Top 50 Private Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2023 Rankings

The Design Program at School of Visual Arts (SVA) has several concentration options for undergraduate students who would like to study graphic design. Options include 3D Design, Motion Graphics, Interaction Design, and Graphic Design. Leading to a BFA, all options provide opportunities to engage with guest lecturers, participate in workshops and exhibitions, and enter competitions covered by CNN, NBC, and others. In addition, the SVA Design Program  provides complimentary membership to The One Club for Creativity, which includes The Art Directors Club and Type Directors Club.

All SVA Design students have access to the Digital Imaging Center and internship opportunities at local and national companies, as well as the campus-based Visual Arts Press. Graduate students also have 24-hour access to individual, private studios.

The Design Program at School of Visual Arts allows BFA students to customize an additional area of focus within their chosen concentration. Examples include package design, editorial design, branding, environmental design, book jacket design, experiential design, or information graphics. Course examples for BFA students include Foundations of Visual Computing, Computers in Studio I-II, Information Graphics, Toys and Games, and Design for Social Change. During the final year of the program, students will complete a Senior Project course and Portfolio. Sample projects include Designing a Business, Creative Computing for Interaction Experiences, and Differentiate or Die: How to Get a Job When You Graduate.

At the end of every academic year the Design Department hosts an Industry Review Day for graduating seniors. Designers, creative directors, and editors are invited to meet and network with students. the event is held in-person and virtually.

For students seeking graduate degree, School of Visual Arts has an interesting option that leads to an MFA in Design/Design as Entrepreneur. Consisting of 60 credit hours, the curriculum for this program covers art book publishing, branding, new media directing, interaction, digital publishing, user experience, video, and motion graphics. Leadership and entrepreneurship are also emphasized, so students will explore other areas such as advertising, business, marketing, networking, research, intellectual property, and ethnography.

Course examples for the program include Type for Masters, Writing and Designing the Visual Book, Designing and Branding, Intellectual Property and the Law, and Design Conception: Developing Your Venture. During the final year of the MFA program, students will complete a several seminars and the Thesis, which consists of six courses.

Graduates of the Design Programs at School of Visual Arts hold positions at advertising agencies, marketing firms, publishing companies, design studios, nonprofit organizations, museums, and more. Some SVA alumni have even launched their own start-ups, studios, and design firms, while others have become partners in businesses and individual projects. To date, School of Visual Arts alumni have launched more than 50 design studios around the world.

School of Visual Arts opened in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators school. Classes began with just three teachers and 35 students. Today, School of Visual Arts serves approximately 4,110 students enrolled in dozens of BFA, MA, MFA, and MPS programs. SVA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with individual program accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Pratt Institute (Pratt) houses the School of Design, home to the Communications Design Program, which has both BFA and MFA pathways. Established in 2014, the School of Design also houses the Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Graphic Design Program, the Graphic Design/Illustration AAS, and the STEM-designated Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS Program.

For students seeking a shorter program, Pratt Institute offers a number of certificate programs in the School of Continuing Studies. Options for designers include Graphic Design, Digital Design, Branding & Digital Marketing, Digital Product Design, UX/UI Mobile Design, Human-Centered Design, and Motion Graphics.

The Communications Design BFA at Pratt Institute has three emphasis areas: Graphic Design, Advertising Art Direction, and Illustration. Course examples across areas include Image as Communication, Sketchbook Warehouse, Process and Production, Advertising, Emerging Practices, Typography, Illustration, Package Design, Special Topics: Publications, Freelancing & Business Illustration and Graphic Design, Typeface Design, and Sequential Art and Graphic Novel. Students in all emphasis areas may complete an internship at a field related professional site. Successful completion of the Senior Project is required to graduate.

The Graphic Design AOS and Graphic Design/Illustration AAS Programs are 66 credit hours each. The AOS is an intensive, career-track program with an all art and design curriculum. Designed for high school graduates and adults with or without a degree, the AOS includes capstone courses and internship opportunities. Course examples include Graphic Design I-II, Digital Design, Packaging Design I-II, Digital Media, Typography I-III, UI/UX Interactive Media I-II, and Advertising Design I-II. In just two years, AAS students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work, along with the skills needed to pursue immediate employment in graphic design, interactive media, advertising, package design, web design, illustration, game design, and publishing.

The AAS in Graphic Design/Illustration at Pratt Institute prepares students for transfer into the Fine Arts Department at Pratt Institute, the Communications Design BFA, or other school or related program of their choice. The program combines advanced art and design coursework with liberal studies. Course examples for the program include History of Art and Design, Communication Design, UI/UX Interactive Media Pre-Press and Print Production, Illustration, Material and 3 Dimensional Form, Light, Color and Design, and Themes in Art and Culture.

The Communications Design MFA at Pratt Institute consists of 60 credit hours that may be completed in two years. Courses are taught by renowned professionals in the field and include titles such as Sustainability and Design, Visual Perception, Motion Design, Typographic + Information Design, Creative Coding Studio, Prototyping and Production, Design Management, and Packaging and the Retail Space.

Students in this graduate program will complete several studio courses, attend seminars, and complete a thesis project and exhibition. Graduates are prepared for academic careers, as well as leadership positions in identity systems and branding, user experience design, typography, design strategy, information design, environmental design, print and digital media, social media and interaction design, and data visualization.

First offered in 1966, the Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS Program at Pratt University consists of 48 credit hours, completed over two years. Course examples include Structural Packaging, Visual Perception, Cross-Platform Design, Packaging and the Retail Space, Sustainability and Design, Prototyping and Production, Packaging Design I-II, and Design Management. The Capstone Project is an end-of-degree course that results in a professional body of work.

Students in all programs and schools at Pratt Institute have the opportunity to enroll in one of more than 20 study abroad programs and international exchange programs in over a dozen locations such at Tokyo, Florence, Copenhagen, London, and Milan.

Pratt graduates have been hired at a variety of major companies and organizations such as Apple, Penguin Random House, DreamWorks Animation, Hasbro, IBM, Warner Music Group, Peacock, Carhartt, Dior, HBO, Gensler, Perkins Eastman, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC Department of Transportation, and HOK Group.

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute was one of the nation’s first colleges to welcome students without regard to color, gender, or class. The school serves approximately 5,140 students across campuses in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Utica, New York. Nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered across six schools and The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Pratt Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) houses the School of Art, home to the Graphic Design Program, which provides small critique-based classes taught by industry professionals with years of experience. Leading to a BFA or MFA, the program also provides 24 hour access to communal studios, access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs, and the opportunity to work with faculty mentors throughout the program. Mentoring is a major component of all programs at CalArts.

At the undergraduate level, course examples include Digital Skills for Artists, Design Issues, VR Workshop, Digital Design Lab, Graphic Design I-IV, Skills for Visualization, Image Making, Motion, Web Design, Typography I-III, Sand Professional Practice for Graphic Design. Students will also complete several workshops during this four-year program. To enhance the degree, BFA students may add the Digital Arts Minor, which consists of 18 units of study. Students in the Minor can explore sound production and programming, filmmaking, animation, and games creation for the web.

The Graphic Design MFA at California Institute of the Arts has an Integrated Media (IM) Concentration, which combines IM seminars and critiques with specialized coursework and access to elective courses offered across the institute. Visual Literacy, Typographics IA-IB, and Graphic Design Theory are just a few required courses for the program. Students will also participate in two MFA Graphic Design Practicum workshops and Graduate Seminar I-II (Lecture) and Graduate Seminar I-II (Studio).

All CalArts students have the opportunity to enroll in the internship program, study abroad, and complete a portfolio of their best work.

CalArts Graphic Design alumni work in a variety of positions at major companies, studios and academic institutions such as Google, Walt Disney Imagineering, Meta, Whitney Museum of Art, Evernote, M+ Works, North Carolina State University College of Design, Art Center College of Design, and Otis College of Design.

In 1961, Walt and Roy Disney formed California Institute of the Arts through a merger of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Chouinard Art Institute. Today, CalArts serves more than 1,400 students enrolled in over 70 degree programs across six schools including the School of Critical Studies, The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance, the School of Art, the School of Film/Video, The Herb Alpert School of Music, and the School of Theater. California Institute of the Arts also encompasses the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT), located in downtown LA, and the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) with community organizations and public schools across LA County.

California Institute of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school is also an accredited institution member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

The New School's Parsons School of Design (Parsons) is home to the School of Art, Media, and Technology (AMT), which has a Communication Design Program with several degree pathways including an AAS, BFA, and MPS. The Communication Design AAS is a campus-based, 60 credit hour program with full- and part-time schedules. Course examples for the program include Design History & Practice, Typography & Interaction, and Professional Practices & Portfolio. The Communication Design AAS program can be completed in just two years, full-time. 

The Parsons Communication Design BFA is the oldest undergraduate program of its kind in the U.S. STEM-designated and consisting of 120 credits, the program is offered on-campus, full-time. Studio course examples include Drawing/Imaging, Space/Materiality, and Time. Other courses include Design Studies, Interaction Lab, Objects as History, and Typography Lab. The Parsons Communication Design BFA Design takes four years to complete.

Parsons has one option for graphic designers seeking an advanced degree. The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Communication Design, with a Concentration in Digital Product Design, is a specialized program that emphasizes teamwork strategies and collaboration. This full-time, STEM-designated program consists of 30 credits taken over one year.

For students seeking a shorter program, the Division of Continuing & Professional Education at Parsons has a Graphic and Digital Design Certificate Program that consists of five courses plus three electives. Required courses include Introduction to Graphic Design, Color Theory, Graphic Design History, Digital Graphics with Illustrator, and Digital Imaging Workshop. Elective examples include Animation Fundamentals, Graphic Design 2, Print Production in a Digital World, 3D Modeling, Digital Layout: Adobe InDesign, and Graphic Design Portfolio. Students typically complete Graphic and Digital Design Certificate Program in just 18 months.

All Parsons School of Design students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, visiting artists and lecturers, AMT events, and access to Our Making Center, which consists of 600 workstations and facilities for animation, 3D prototyping, printmaking, and motion capture.

Graduates of the Parsons School of Design AAS and BFA programs work in brand and editorial design, type design, data visualization, digital product design, exhibition design, motion graphics, UX/UI design, and environmental and spatial graphics at creative agencies, tech companies, publishing houses, digital design firms, start-ups, and cultural institutions such as MoMA and the New York Times.

Graduates of the Parsons MPS Program have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in areas such as Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI). Others are Interaction Designers, Digital Product Designers, Product Managers, and Entrepreneurs.

The New School Parsons was founded in 1896 as The Chase School. The school serves approximately 10,815 students enrolled more than 120 degree and diploma programs across six colleges and schools, including Parsons Paris. The New School Parsons is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) requires all undergraduate students to complete the First Year Experience (FYE), which allows them to explore various programs and build foundation-level art and design skills. The FYE is also designed to prepare students for upper-level study within MICA’s Undergraduate Studies (UGS) programs.

For students interested in an undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, MICA has a Graphic Design Program with three Concentrations including Graphic Design Studio, Graphic Design + Humanistic Studies, and Book Arts Studio. The Program consists of 120 credit hours and a three-year sequence of core design courses. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV, Photoimaging, Typography I-III, Flexible Design Studio, Drawing: Tradition and Innovation, Designing Information, and Advanced Design.

BFA students may also choose a Minor to enhance the degree or focus in an additional area. More than 20 Minor options are available. Examples include Illustration, Animation, Sequential Art, Printmaking, Interactive Arts, Creative Entrepreneurship, Photography, Film & Video, Game Design, and Sustainability & Social Practice.

Graduates of the MICA Graphic Design BFA Program are prepared to pursue positions in advertising, marketing, public relations, entertainment, retail, architecture, multimedia, app design, social media, user experience design, and more.

The graduate programs at Maryland Institute of College and Art serve more than 300 students from nearly every state and 20 countries. For students interested in pursuing an advanced degree, MICA offers a both MA and MFA degrees in Graphic Design.

Housed in a loft-style studio space with dedicated computers and workspaces, the 60 credit hour Graphic Design MA (GDMA) prepares students for career advancement or entry into an MFA program. Program features include courses taught by industry professionals, access to a variety of seminars, and participation in the GDMA Workshop, which provides the opportunity to create and exhibit a self-directed design project and a professional portfolio.

Also consisting of 60 credit hours, the Graphic Design MFA (GD MFA) features studio courses, seminars, and independent work. Elective options in digital media, print, and video allow students to create a focus area. Course examples include Advanced Publication Design, Design Studio I-IV, and Visiting Designers I-II. The graduate Graphic Design Programs at MICA can be completed in two years, full-time.

Graduates of the art and design programs at Maryland Institute College or Art are designers, educators, and artists. Alumni have presented their work at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian), The Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney), and Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). MICA alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Adobe, Under Armour, Netflix, and Morehouse College.

Founded in 1826, Maryland Institute College of Art is the nation’s oldest independent, continuously degree-granting college of art and design. The school serves nearly 3,500 undergraduate, graduate, and open studies students from 49 states and 52 countries. Programs at MICA lead to a BFA, MA, MFA, MBA, MPS degree, or post-baccalaureate certificate. Maryland Institute College of Art is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Fine Arts (CFA) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) houses the School of Design, home to the four-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) Program. Equivalent to the BFA degree, the BDes has three tracks: Communications (Graphic Design), Products (Industrial Design), and Environments (Physical and Digital). BDes students have the option to focus in one or all three areas or pursue a focus that combines two of the three tracks.

All BDes students benefit from access to collaborative dedicated studio spaces; participation in Confluence—a career event that attracts more than 70 major companies; the opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams in the areas of Design for Service (Sv) and/or Design for Social Innovation (Si); and study abroad opportunities in places such as Korea, Milan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, London, Paris, and The Netherlands.

Graduates of the CMU BDes Program have worked on a number of major projects including the title sequence of the Spiderman movie, the Starbucks logo, the Pinterest interface design, and typefaces for The Guardian.

The School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University has several other options for undergraduate students seeking a degree or program that combines liberal arts and design with interdisciplinary studies across pathways. The most notable option is the interdisciplinary BXA. The curriculum for this program combines components of the CMU Bachelor of Humanities and Arts (BHA), Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA), and the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA).

BXA students may add a Design Concentration, which consists of 98 units of required courses and 10 units of Design electives. Course examples include Design Lab, Collaborative Visualizing, Design Studies: Systems, Prototyping Lab, and Studio I: Form and Context. Graduates of this program go on to work in user research, strategic planning, and information systems analysis, among other areas.

Another option is the Design Minor. Consisting of 54 units (including 27 units of design electives), the Design Minor is open to students who wish to add design to their current major. So, a Computer Science student who would like to add a design component to their program may enroll in the Minor. Course examples for the program include Design for Interactions for Communications, Design for Interactions for Products, and Human Experience in Design.

Finally, Carnegie Mellon University offers a unique program—Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe)—that allows students to add a concentration in areas such as Media Design, Animation & Special Effects, Sonic Arts, Immersive Technologies in Arts & Culture, Game Design, Design for Learning, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Graduate programs for designers include a one-year Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Design, a two-year MDes in Design, and a PhD in Transition Design. The CMU Design graduate programs are interdisciplinary and offer seminar and studio courses, with hands-on exposure to design processes, skills, and thinking.

Across programs, graduate students will take courses such as Studio + Lab: Designing for Interactions, Studio: Research Based Design for Interactions, Seminar: Advanced Interaction & Service Design Concepts, Communication Design Studio: Theory & Practice, Design Research Methods, Seminar: Interaction & Service Design Concepts, Transition Design, Experiential Futures, Framing Proposals for change, and Design Writing Workshop.

MDes students will complete a Thesis across four courses, while MPS students may complete an optional Colloquium. During years two and three, PhD students will complete Research I, II, III & IV. During the final year of the program, students will assemble a 60,000- to 80,000-word dissertation or a body of written and practical work consisting of 40,000 to 60,000 words, across two courses.

Graduates of the Design Programs at Carnegie Mellon University have been hired at major companies, firms, and organizations such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Skype, Whirlpool, Volkswagen/Audi, Motorola, Mayo Clinic, and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Pinterest, IDEO, R/GA, and Isobar.

Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University began as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, the school serves around 15,800 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across seven colleges and schools. CMU also has more than a dozen degree-granting locations, and over 20 research partnerships in Silicon Valley, Australia, Africa, and Qatar. A private, global research university, Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The Graphic Design Program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) consists of both undergraduate and graduate pathways. Options include a Graphic Design BFA, Graphic and Web Design MA, an interdisciplinary MFA, and a User Experience (UX) Design Certificate that can be completed entirely online.

Students in all MCAD Design programs have access to hands-on training opportunities through internships and other experiential learning activities; critiques and collaborative projects; and study abroad experiences in places such England, Italy, Japan, Germany, Ireland, or anywhere in the U.S.

The 120 credit hour Graphic Design BFA combines core courses, foundation studies, and studio electives with humanities and sciences coursework. Course examples for the program include Print Culture, Art, and Communication in the Age of Mass Reproduction, Coding Concepts, Graphic Design 1-2, Digital Production, Applied Art and Design Objects, Publication Design, Type Plus, Web and Screen, Advanced Graphic Design Seminar, Art and Globalization in the Atlantic World, and Liberal Arts Advanced Seminar. MCAD BFA students will also complete 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 explores typography, web design and programming, design principles, ideation, workflow management, and research. Students in this program can expect to work in teams with peers and professionals in the industry to complete projects and solve problems. Course examples for the program include Typography, User Experience Design, Experimental Interaction, Design in Context, and Motion Design.

The 60 credit hour Interdisciplinary MFA focuses on independent and collaborative studios, one-on-one work with a mentor, and opportunities to pursue creative work in multiple areas. Examples include graphic design, paper and book arts, printmaking, illustration, experimental video/film, web and multimedia, comic arts, drawing/painting, public arts, animation, photography, and installation.

Graduates of the Design Programs at Minneapolis College of Art and Design go on to land positions such as Graphic Designer, Brand and Logo Designer, Production Artist, Editorial Illustrator, User-Experience (UX) Designer, Art Director, Front-End Developer, Creative Director and Web Designer, among others. MCAD alumni work for design firms, start-ups, publishing houses, large corporations, museums, government agencies, small businesses, and production studios. Some graduates have launched their own design studios or other creative firms.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design was established in 1886 by the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts. The school serves roughly 800 students from 40 states and 13 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 Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper Union) is home to the School of Art, which houses the Art BFA Program. Students in this program have the opportunity to select courses from seven disciplines upon completion of the First Year Foundation Program. Disciplines include Graphic Design, Printmaking, Drawing, Photography, Audiovisual, Painting, and Sculpture. In the junior year of the Art BFA Program, students may take electives from the Schools of Architecture and Engineering to develop skills in other areas.

In the senior year of this flexible, 130 credit hour program, students will complete advanced coursework, a number of seminar and studio courses, and work on the Senior Presentation for public viewing. Course examples for the Graphic Design area include Graphic Design I-II, Typography, Computational Studio, Motion Graphics, Advanced Design, and Independent Study in Graphic Design.

All Cooper Union students have the opportunity to complete an internship and/or study abroad experience. Art BFA graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as Advertising and Public Relations, Package Design, Motion Graphics, Publishing, Web Design, Marketing, and Entertainment.

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1946. Founded in 1859 by industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist Peter Cooper, Cooper Union is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education.

Serving nearly 900 students, this all-honor private college awards all admitted undergraduate students a half-tuition scholarship currently valued at $22,275 per academic year. Programs at Cooper Union are offered in the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, Albert Nerken School of Engineering, the School of Art, and the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.

The College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University (BYU) houses the Department of Design—home to the Graphic Design BFA Program. This limited enrollment program of 40 students requires 120 credit hours to graduate, including 72.5-73.5 in the major. Course examples include History of Graphic Design, Branding, Ethnographic Research Design and Methods, Typography, Design Thinking, Letterpress Studio, Interaction Design, Studio Practices for Designers, and Interdisciplinary Motion.

A Professional Internship worth six credit hours is part of the Graphic Design BFA Program, as well as a Capstone Project completed over two courses (BFA Capstone Project: Research and BFA Capstone Project: Implementation) worth a total of five credit hours.

For students seeking a shorter program with a flexible schedule, Brigham Young University has a Graphic Design Fundamentals Certificate that can be completed entirely online. Available through BYU-Idaho and BYU-Pathway Worldwide, the Graphic Design Fundamentals Certificate explores visual design, typography, and conceptual design. Building into BU’s Professional Studies BAS degree, the Certificate Program consists of 15 credit hours.

Courses for this Certificate Program include Introduction to Graphic Design, Graphic Design, Creating Online Media, Typography, and User Experience Design. Potential careers for graduates of the BYU Graphic Design Fundamentals Certificate Program include Junior Graphic Designer, Marketing Production Artist, Design Assistant, and Junior Production Artist.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA Program at Brigham Young University Graphic work in design-related disciplines such as branding and product design, publishing and interaction design, motion graphics, web design and mobile app development, data visualization, and experience and service design. Program alumni can be found at major advertising agencies, traditional design studios, and interactive agencies. Graduates also work on internal teams at a variety of businesses, corporations, and organizations. Some BYU Graphic Design graduates go on to launch their own design studios or establish a freelance career.

Brigham Young University was founded as Brigham Young Academy (BYA) in 1875 by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Brigham Young. With 34,390 students enrolled in more than 435 programs, BYU is the one of the largest private universities in the U.S. Brigham Young University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The Gayle Garner Roski School of Art and Design at University of Southern California (USC) was first organized in 1883, and founded in 1895. One of Southern California’s oldest art and design schools, USC Roski provides several paths to study Graphic Design. Options include the BFA, MFA, and Dual BFA/MFA Degrees in Design. An interdisciplinary Communication Design Minor is also available.

As part of USC Roski School of Art and Design, all students benefit from an experimental and collaborative approach to learning, cross-disciplinary curriculums, hands-on studio courses, internship opportunities at DreamWorks, MTV, Lego, and National Geographic, and study abroad experiences in places such as South Africa, London, Australia, and Italy.

The USC Roski Design BFA is a 128-unit, intensive, four-year pre-professional degree that requires a complementary Minor such as Advertising, Digital Experiences, Communication, Designing Products, Marketing, Multimedia Experiences, Business, or Entrepreneurship. Students may also choose 26 units of electives to customize a specialization in practically any area of design or other discipline. Selections may be from Roski or non-Roski courses from across USC.

Course examples for the Design BFA Program include Publication Design, Art and Design Studio I-II, Advanced Design Projects, 3D Design: Materials and Tools, Web Design, and Professional Practice in Design. Professional Internship in the Arts is a required component of the program, as well as the Senior Thesis completed over two courses.

The Design MFA at University of Southern California is a studio-based program that requires at least 56 units of study, including 26 elective units. Eighteen elective units must be from Roski School of Art and Design, and eight can be from departments and schools outside Roski. Suggested Roski electives include Design Studio Co-Lab, Design Pedagogy, Directed Research, International Design Study Tour, and Field Internship Experience. Examples of required courses for the program include Design Theory, Contemporary Issues in Design, Designers in Residence Forum, Individual Studies, and Advancement. MFA students will also complete a Master’s Thesis spanning three courses worth a total four units.

In addition to all USC Roski has to offer, Design MFA students benefit from the school’s partnership with organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), and the opportunity to participate in discussions, seminars, and visits from leaders in the design industry.

The USC Roski Communication Design Minor consists of 24 units and includes coursework in digital imaging, business, communication, visual literacy, marketing, and public relations. Specific course examples include Design Fundamentals, Advertising Media and Analysis, Video Installation and Moving Image Environments, The Cultures of New Media, Communication Technology and Culture, Ideas in Intermedia, Marketing Communication and Promotion Strategy, Typography, and Special Projects in Design.

All USC Roski Communication Design Minors have the opportunity to participate in the New York Design and International Study Tours, or the Practicum in Marketing Communication and Promotion Design.

Graduates of USC Roski School of Art and Design have been hired at hundreds of major companies, studios, and other organizations. Examples include Vogue, Conde Nast, Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Walt Disney Company, Marvel Studios, Cisco, Pinterest, American Apparel, PETA, NBCUniversal, DreamWorks Animation, J. Crew, Disney Interactive, MTV Networks, BCBGMAXAZRIA, DirectTV, 20th Century Fox, Fandango, Macy’s, E! Entertainment, Oliver Peoples, American Express, Beats, Skechers, Mattel, L’Oreal, and Paramount Pictures.

Established in 1880, University of Southern California is the oldest private research university in California. The school employs approximately 28,120 faculty and staff that serve 49,000 students, making USC the largest private sector employer in the City of Los Angeles. University of Southern California provides 600 graduate and professional programs across 23 schools, academic divisions, and research institutes. Programs are offered in the areas of business, law, engineering, film, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and medicine. University of Southern California is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) houses the School of Design, which has two pats to study Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, the School has a Graphic Design BFA that provides opportunities to gain industry experience through cooperative education and internships with top companies in New York and across the country. Coursework for this 120 credit hour program provides additional opportunities to gain real-world experience through collaborative class projects with RIT partners such as Kraft, Starbucks, and Unilever.

BFA students will study everything from branding and identity systems to UI/UX. Senior electives allow students to choose advanced coursework in an area that interests them. Examples include Editorial Design, Packaging Systems Collaborative, Interactive Design III, Packing Systems Projects, Advertising Design, and Typography III. All BFA students will take four Graphic Design Studio courses, Design Systems I-II, Experiential Graphic Design, Interactive Design I-II, Motion Design I-II, and Professional Practices.  The RIT Graphic Design BFA culminates with a Graphic Design Capstone and final public exhibition.

With a 94% outcome rate, graduates of the Rochester Institute of Technology Graphic Design Program go on to pursue positions such as Product Designer, Associate Art Director, Junior Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Digital Product Designer, Motion Designer, UI/UX Designer, Promotions Marketing Coordinator, Presentation Designer, Social Media Director, Identity/Packaging Designer, and UI/UX Designer.

Program alumni have been hired at major corporations, advertising agencies, publications, and design firms such as Vogue Italia, Walt Disney Company, Adobe, Apple, Sesame Street, ESPN, the NHL, Sports Illustrated, and Fisher-Price.

At the graduate level, Rochester Institute of Technology offers a 60 credit hour, STEM-designated Visual Communication Design (VCD) MFA that explores graphic, motion, and interactive design, UI/UX design, 3D digital design, and design studies. The program is cross-disciplinary, allowing students customize the curriculum with coursework from other programs and departments. Like the BFA Program, the MFA program offers access to cooperative education and internship opportunities, as well as workshops, state-of-the art production facilities and studio spaces, and networking through RIT’s Creative Industry Day.

Course and elective examples for the program include Branding and Identity Design, UX Design Strategies, 3D Modeling and Motion, Real Time Design, Programming for Designers, Design Studies Seminar, Character Design and Rigging, Digital Media Integration, and Project Design and Implementation, 3D Particles and Dynamics, Design Praxis I-II, and Information Design.

With a 97% outcome rate, graduates of the Rochester Institute of Technology VCD MFA Program go on to secure employment in positions such as Senior Visual Designer, Graphic and UI/UX Designer, Product Designer, Motion Graphic Designer, User Experience Researcher, Game Producer, and Cinematographer and Editor, among others.

Rochester Institute of Technology is a top research university that dates back to 1829. With global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo and serving more than 19,000 students from 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is also one of the largest private universities in the U.S. Students at RIT have access to more than 200 academic programs across 11 colleges and institutes. Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Boston University (BU) has several paths to study Graphic Design including BFA, MFA, and Certificate options. Programs are housed in the College of Fine Arts’ School of Visual Arts (SVA), which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Established in 1954, SVA provides workshops, seminars, immersive studio experiences, internship opportunities, unique electives, and minors that complement all design programs. In addition to all SVA has to offer, Graphic Design students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Engineering Production Innovation Center (EPIC), the Visual Arts Resource Library, the Media Center, Computer Labs, and Darkrooms.

The BU Graphic Design Certificate Program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree with little to no experience in graphic design. This one-year, intensive program requires 30 credit hours of study including core studios, typography, and electives. Graduates of this program are prepared for positions in the industry or for entry into the Graphic Design MFA Program.

Consisting of 60 credit hours, the MFA Program provides 24/7 access to individual private studios, visiting artists and designers, workshops, and group critiques. Through BU’s partnership with AIGA Boston, MFA students also have opportunities to network with industry leaders through campus events and visits to area studios. Of the 60 required credit hours, 32 are in Graduate Graphic Design courses. Other requirements include Graphic Design Theory I-II, History of Graphic Design, and Graduate Typography. Twelve required elective credit hours allow students to explore additional areas within and outside of design.

The Graphic Design BFA Program at Boston University provides the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest through electives. Examples include Experience Design, Interactive Design, Exhibition Design, Motion Graphics, Design for the Web, and Editorial Design. Consisting of 132 credit hours, the BFA curriculum is cross-disciplinary with course options from the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, Innovate@BU, Hariri Institute for Computing, the College of Communication, and Questrom School of Business.

Other BU BFA Program benefits include partnerships with area design studios and businesses that lead to internships and employment; participation in a two-week design intensive in Amsterdam; and a two-week Printmaking workshop at the Franz Masareel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium. Students in both the BFA and MFA Graphic Design Programs at BU also have the opportunity to participate in the Studio Arts program in Venice, Italy. Students in this program will complete 16-18 credit hours in graphic design, painting, printmaking, drawing, Italian, art history, and sculpture. Courses are courses are held at BU’s Venice Center, with some electives offered off-site at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.

Graduates of the Graphic Design Program at Boston University have been hired at or worked with places such as Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), Free People, and Converse. Some program alumni have launched their own design studios or creative firms, while others have found success as freelance designers.

Boston University dates back to 1839, where it began as the Newbury Biblical Institute. Officially chartered in 1869, the school serves approximately 36,730 students enrolled in more than 300 programs of study across 22 colleges, divisions, and schools. With 10,000 faculty and staff and a 175-acre campus that houses close to 3,000 buildings, laboratories, classrooms, and libraries, BU is Boston’s largest employer. Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The School of Fine and Performing Arts at Columbia College Chicago has three Graphic Design Degree Programs leading to a BA, second BA, and a BFA. A 21 credit our Graphic Design Minor is also available. This program explores graphic design, typography, visual culture, and website design.

The second BA Degree Program is designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another area. Students in the traditional BA Program may choose a concentration and a minor or double major. Concentration options include Web Design and Publication Design. Minors that complement the BA Program include Creative Advertising, User Experience, Design Management, Motion Graphics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Photography.

Majors that complement the BA Program include Advertising, Arts Management, Communication, Computer Animation, Illustration, Immersive Media, Interaction Design, Marketing, Public Relations, and Social Media and Digital Strategy.

The Graphic Design BFA Program at Columbia College Chicago allows students to study in multiple areas of art and design. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design I-V (including topics such as Semiotics and Form, Branded Environments, and Visual Identity and Narrative), Experimental Typography for Graphic Design, Design Thinking, History of Communication Design, Business of Design, Letterpress Studio, Motion Graphics, Publication Design, Photo Communication, Website Design, and Design Lab.

Both the BA and BFA programs begin with foundations courses and cover design programs such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. All Graphic Design students have opportunities to complete an internship. Past placements include firms and companies such as Leo Burnett, Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB), 50000feet Creative Agency, Cards Against Humanity, Pressley Johnson Design, and Pivot Design. The Graphic Design BA and BFA Programs culminate with the production of a professional portfolio of the student’s best work.

Graduates of the Graphic Design Programs at Columbia College Chicago work as Brand Designers, Creative Directors, Graphic Designers, and more at startups, design firms, ad agencies, nonprofits, and major corporations. Examples include Google, Leo Burnett, Fjord (part of Accenture Interactive), Modern Luxury, One Design Company, Cards Against Humanity, and Time Zone One.

Columbia College Chicago was established in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory. The school serves nearly 6,700 students enrolled in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In addition to programs in creative areas such as communication and writing, media and digital, and music and sound, Columbia offers business management programs. Columbia College Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) has several paths to study Graphic Design or different areas of design. For degree-seeking students, MIAD has a 120 credit hour Communication Design (CD) Program that leads to a BFA. For students seeking a degree in a related area plus a Minor, MIAD has Minors in Book Arts, Digital Media Production, Advertising, and Copywriting. Minors are 15 credit hours, and the Copywriting option is provided in conjunction with nearby Marquette University.

Required credits for the CD BFA Program include 78 studio credits and 42 liberal studies credits (English & Writing, 12; Art History, 12; and Humanities & Sciences, 18. Studio courses for the program explore advertising, 2D, 3D and 4D design, typography, web design, and packaging. Students will take courses such as Communication Design I-IV, Research, Process & Connection, Visual Language, Advertising Design, Fabrication, Computer Studio I-III, Packaging Design, Critical and Creative forms, Advanced Computer Studio, Digital 4D, Patterns in Nature, and Information Graphics.

A Communication Design Thesis totaling six credit hours is required as well as, the Professional Portfolio/Practice course, worth three credits. This course is a culmination of study in the MIAD Communication Design Program.

MIAD Communication Design graduates are Graphic Designers, Book Designers, Art Directors, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers, Advertising Designers, Publication Designers, Illustrators, Web Designers, and Package Designers. Some MIAD alumni go on to pursue graduate study or launch their own creative agencies and design studios.

MIAD interns and alumni work for companies such as Google, Harley-Davidson, Nike, High Sierra, General Motors, Trek, Kohler Company, Milwaukee Tool, Ford Motor Company, Land’s End, GE Healthcare, Hanson Dodge Creative, Fiskars, Delta Faucet, Generac, and PIVOT Cycles.

Founded in 1974, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design is the only four-year, nonprofit, private college of visual art and design in the State of Wisconsin. Serving 1,750 degree-seeking, pre-college, and outreach/special programs students, MIAD offers 21 degree and minor programs in everything from Animation to Sustainability. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)—a consortium of 39 leading art schools in the United States and Canada. The school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Art, Media & Design at the University of the Arts (UArts) houses the School of Design, home to the Graphic Design Program. Leading to a BFA, this 120 credit hour cross-disciplinary program provides collaboration and networking opportunities with arts organizations, local non-profits, and social agencies. In addition, all BFA students have the opportunity to complete a paid or unpaid Design Internship with major companies and studios such as Cartoon Network, Urban Outfitters, and Sterling Publishing.

The Graphic Design BFA Program at University of the Arts explores digital technologies, brand identity, user experience (UX), print, motion graphics, and typography. Students in the program will master design software such as InDesign, Premiere, XD, Illustrator, After Effects, and Photoshop. Access to more than 23 minors allow students to develop skills in other areas. Minor examples that complement the Graphic Design BFA include Print Media, Advertising Practices, Figurative Illustration, Creative Writing, and Business.

Course examples for the program include Design Process, Theory & Communication, Interaction Design, Editorial Systems, Typography, School of Design Workshop, Image & Narrative, Design History, Business & Preparation for Creative Practice, Real World Design, Design for Persuasive Visual Communication, and Critical Studies. During the final year of the BFA Program, students will complete the Portfolio & Brand Development course, and Senior Thesis I-II.

For students interested in a shorter program, the UArts Continuing Education Division has a Graphic Design Certificate Program with two Tracks: Graphic Design Level I and Graphic  Design Level II. Both Tracks are designed to be completed in three sequential semesters. Level One consists of 12 credit hours, with courses such as Adobe Illustrator, Typography, and Adobe After Effects. Level Two consists of nine credit hours, including the following courses: Logo + Brand Design, Motion Graphics, and Capstone Project – Graphic Design. Across Tracks, students will participate in special topic presentations, field trips, and hands-on experiences.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA and Certificate Programs at University of the Arts are prepared to pursue positions in fields ranging from branding and motion graphics to publication design. Students and program alumni have worked Blizzard Entertainment, NASA, 20th Century Fox, Disney, National Geographic, MTV, Facebook, DreamWorks, Newsweek, Simon & Schuster, Nickelodeon, PBS, Time Magazine, NPR, Hallmark, Harper-Collins, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, Penguin Group Publishing, Hasbro, Warner Bros., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), Knopf, and Marvel Comics.

Founded in 1876 as part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, University of the Arts serves approximately 1,500 students enrolled in over 40 degree programs in fine arts, design, media arts, dance, music, theater, and crafts. More than 20 minors are available and open to all students. UArts programs are offered in the Schools of Art, Dance, Design, Film, Music, Theater Arts, and Graduate and Professional Studies. University of the Arts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) has two paths to study Graphic Design: the Associate of Arts (AA) or the BA in Graphic Design. Students in both programs benefit from project-based curriculums, the study abroad program, access FIDM’s Career Center, internships, and industry partnerships with major companies and studios such as Disney, Nike, Pixar, and Converse. FIDM students have worked part-time work or interned with companies such as  NBC Universal, L’Oréal, Nordstrom, and Anthropologie.

The Graphic Design AA is a 90-unit degree program that consists of courses such as History of Design, Beginning Adobe, Digital Imaging, Computer Illustration, Typography, Publication Design, UX Design, Brand X, Motion Graphic Design, Logo/Symbol Design, Packaging & Prepress Production, Data Visualization, and Writing for New Media.

The Graphic Design BA at FIDM is a 91-unit degree program that’s open to students with an AA or AA Professional Designation degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, or Visual Communications from FIDM. The program also accepts students with an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design from another accredited college or university.

The FIDM Graphic Design BA explores design, typography, motion graphics, and concept with an emphasis on the entertainment industries and lifestyle brands. Course examples include Advanced Practices In Color, Design & 3D Form, Ethics in Business, Title Design, Photo Direction, Advanced Typography, Lifestyle Brand Strategies, Motion Graphics I-II, Entertainment Licensing, Activated Marketing, and Mobile Application Marketing.

Both the AA and BA Programs provide opportunities to work with the partners listed earlier, and other industry partners such as Warner Bros, Signal Snowboards, and Yes To. FIDM Graphic Design students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was founded in 1969. This private design school serves more than 1,800 students enrolled in over 20 creative majors leading to an Associate of Arts, Professional Designation, Advanced Study Associate of Arts, Bachelor's, or Master's Degree. Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the art and design programs are accredited by National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).  

The College of Arts & Sciences at Baylor University (Baylor) houses 25 academic departments and eight academic centers and institutes, making it the school’s largest academic division. Established in 1919, the College is also one of the school’s oldest units. Housed in the Lewis Art Building, Art and Art History is one of the Departments of the College of Arts & Sciences. Housed in the Lewis Art Building, the Department houses smart classrooms, computer labs for graphic design and photography, darkrooms, and state-of-the-art studios drawing, painting, printmaking, and more. Students in the Baylor Studio Art BFA and BA Programs here have access to all Department facilities.

The Studio Art BFA and BA allow students to focus in Graphic Design. Course examples for the program include Typography, Package Design, Conceptual Development, Identity Design, Digital Media for Graphic Design, Publication Design, Illustration, Studio Topics in Graphic Design, and Web Design.

Studio Art students will also complete the Internship in Studio Art, and a Portfolio Preparation course where they will develop a Graphic Design Portfolio of their best work. Portfolio Preparation also covers interviewing, presentation skills, and job search strategies.

Graduates work for advertising agencies, publishing firms, creative agencies, design studios, publishers, newspapers and magazines, public relations firms, marketing companies, web design firms, and museums. Some graduates have launched their own design studios and advertising agencies.

Chartered in 1845, Baylor University is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Serving approximately to 19,850 students, Baylor offers more than 250 degree programs across 12 academic divisions. Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Southern New Hampshire University has a Graphic Design & Media Arts BA Program that can be completed on campus or 100% online. This career-focused program provides a variety of Minors to enhance the degree. Examples include Digital Media Video Production, Socia Media Marketing, Business Analytics, and Game Art and Development. Other program features include hands-on Graphic Design courses; networking opportunities through program affiliations, projects, and professional conferences; internships; courses taught by industry professionals; and access to more than 50 student clubs.

Consisting of 120 credit hours, the SNHU Graphic Design & Media Arts BA Program requires 36 credit hours in the major, with two concentration options for online students including Experience Design and Web Design. Students in both the campus and online programs may also choose 12 credit hours of electives to create their own focus area. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design Studio I-IV, Layout and Publication Design, User Interface and Experience, Designing a Brand Identity, Advanced Digital Graphic Design for Web, Personal Branding and Self Promotion, Multi-Channel Advertising Design, and Professional Practices in Graphic Design.

In the final year of the SNHU Graphic Design & Media Arts BA Program, students will complete Graphic Design Culmination Experience I and Graphic Design Culmination Experience II, which provides the opportunity to design and implement a final project. Students will also present and defend their project alongside a portfolio of their best work.

Graduates of the Graphic Design& Media Arts Program at Southern New Hampshire University are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as Advertising, Publishing, Marketing, Entertainment, and Public Relations.

Founded in 1932 as New Hampshire Accounting and Secretarial School, Southern New Hampshire University opened in a two-room storefront with less than 50 students enrolled in accounting, bookkeeping, and secretarial courses. Today, SNHU operates across a 300-acre campus that serves more than 3,000 residential students, and over 170,000 online students, making it one of the country’s fastest growing universities.

Students at Southern New Hampshire University have access to more than 200 career-focused programs leading to a certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The College of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University (TCU or Texas Christian) houses the Department of Design, home to the Graphic Design Program. A major component of this BFA program is the TCU internship requirement during the third year of study. The Design Internship provides the opportunity for students to work at ad agencies or design studios in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, anywhere in the U.S., and overseas. TCU Design students have completed internships in places such as New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles Kansas City, Austin,  St. Louis, Houston, Peru, England, Panama, and Taiwan. Many Design students receive offers to remain with the studio or agency part-time during their senior year, while others have been recruited for full-time positions.

Consisting of 124 credit hours (120 beginning Fall 2024), the Graphic Design BFA Program at Texas Christian University explores advertising, packaging, branding, corporate identity, web and interactive media, typography, and publications. Students in the program will complete 51 credit hours in Graphic Design. Course examples include Advanced Design, Typography, Package Design, Corporate Identity, Advertising Design, Computer Applications to Graphic Design, 2D Design, Creative Practice, and Publication Design. Portfolio and Marketing, Senior Thesis in Visual Communication, and The Digital Portfolio courses are also part of the program.

Graduates of the Graphic Design Program at Texas Christian University have enjoyed a 100% employment rate over the past four years. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Creative Designers, and Art Directors at design studios, advertising agencies, and more in just about every major city in Texas, across the U.S., and abroad. They work in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, London, Peru, Germany, Guatemala, Panama, and Nicaragua with companies such as Warren Douglas Advertising, Twilio, Pentagram, Loyalkaspar (LK), Deep Focus, and Pace Communications.

Established in 1873 as one of the Southwest’s earliest coed universities, Texas Christian University serves approximately 12,275 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 10 colleges and schools. With more than 60 faith traditions represented, TCU students come from 50 states and 76 nations. Texas Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Chapman University (Chapman) houses Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences , home to the Department of Art and the Graphic Design Program. Two options are available: the Graphic Design BFA and the 24 credit hour Graphic Design Minor. Both programs explore all areas of Graphic Design from 2D, 3D and 4D to print, interactive design, web design, and UX/UI Design. Course examples across programs include Branding & Advertising Design, Web and Interaction Design, Book Design, Advanced Typography, Visualization - Perspective and Rendering, 4D Design, Advanced Interaction UX/UI and Web Design, Advanced Graphic Design, Illustration, and Motion Design.

Other program features include two portfolio workshops, training in Adobe Creative Suite, laser cutting, and 3D printing, access to design-related jobs on campus and off-campus internship opportunities, and the London Sustainable Design course, which allows students to work on projects with industry clients overseas. Students will also complete a 120-hour design internship and a number of graphic design projects with direction and advice from real clients.

An additional component of the Graphic Design BFA Program at Chapman University is the option to integrate coursework from other programs such as Advertising and Public Relations, Creative Industries, Business, Marketing, and Sociology.

Graduates of the program will enter the job market with solid design skills from internships and other experiential learning experiences, overseas travel experience, and a professional portfolio of their best work. Chapman Graphic Design alumni are prepared to pursue positions in all industries that require a background in Graphic Design.

Founded in 1861 as Hesperian College, Chapman University is a business, entertainment, and technology college that serves approximately 10,000 students from just 49 states, two territories, and 82 countries. Chapman offers 200 programs across 11 different schools and colleges. Chapman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).

Pennsylvania College of Art (PCA&D) has a Graphic Design BFA Program that features on-on-one instruction, portfolio review and critique with faculty who are professional designers, and the opportunity to customize the curriculum. In addition, students can add a Minor or Certificate to enhance the program. Minor examples include Live Experience Design, Animation & Game Art, and Business in Creative Industry. Certificate examples include Packaging Design, Data Visualization, UX/UI Design, Animation, and Digital Photography.

A major component of the Graphic Design BFA Program at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is the required Senior Internship, which provides the opportunity for all students to gain valuable work experience at a local or national design studio, advertising agency, or marketing firm. Also required in the Senior year is the Professional Practices/Portfolio Preparation course. This includes the production of the student’s final portfolio, which will be presented at the Senior Exhibition.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA Program at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design are prepared for positions in the Graphic and Interactive Design industries.

Founded in 1982 by working artists, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit, professional art college that serves more than 200 students enrolled in six major programs leading to a BFA, 12 minor programs, and 11 certificate programs. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The College of Music and Media at Loyola University of New Orleans (LOYNO) houses the School of Communication and Design, home to the Department of Design. Housed in the recently renovated Monroe Hall, the Department of Design has its own AIGA chapter, which hosts guest artists and fundraising events. The Department also provides internship opportunities at places such as the New Orleans Museum of Art and Peter Mayer Advertising, and students have access to study abroad programs in more than 50 countries. Examples include India, Korea, Brazil, Spain, and the UK.

For students seeking an undergraduate degree, the LOYNO Department of Design has a Graphic Design BDes that requires 120 credit hours, including 72 in the major. The program explores digital methods using adobe creative suite and analog methods such as hand lettering, screenprinting, drawing, and letterpress. Students may select from three Tracks: Print, Interactive, and Motion/Film. Course examples cross Tracks include Bookbinding/Book Arts, Environmental Communication, Writing: Technique + Technology, Understanding Media, Digital Filmmaking, and Media Play.

Course examples for the major include Illustration Design, Typography Lab 1-2, UX Design Practicum, Motion Design and narrative, Business of Design, Social/Political Design, Print Design and Narrative, and Design Photography. In addition to a variety of courses, GDes students will complete a Design Internship and Design Capstone to graduate.

Graduates of the Design Programs at Loyola University New Orleans are prepared to pursue positions such as Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Package Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Publications Designer, Web Designer, Book Designer, UI/UX Designer, Brand Manager, and Exhibition Designer, among others. Program alumni also are also prepared for graduate study and teaching positions.

Established in 1904 as Loyola College, Loyola University New Orleans is a private, Jesuit university that serves approximately 4,550 students enrolled in close to 150 programs across five colleges and Loyola Online. Situated on 24 acres across from Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo, Loyola University New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University (Drexel) houses the Graphic Design BS Program and a Graphic Design Minor. Consisting of 24 credit hours, the Graphic Design Minor consists of courses such as Visual Communication, Design for Media, Typography, Computer Imaging, and Graphic Design: 20th Century and Beyond.

All degree-seeking students at will participate in Drexel’s cooperative education program (co-op), which is the oldest, largest, and most well-known co-op program in the U.S. This university requirement allows students to gain hands-on experience prior to graduation. Past co-op experiences have taken students to places such as Ghana, Greece, London, Hong Kong, and Spain. Graduates of the Drexel University Graphic Design BS Program are often hired for full-time positions with a co-op employer.

Other program features include access to state-of-the-art studios and labs such as the Hybrid Making Lab, the Computer Lab, and wood and metal shops; frequent field trips that include studio tours and Design Philadelphia events; and the annual field excursion to New York City. Recent trips have included Soviet avant-garde design at the Jewish Museum, Bard Center for Graduate Studies (tour and curator talk on Jan Tschichold); and the Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.

The Graphic Design BS Program at Drexel University consists of 189 credit hours. In this project-based, collaborative program, students will master software applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students will also develop skills in book, magazine, and package design; website design including CSS, HTML, and JavaScript; exhibition and experiential design; user experience; Band Identity; Motion Graphics; Typography; Data Visualization; and Design Research.

Electives and minor options allow student designers to pursue advanced study in areas such as experimental publication design, product design, nonprofit communication, environmental graphic design, technology information management, human-computer interaction (HCI), computing technology, virtual reality and immersive media, motion graphic design, writing, photography, web design, marketing, business, and project management.

Course examples for the Drexel Graphic Design BS Program include Publication Design, Book Design, Motion Graphics: Storyboarding and Development for Time-Based Media, Computer Imaging I: Introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Corporate Identity, Information Graphics: Mapping, Wayfinding, Data Visualization, Computer Imaging II: Intro to Adobe Photoshop, Physics: Light and Sound, Production: Introducing the Tools and Methods of Production Management for Print and Screen Media, and Web Graphics/Web Design.

Graduates of the Design BS Program at Drexel University are prepared for positions in areas such as package design, marketing, exhibition design, illustration, publication design, content development, UX/UI design, and web design. Program alumni have been hired at Penguin Random House, Marvel Entertainment, Saatchi & Saatchi, Philadelphia Museum of Art, ESPN, Siemens, Bloomberg, Facebook, Sesame Workshop, Comcast, Urban Outfitters, QVC, SAP, Digitas, The Franklin Institute, and Under Armour, Time Inc.,  Brooks Brothers, and Philadelphia Magazine.

Drexel University was established in 1891 as Drexel Institute of Art, Science, & Industry. The school serves approximately 23,215 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools. Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Digital Media and Animation & Visual Effects (VFX) Programs at Drexel are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Arts & Design (NASAD).

The College of Communications & Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) houses the Department of Art and Art History, home to the Art and Design BFA Program with a Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) Emphasis. Consisting of 78 semester hours in the major, the program includes courses such as Design Literacy, World of Typography, Social Design, Design Concept to Form, Experimental Typography, Design Praxis, and Design Entrepreneurship.

This professional degree program requires successful completion of the Senior Design Thesis to graduate. Graduates are prepared to pursue an MFA degree, teach Studio Art, or pursue a career as a professional artist or designer. Examples of possible career pathways include Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UX/UI Designer, Project Manager, Editorial Designer, Printmaker, Motion Designer, Multimedia Artist, and Museum Publication Director.

Established in 1911, Loyola Marymount University serves approximately 10,000 students enrolled in more than 170 minors, credential, and degree programs. Academic offerings at Loyola Marymount University are housed across seven colleges and schools, and three campuses including LMU Westchester (Los Angeles), LMU Downtown (Law School), and LMU Playa Vista (Silicon Beach). Loyola Marymount University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences at George Washington University (GW) provides close to 100 degree and graduate certificate programs to 8,000 students. Corcoran School of Art & Design. GW’s largest academic unit, Columbian College houses 42 academic departments and three schools. This includes Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, home to the Graphic Design BFA and 21 credit hour Minor.

BFA Program features include participation in World Studio’s Design Ignites Change and Design Lab where students work on real-world projects, access to state-of-the-art studios and labs, internship opportunities, and study abroad experiences. GW Corcoran students have studied and worked overseas in Saudi Arabia, Japan, London, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and China. In the U.S., students have engaged in experiential learning experiences in New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Corcoran BFA students have also interned at or worked with companies, networks, and publications such as Architectural Digest, Apple, Discovery Communications, NBC, The Daily Beast, National Geographic and PBS.

The Graphic Design BFA Program at GW explores branding and identity, motion graphics, typography publication design, systems design, information design, mobile apps, interaction design, environmental design, and web design. The program culminates with a professional portfolio and Thesis Exhibition known as NEXT.

Graduates of the George Washington University Graphic Design Program are prepared to pursue positions such as Package Designer, Exhibit Designer, Publication Designer, User Interface Designer, Package Designer, Branding/Identity Designer, Interaction Designer, Book Designer, Motion Designer, Environmental Designer, Mobile Apps Designer, and Web Designer.

Program alumni have been hired for full-time positions at places such as The Smithsonian Institution, Apple, Discovery Communications, National Geographic, The Daily Beast, and Harper's Bazaar.

George Washington University serves more than 26,000 students from all 50 states, DC, and 130+ countries, making it the largest institution of higher education in Washington, DC. Founded in 1821, GW offers hundreds of programs (including more than 100 online programs) across 14 colleges and schools, and 100 research centers. George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS).