| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Knoxville |
| 2 | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Chattanooga |
| 3 | University of Memphis | Memphis |
| 4 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City |
| 5 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro |
Our 2025 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Tennessee. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The School of Design at University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) houses an interdisciplinary Graphic Design BFA program that takes place in a studio environment. Students in other majors outside of the School of Design can enroll in the Graphic Design Studies minor. Across programs, students benefit from small class sizes; 24/7 access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and collaborative design studios. BFA students may also participate in the internship and study abroad programs. All students will complete the Graphic Design Capstone for presentation at the Annual Senior Show. Graduates have been hired at places such as Boeing, Google, Meta, IDEO, Coca-Cola, HGTV, Accenture, and Discovery.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Within the CAS is the Department of Art (UTC Art), which houses an Art BFA program with a concentration in Design Research and Practice. Course examples include Typography; Space and Sequence; Design Studio I-IV; Visual Literacy for Design; and Expanded Drawing. Other program benefits include cooperative education assignments with partner companies; internship opportunities; frequent studio visits; access to state-of-the-art studios; and faculty mentorship. The program culminates with a final project and presentation. UTC Design alumni can be found at places such as Volkswagen Group of America, HCA Healthcare, EPB, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, 3H Group, and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
The Department of Art and Design at University of Memphis (UofM) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include BA and MFA degrees in Art with a Graphic Design specialization; an accelerated Art – Graphic Design BFA/MFA; and a Graphic Design minor. Across programs, students benefit from courses taught by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; and internship opportunities. Students in both programs will graduate with a portfolio of their best work. UofM Art and Design graduates have gone on to land positions with the Memphis Grizzlies, Ethan Allen, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and Hunter Fan Company.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is home to one of the state’s oldest Studio Art MFA programs. Housed in the Art and Design Department of ETSU, the program features dedicated individual studio space; the visiting artist series; graduate assistantships; opportunities to exhibit work in ETSU’s Slocumb Galleries; and an optional specialization in Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, the department has a Graphic Design BFA and a minor. All programs provide opportunities for students to work with real clients through the Graphic Design Workshop, along with access to state-of-the-art production facilities. ETSU graduates are often hired at places such as Amazon, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Eastman Chemical Company, PNC Bank, and the Veterans Health Administration (VA).
The Department of Art and Design at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) houses a Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA) program that provides opportunities to complete an internship at a local design studio or other business. The department’s largest program, the GD BFA also features access to state-of-the-art computer labs and studios; seminars and workshops led by faculty and professionals in the industry; and participation in the Graphic Design Show. MTSU Design and other graduates have been hired at places such as Delta Air Lines, PwC, Dell, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nissan, and J&J.
