| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design | Milwaukee |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin–Stout | Menomonie |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire |
Our 2025 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Wisconsin. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) has a multidisciplinary Communication Design (CD) BFA program that provides access to a variety of degree-enhancing minor options. Examples include Advertising; Digital Book Arts; Animation; Games and Interactive Media; Copywriting; Media Production; and Arts Management. Students also have the option to personalize their own path of study through available courses, electives, and experiential learning. The program culminates with the Thesis and Portfolio Practice courses. MIAD graduates are routinely hired at places such as Google, Ford, Nike, GM, Harley-Davidson, Kohler Co., High Sierra, GE Healthcare, Lands’ End, Delta Faucet, and Milwaukee Tool.
The Department of Art at University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW Madison) houses the Art BS, BFA, MA, and MFA programs. A Graphic Design named option is available for all students. For students in any other major, the Department has an interdisciplinary Graphic Design certificate. Across programs, students enjoy courses taught by leading artists and designers; collaborative projects; internship opportunities; and access to state-of-the-art labs and studios. In addition, all programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Milwaukee Public Museum, Epic Systems, Lucasfilm, Microsoft, Google, Ford, Meta, Lands’ End, American Family Insurance, Target, and Promega Corporation.
Peck School of the Arts at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee) houses a Design and Visual Communication (DVC) BFA program that operates as a laboratory. Other program features include internships; access to the state-of-the-art design facilities; interdisciplinary projects; opportunities to showcase works at public events and at the Designer Entrepreneur Showcase; free membership to United Ad workers; and participation in AIGA-Wisconsin (AIGAWI), which hosts workshops, portfolio reviews, and professional studios. The program culminates with the Senior Capstone and Exhibition. UWM graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Ford, Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM), Tesla, Harley-Davidson, Kohler, and Northwestern Mutual.
University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) is the only career-focused polytechnic university in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Students seeking a graphic design program have several options including the Graphic Design and Interactive Media BFA; a Graphic Communications BS; a Design MFA (Graphic Design focus); and a Graphic Media and Print Management minor. Across programs, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs and studios that also function as lecture halls; industry partnerships with companies such as Sony, Target, and 3M; and opportunities to present work at film festivals, design competitions, exhibitions, and design conferences. With a 99% placement rate, UW-Stout Design graduates have been hired at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Microsoft, 3M, Amazon, Pfizer, GM, Edward Jones, Apple, HP, Boston Scientific, Target, Organic Valley, Rockwell Automation, Inc., and Fastenal.
The Graphic Communications major at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire) is available as a BA or BS degree. Housed in the Department of Art and Design, the program highlights internships on the UW-Eau Claire campus and off; domestic field trips to places such as Chicago and New York; participation in the Career Conference and Client Communication and Management Career Fair; and overseas experiences in places such as Rome and Paris. The culminating experience for the program is the Senior Exhibition. The event provides the opportunity for students to present their best work to faculty, peers, and the public. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Target, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), Best Buy, Wilmington Trust Company, and Menards.
