| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati |
| 2 | The Ohio State University | Columbus |
| 3 | Kent State University | Kent |
| 4 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green |
| 5 | Columbus College of Art and Design | Columbus |
Our 2025 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Ohio. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) houses the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design. Within the school are two programs for students seeking careers in graphic design. Options include the Communication Design BS and the STEM-designated MDes. The BS features five paid co-op experiences at places such as Nike, Disney, Macy’s, IBM, and Toyota. The MDes provides opportunities to earn a certificate in Marketing, Sustainability, or Entrepreneurship. DAAP design graduates go on to land positions at NASA and companies such as Apple, Toyota, BASF, Honeywell, GE Aerospace, J&J, Boston Scientific, P&G, Landor, HEAPY, and SpaceX.
The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU) houses the Department of Design. Within the department are the Visual Communication Design BS program; a Design Thinking minor; the interdisciplinary Visual Arts MFA; and a Design MFA with a Design Research and Development (DRD) track. All students benefit from research opportunities; portfolio development; and participation in Design Week in Milan, Italy. Graduate students also enjoy 24/7 access to private and semi-private studios. OSU Design and Visual Arts graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Apple, NBCUniversal, American Greetings, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, P&G, Meta, and Deloitte.
The School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) at Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) has several paths to study graphic design. Options include the VCD BA, BFA, MA, and MFA. As part of the School of VCD, students in all programs enjoy mandatory internships at companies in places such as Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. Many of these internships are paid. Other VCD highlights include access to the Creative Lab, production studios, and galleries; portfolio development; and international study experiences. Graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Microsoft, Cleveland Clinic, Google, ESPN, Apple, Progressive Insurance, American Greetings, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) houses one of Ohio’s largest and oldest art schools—the BGSU School of Art. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1984, the school provides two paths to study design: the Graphic Design BFA and the Integrative Design MDes. All students enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the CAVE (Center for Advanced Visualization and Education) Lab and the Digital Arts Classroom, and opportunities to intern at places such as Disney, PBS, American Greetings, and Pixar. Graduates can be found at places such as American Greetings, Nike, YouTube, Levi Strauss & Co., Cleveland Institute of Art, and Gerber.
Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) has a Graphic Design BFA that provides opportunities to work on projects with companies such as Airstream and Red, White & BOOM!; select one or two minors; attend design seminars and workshops; participate in the American Advertising Federation sponsored event The Pitch and the CCAD-based AdGraph Collective; and engage with visiting artists and designers. All BFA students also have access to state-of-the-art equipment, labs, and studios. CCAD BFA graduates are routinely hired at places such as Saatchi & Saatchi, Pixar, Apple, Leo Burnett, JPMorganChase, IBM, Ogilvy, American Greetings, Bath & Body Works, Disney, BBDO Worldwide, A&E, and Gallo Winery.
