Minnesota Twin Cities provides two plans: A and B. Plan A is thesis-focused and prepares students for the PhD Program. This pathway can be completed in 2-3 years full-time. Plan B is a project-based, two-year program designed for students seeking career advancement. Both plans are 34 credit hours and a both require a final oral examination.
The U of M Twin Cities MFA/Graphic Design track consists of 60 credit hours completed over three years, full-time. Students will complete 40 credit hours in the major and 12 credits in the capstone. A final oral examination is required to graduate. Consisting of 64 credit hours completed over four years, full-time, the PhD is designed for students interested in research or teaching. Students in this program will take 28 credits in the major and 24 dissertation credits.
Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Minnesota Twin Cities are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at places such as graphic design studios, advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, government agencies, public relations firms, web design companies, and production studios (entertainment).
Program alumni hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, User Experience Designer, Data Visualization Strategist, Web Designer, Interactive Designer, and Creative Director, among others.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System and the state’s only land-grant university. Founded in 1851, U of M Twin Cities is also one of largest research universities in the nation and one of just five universities in the U.S. with agricultural, engineering, law, medical, and veterinary medicine schools—all on one campus.
Around 20,000 faculty and staff at U of M Twin Cities serve approximately 50,000 students enrolled in more than 500 degree and minor programs. University of Minnesota Twin Cities has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSU Moorhead or MSUM) has a Graphic and Interactive Design program with BFA and minor options. Housed in the School of Media Arts Design, both options are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The 120 credit hour Graphic and Interactive Design BFA program has three emphasis areas: Graphic Design; Digital Design and Production; and Interactive Design. The 24-25 credit hour Graphic and Interactive Design minor explores all three areas through core requirements and electives. Course examples include Introduction to Graphic Design; Digital Design and Production Studio; Introduction to Interactive Media; Typography; and Advanced Digital Design.
Across programs, features include personal studio space; workshops and seminars; access to state-of-the-art technology and software including design classrooms with iMacs, scanners, Wacom tablets, and resources to print large format graphics; a subscription to the Adobe CC suite; server space for building web projects; and access to iPads and VR headsets for AR and mobile projects.
The Graphic and Interactive Design BFA program at MSU Moorhead explores brand identity, 3D modeling, visual concepts, printmaking, typography, motion graphics, visual research, multimedia, information design, papermaking, and web design. Course examples include Introduction to Graphic Design; Visual Systems and Brand Identity; Typography; Experience Design; Advanced Digital Design; Global Art History I-II; 2D Animation and Motion Graphics; Advanced Typographic Design; Immersive Media; Digital Design and Production Studio; Topics in Graphic Design; and Interactive Media Studio.
All Graphic and Interactive Design students will complete an internship. In the final year of the program students will take the Capstone Research course leading to the Capstone Project course. The program culminates with a senior project, exhibition, and the portfolio.
Graduates of the Graphic Design and Graphic and Interactive Design program at Minnesota State University Moorhead are prepared to pursue design roles with advertising agencies, packaging firms, newspapers and magazines, marketing companies, book publishing companies, film and television studios, museums, web design studios, public relations firms, animation studios, and architecture firms.
MSU Moorhead alumni have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Target, FedEx, Starbucks, Deloitte, Campbell Soup Company, 3M, Delta Airlines, Walmart, Sargento Foods, Office Depot, AT&T, DoorDash, Warby Parker, AdShark Marketing, Barfly, LiveWire, Kelner Communications, Archway Marketing Services, LJL Studios, Mighty 790 KFGO, Spotlight Media, Network Center Inc., and ZYN Productions.
Minnesota State University Moorhead opened in 1888 as The Moorhead Normal School. The first graduating class consisted of just eight students. Today, MSUM serves approximately 5,550 students enrolled in more than 230 majors, degrees, certificates, and emphasis areas. Programs are provided across five colleges. Minnesota State University Moorhead is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the school is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). MSUM is also one of seven NASAD-accredited institutions in the state of Minnesota.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato (Minnesota State Mankato) provides professional training in art, art education, and more. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the college houses state-of-the-art design labs, studios, and installation workspaces; classrooms for foundations, art education, and art history; student organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and Works on Paper (Printmaking); and two galleries where students can display their work.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences also houses the Art BFA program with an emphasis in Graphic Design and the Graphic Design certificate. Consisting of 18 credit the certificate program requires a combination of common core courses and restricted electives from the beginning to intermediate level. Common core courses include Introduction to Digital Media; Graphic Design I; Interaction Design; and Typography I.
Restricted electives include Graphic Design II; Concept and Image; Motion Graphics; Typography II; and Web Design I.
The Art BFA: Graphic Design program at Minnesota State Mankato consists of 120 credit hours. In addition to all the College of Humanities and Social Sciences has to offer, students in this program benefit from design, museum, or arts administration internships in Southern Minnesota; mentoring by design professionals; participation in weekly meetings and design-focused activities through the AIGA; and the opportunity to study abroad in places such as Japan, Finland, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Sweden.
Course examples for the program include Art History Survey I-II; Three-Dimensional Design; Mixed Media; Graphic Design I-III; Printmaking: Beginning Silkscreen and Lithography; Drawing Workshop; Typography I-III; Art Museum and Exhibition Studies; Interaction Design; Web Design I-II; Concept and Image; Sele-Initiated Design Workshop; Individual Study; and Graphic Design Special Topics.
The Art BFA: Graphic Design program at Minnesota State University, Mankato culminates with the Senior Capstone and Exhibit. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles in fields such as advertising, product design, user interface (UI) design, manufacturing, publications design, concept art, animation, book publishing, web design, environmental design, user experience design (UX), social media, printmaking, packaging design; exhibit design, art direction, design research, and art education.
Minnesota State University, Mankato was founded in 1868 as Mankato Normal School. On the first day of classes, the school had just 27 students. Today, Minnesota State Mankato serves more than 14,000 students enrolled in 220+ programs across five colleges. Minnesota State University, Mankato has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1916.
The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) at University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) provides nearly 40 majors, 33 minors, and three certificate programs across ten departments. This includes the Department of Art and Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department provides programs leading to a BA, BFA or minor.
For students seeking a design degree, the Department of Art and Design has a Graphic Design BFA with a Studio or Marketing emphasis. Program benefits include access to state-of-the-art studios, labs, and production facilities; study abroad experiences; participation in the MGD Club; industry competitions; and internships at places such as Duluth Art Institute, YMCA, Downtown Duluth Arts Walk, Unanico Studios, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Epsilon, National Sports Center, and Downtown Duluth Arts Collective.
The Graphic Design BFA (both emphasis areas) explores areas such as typography, interactive design, motion graphics, and brand identity. All students will also complete studio coursework in areas such as drawing, 3D studies, video, and photography. Course examples for the BFA program (both emphasis areas) include Design Technology I-II; Emerging Media Design; Web Design and Visual Culture; Graphic Design I-III; History of Graphic Design; Interactive Design I-II; and Typography I-II.
Examples of courses in the Marketing emphasis include Sustainable Visual Culture Practices; Graphic Design IV; Social Media Marketing; Advertising and Marketing Communications; Graphic Design V; Developing and Marketing New Products; Sports Marketing; Marketing Management and Strategy; Consumer Behavior; Marketing Ethics; International Marketing; and Retailing.
Studio course examples include Digital Arts: Interactive Media; Drawing II; Printmaking: Hybrid Processes; Digital Filmmaking: Visual Narratives; Drawing III; Printmaking: Screenprinting; Digital Arts: Time-Based Media; 3D Design; Digital Arts: Advanced Projects; and Printmaking: Lithography. Studio students will also take Graphic Design IV and V.
The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Minnesota Duluth culminates with a Capstone, which consists of a senior project and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Marketing Director, Multimedia Artist, Animator, and Art Director.
Program alumni have been hired at places such as AmeriCorps, Blue42, Duluth Screen Printing Rock Island Design Company, Clever Creative, E&M Consulting, American Family Insurance, Hemisphere Companies, and Advanced Print + Design.
University of Minnesota Duluth has an additional option for students seeking careers in graphic design. Labovitz School of Business and Economics (LSBE) houses the Department of Marketing. In collaboration with the School of Fine Arts, the LSBE provides a Marketing and Graphic Design BBA (MGD BBA) that combines design, marketing, and business. When the MGD BBA launched, it was the first program of its kind.
With a 100% placement rate, the program features collaborative research and design projects; participation in the Marketing and Graphic Design Club; courses led by professionals in the industry; and professional internships at places such as Duluth Pack, Giant Voices, Flagship Duluth, and Vista Fleet.
Course examples for the program include 2D Design; Typography I-II; Advertising and Marketing Communications; Visual Literacy; Graphic Design I-III; International Marketing; Emerging Media Design; Corporate Finance; Strategic Management; Interactive Design I-II; and Peru’s Food Revolution: The Links to Sustainability, Development and Branding (Global Perspectives); and Market Research.
The MGD BBA program at University of Minnesota Duluth culminates with a final project. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in fields such as advertising, digital marketing and communications, sports marketing, web development and design, public relations, and social media and online marketing. Program alumni have been hired at places such as 3M, Minnesota Timberwolves, Polaris, Self Esteem Brands, Anderson Trucking Service, and SPS Commerce.
Established in 1895, University of Minnesota Duluth opened as the State Normal School at Duluth. In 1921, the school was renamed Duluth State Teachers College (DSTC). In 1947, DSTC became University of Minnesota, Duluth Branch (UMD)—establishing the school as a branch college of the University of Minnesota. In June 1959, the Board of Regents voted to change the name of the school (once again) to University of Minnesota, Duluth. The school dropped the comma in 1999. Today, University of Minnesota Duluth serves 9,350 students enrolled in more than 100 programs across five colleges and schools. UMD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
