Top 50 Private Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2024 Rankings

Serving approximately 730 students, Design is the third largest program at School of Visual Arts (SVA). The program has multidisciplinary BFA and MFA options that provide access to the SVA Digital Imaging Center; internship opportunities at local and national companies; participation in the student-run Visual Arts Press; and private studios with 24-hour access for graduate students. 

Design at SVA also provides opportunities to engage with guest lecturers; enter competitions covered by networks such as NBC and CNN; and participate in workshops and exhibitions. All students may also take advantage of the program's complimentary membership to The One Club for Creativity, which includes The Art Directors Club and Type Directors Club. 

At the end of every academic year the Design Department also 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. 

The SVA BFA program has four concentration options including Graphic Design; 3D Design; Interaction Design; and Motion Graphics. Students may customize an additional area of focus within their chosen concentration. Examples include information graphics, branding, experiential design, environmental design, package design, editorial design, and book cover design. 

The Design program with a Graphic Design concentration requires 120 credit hours of study including 72 credits in studio art courses. Students will take required courses such as Design Thinking; Graphic Design I-II; Fundamentals of Typography I-II; Intermediate Drawing I-II; and Click, Touch, Move: Designing for Interactive Experiences I-II.  

Other course examples include History of Graphic Design: A Survey of Styles from the Late 19th Century to the Present; Zines; Visual Storytelling: Autobiography Through Visual Language; Experimental Book Art; Integrated Advertising and Communication; Branding; The International Typographic Style; Package Design; Book Design for Today; Multimedia Storytelling for Designers; and Poster Design.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at School of Visual Arts, students will complete a series of senior project courses and the following four courses: Graphic Design Portfolio I-II; Presentations Skills Seminar; and Intellectual Property and the Law. Senior project courses include Production Studio for the Graphic Designer; Fashion: The Campaign; Advanced Typography I-II: The Perfect Paragraph; and Differentiate or Die: How to Get a Job When You Graduate. 

Graduates of the Design BFA program at School of Visual Arts have been hired at advertising agencies, design studios, nonprofit organizations, marketing firms, publishing companies, museums, and academic institutions. Some SVA alumni have even launched their own start-ups, studios, and design firms. 

The Design MFA at School of Visual Arts requires 60 credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurship, so students will explore areas such as advertising, business, networking, ethnography, promotion, marketing, intellectual property, research, publicity, and networking. The curriculum also explores branding, user experience, art book publishing, motion graphics, video, digital publishing, interaction, and new media directing. 

Course examples for the program include Can Design Touch Someone’s Heart?; Design and Branding; The Joy of User Experience; Paul Rand Lecture Series; Intellectual Property and the Law; Logic and Type; Designing a Business; Telling Stories; Seminars I-II; Design in Context; Type for Masters; Design Decisions; and Interaction Aesthetics: Designing Digital Products for the 21st Century. 

During the final year of the Design MFA program at SVA, students will complete a thesis across five courses. The final three courses highlight production; pitch and presentation; and the thesis video and media launch. 

Graduates of the Design MFA program at SVA have gone on to launch more than 50 design studios around the world. Some program alumni have become partners in businesses and individual projects, while others work for corporations and non-profit organizations. 

School of Visual Arts opened in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators school. Classes began with just three teachers and 35 students. Today, SVA serves approximately 3,440 students enrolled in dozens of BFA, MA, MFA, and MPS programs. School of Visual Arts 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).

Yale University (Yale) is home to the School of Art (SoA). Within the school is an Art major for students enrolled in Yale College, and MFA degrees in Graphic Design, Photography, Painting and Printmaking, and Sculpture. Across programs, students have the option to enroll in elective courses in other professional schools across the university. 

Other Yale SoA features include visiting professionals that take part in lectures and critiques; free evening events hosted by faculty members and visiting artists; and two galleries—Green Hall and 32 Edgewood Gallery. Both galleries are open year-round with frequent exhibitions by students, faculty, and special guests. 

The Graphic Design MFA program at Yale University accepts just 12 students each year and up to six students into the preliminary-year program. This option is ideal for students with experience in an area outside of design. Consisting of 60 credit hours, the MFA consists of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and presentations. Students also benefit from immersive studio work; individual sessions with editing and writing tutors; group thesis meetings; and access to more than 2,000 courses each year. 

Examples of required courses for the program include Interactive Design and the Internet: Software for People; Critical and Professional Practice; Advanced Graphic Design: Ad Hoc Series and Systems; First-Year Graduate Studio: Graphic Design; Second-Year Graduate Studio: Graphic Design; Writing as Visual Practice; and Degree Presentation in Graphic Design. 

All MFA students benefit from designated workspaces in the design studio loft; access to motion capture and VR tools at the Center for Collaborative Arts and Media; unlimited access to equipment such as the RISO Digital Duplicator, Vandercook presses, bookbinding materials, and wide format printers; opportunities to attend conferences and film festivals; and access to Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

The Yale SoA Graphic Design MFA culminates with the completion of a thesis and a professional portfolio. The program takes two years to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles at advertising agencies, print and online publishing companies, public relations firms, computer systems design companies, design firms, web design studios, manufacturing companies, and marketing firms. 

Established in 1701, Yale University is one of the oldest institutes of higher learning in the U.S. A member of the Ivy League, the school houses approximately 15,080 students served by more than 10,500 staff members. Eighty majors are provided across more than 100 departments and schools including Yale College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Yale Professional Schools—including the School Art (SoA). 

Established in 1869, Yale SoA was the nation’s first art school connected with an institution of higher learning. The school serves more than 100 students enrolled in five programs. As part of Yale University, the School of Art is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a Graphic Design program that provides the opportunity to collaborate with Fortune 500 companies such as Disney and BMW through the university’s in-house design studio SCADpro. Graphic Design students also have opportunities to study abroad for a quarter at SCAD’s Lacoste, France campus. During this experience students will take field trips to historic sites and museums, interact with visiting artists, and exhibit their work at a local gallery or museum. 

Each year, Savannah College of Art and Design welcomes visiting artists and other professionals that provide workshops, panel discussions, master classes, and individual critiques. Examples of recent guests include Google's UX visual design team, Coca-Cola senior creative director Henry Kim, FontLab CEO Thomas Phinney, Grammy Award-winning graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, and Pentagram partner DJ Stout. 

The Graphic Design program at Savannah College of Art and Design provides four degree options: the BA and BFA in Graphic Design, and the MA and MFA in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. All options are available at the Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia campuses and through SCADnow Online. A Graphic Design Minor is also available at both U.S. campuses and online. 

Across all programs, students benefit from courses taught by industry professionals from companies such as Google, Hasbro, and Airbnb; access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities; mentoring by top professionals in the design industry; and access to events such as SCADstyle, which attracts the biggest names in global art, modern design, and fashion. 

All SCAD Graphic Design options offer the opportunity to add a minor to enhance the degree. Examples include Advertising Copywriting; Mobile and Interactive Design; User Experience Design; and Advertising and Branding. Students may also add the Digital Publishing Certificate. Undergraduates may choose up to 20 hours of electives, which provides additional opportunities to develop skills in multiple areas of art and design. 

Course examples across the BA and BFA programs include Digital Communication; Visual Design Systems; Typography I: Anatomy, Form, and Purpose; The Evolution of Graphic Design; Typography II: Brand Direction and Activation; Studio I: Production and Technique; Studio II: Language, Expression, Media; Speaking of Ideas; Typography III: Type Design and Implementation; Studio III: Discovery, Innovation, and The Human Experience; and Graphic Design Professional Portfolio. 

MA students will take courses such as Design Research, Analysis, and Discourse; Typographic Voice and Visual Narrative; Methods of Contextual Research; Visual Analysis of Static Content; and Methods of Contextual Research. MFA students will complete the same courses listed above, as well as Curated Narrative for Dynamic Content; Experience Design for Physical Spaces; User-centered Strategy and Process; and Visual Design for Interactive Contexts. 

MFA students will also compete the required graduate internship and three thesis courses including Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis I: Research and Discovery; Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis II: Synthesis and Insight; and Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis III: Validation and Execution. 

BA, BFA, and MA students have the option to complete an internship at a local, regional, national, or global company. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Savannah College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue titles such as Art Director, UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Mobile App Designer, Publication Designer, Digital Designer, Creative Director, and Interactive Designer.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Disney, Google, Riot Games, IBM, Ralph Lauren, Apple, Verizon, Meta, Under Armour, Live Nation, Airbnb, Hulu, Reddit, and Hulu. SCAD alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios, while others have established successful freelance careers. 

Savannah College of Art and Design has more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S. In 1979, the school opened in the renovated Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory with just one classroom, an administration building, and 71 students. Today, SCAD serves more than 17,500 students across campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCADNow. 

SCAD students come from all 50 states and more than 120 countries. Programs include 100+ degrees and more than 75 minors and certificates. Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Established in 2014, the School of Design (SoD) at Pratt Institute (Pratt) houses the Communications Design BFA and MFA programs; the Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Graphic Design program; the Graphic Design/Illustration AAS; and a STEM-designated Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS. 

All SoD programs provide access to the Design studio—a creative space and community for collaboration and design exploration; access to hands-on, immersive maker spaces and production labs; internship opportunities at a field related professional site; and participation in more than 20 study abroad experiences such as faculty led summer excursions, fall and spring break travel, and custom semester programs. Tokyo, Florence, Copenhagen, London, Berlin, Glasgow, and Milan are just a few past destinations. 

The Communications Design BFA at Pratt Institute has an emphasis in Graphic Design. Consisting of 126 credit hours, this interdisciplinary program features upper-level studio courses in areas such as branding, media and platforms, inclusivity, visual systems, interactivity, experience design, motion, and sustainability. All students will have opportunities to explore experimentation, creative coding, independent publishing, user experience, and design writing through electives. 

Course examples for the program include Visualization/Representation; Light Color Design Studio; Process and Production; Typography and Information Design; Branding and Messaging; History of Graphic Design and Illustration; Graphic Design Intensive; 1-3; and Digital Prototyping. The Communication Design BFA at Pratt Institute culminates with the Professional Practice course and Graphic Design Senior Thesis Project. 

The Graphic Design AOS and Graphic Design/Illustration AAS programs allow students to begin creating from day one as each option eliminates general education courses. Designed for high school graduates and adults with or without a degree, the AOS is an intensive, career-track program that features internship opportunities; courses led by industry professionals; and internships across industries at places such as Marvel Studios and The Painting Center. 

Course examples for this 66 credit hour program include Graphic Design I-II; UI/UX Interactive Media I-II; Digital Design; Typography I-III; and Advertising Design I-II. In just two years, AOS students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are prepared to pursue immediate employment in areas such as publishing, interactive media, advertising, package design, marketing, web design, illustration, brand design, and UI/UX design. 

The AAS in Graphic Design/Illustration at Pratt Institute is a 64 credit hour program that prepares students for transfer into the Communications Design BFA, the Fine Arts Department at Pratt Institute, or any other related school or program at Pratt. The AAS combines advanced art and design coursework with liberal studies. Course examples include Drawing I-II; UI/UX Interactive Media; Pre-Press and Print Production; Illustration I-II; Digital Media; Communication Design I-II; and Themes in Art and Culture I-II. 

The Communications Design MFA at Pratt Institute consists of 60 credit hours completed over two years. Taught by renowned professionals in the field, courses for the program include (but are not limited to) Graduate Studio: Visual Language A and B; Design Writing; Graduate Studio: Technology A and B; Origins of Contemporary Communication Design; Graduate Studio: Transformation Design A and B; and Cross-Disciplinary Studio. 

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

First offered in 1966, the Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS program at Pratt Institute consists of 48 credit hours, completed over two years. Course examples include Design Ethics and Practice; Packaging Design I-II; Origins of Contemporary Communication Design; Packaging and the Retail Space; Design Management; Prototyping and Production; Cross-Platform Design; and Sustainability and Design.  

The Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS program culminates with a Capstone Project that results in a professional body of work. 

Graduates of the creative programs at Pratt Institute have been hired at major companies, studios, and organizations such as Apple, Google, Ogilvy, HBO, Penguin Random House, DreamWorks Animation, Hasbro, IBM, Warner Music Group, Peacock, Carhartt, Inc., Dior, RGA, Gensler, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC Department of Transportation, Perkins Eastman, Wolff-Olins, Partners & Partners (P&P), HOK Group, and 2x4. 

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute was one of the nation’s first colleges to welcome students without regard to color, gender, or class. With 1,200 dedicated faculty, the school serves approximately 5,140 students across campuses in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Utica, New York. Around 48 programs are provided across six schools and The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Pratt Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to the College of Fine Arts (CFA), which houses the School of Design. Within the school is a four-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) program. Equivalent to the BFA, the program has with 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. 

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

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

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 Studio I: Form and Context; Collaborative Visualizing; Design Lab; Design Studies: Systems; and Prototyping Lab. BXA graduates go on to work in areas such as user research, strategic planning, and information systems analysis. 

Another option is the Design minor. Consisting of 54 units (including 27 units of design electives), this program is open to students who would like to focus in design within another major. Course examples for the program include Design for Interactions for Products; Human Experience in Design; and Design for Interactions for Communications. 

Finally, Carnegie Mellon University provides an Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) program that allows students to add a concentration in an area such as Media Design, Design for Learning, Sonic Arts, Immersive Technologies in Arts and Culture, or Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 

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

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

The culminating experience for the MDes program is the thesis completed across four courses. MPS students may complete a colloquium for their culminating experience. During years two and three, PhD students will complete Research I, II, III, and IV. During the final year of the program, across two courses, PhD 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. 

Graduates of the Design programs at Carnegie Mellon University are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at major companies, firms, and organizations such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Mayo Clinic, IDEO, Whirlpool, R/GA, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh,  Volkswagen/Audi, Skype, Motorola, Pinterest, Meta, and global creative agency Isobar. 

Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University began as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, the school serves more than 14,500 students from 100+ countries with access to over 200 programs across seven colleges and schools. This private, global research university also has more than a dozen degree-granting locations, along with 20+ research partnerships in Silicon Valley, Australia, Africa, and Qatar. Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The Graphic Design Program at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) has been around since 1980. Students can enroll in the program’s 120 credit hour BFA or the 15 credit hour minor. Students in the minor will select from courses such as Graphic Design I-II; New Media UI/UX; Design and Typography; Expressive Typography; New Media: Music Branding; and Special Topics: Wearable Messages. 

Across programs, students benefit from immersive, studio-based courses; interactions with visiting artists from major studios such as DreamWorks and creative agencies such as Push; the chance to submit work to the ADDY Awards; internships at top design studios; and the opportunity to work on real-world projects for local businesses at the school’s in-house design studio Ringling College Design Center. 

Graphic Design BFA students will take a combination of required courses in general education and liberal arts; art and design history; first year community; the graphic design major; open electives; and graphic design electives. Elective examples include Word, Image and Book; Expressive Typography; Contemporary Topics in Graphic Design; Intro to Letterpress; Special Topics: Wearable Messages; and Design for Business. 

In the major, students will take courses such as Graphic Design I-VI; New Media UI/UX; Visual Persuasion; Designing with Type I-II; Three Dimensional Problem Solving; and Design and Typography. First year community courses total 15 credit hours and include 2D Design I-II; Time Based Communication; and 3D Design I-II. 

In the final course for the RCAD Graphic Design BFA—Portfolio (GDES 480)—students will develop interview, written communication, and job search skills; engage with guest speakers who will provide career insights; and create web-based and print portfolios that display the students best works and problem-solving abilities. 

Graduates of the Ringling College of Art and Design Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue roles across industries. RCAD alumni hold titles such as Director of Product Design, Interface Designer, Associate Creative Director, Graphic Apparel Designer, Brand Manager, Junior Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Designer and Illustrator, Senior Art Director, and Multimedia Designer. 

Program alumni have worked with major companies, firms, and studios such as Microsoft, Walt Disney Imagineering, Google, Apple, Saatchi & Saatchi X, Ogilvy, BBC Studios, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Target, Wieden+Kennedy, Meta, Leo Burnett, GM, Instagram, Hallmark, Cartoon Network, LinkedIn, Spotify, Hasbro, Squarespace, DAZN, Arc Worldwide, Ethos, Spark, Blue Bottle Coffee, Hype, and Loyalkaspar. Some RCAD alumni have also gone on to launch their own design firms and freelance businesses. 

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Founded in 1931 by Dr. Ludd M. Spivey (then president of Southern College) and circus baron John Ringling, RCAD serves approximately 1,700 students enrolled in 11 different majors leading to a BFA degree, two majors leading to a BA, and minor options in 10 areas.

California College of the Arts (CCA) has two paths to study graphic design—the BFA and MFA. The Graphic Design BFA is a STEM-designated program that features dedicated studio space for students; a Prototyping Studio and Hybrid Lab, where students can explore virtual reality and other emerging technologies; and the Book Arts and Letterpress Studio, which houses bookbinding equipment and lithography presses. 

Leading to a BFA, the CCA Graphic Design program begins with the First Year Experience, where students have the opportunity to explore a variety of techniques, tools, and materials; participate in studio projects; and engage in critiques. Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Graphic Design 1-3; Advanced Interactive; Typography 1-3; Graphic Design Tools; 2D, 3D, and 4D; Media History 2: Current Issues in Design; Writing 1-2; and Professional Practice Workshop. 

In the final years of the CCA Graphic Design program, students will have the opportunity to intern for technology companies, design studios, and cultural institutions in the Bay Area and beyond. The program culminates with a thesis project that will be presented to faculty and peers. 

Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Packaging Designer, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer, Product Designer, Book Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Type Designer, Identity Designer, Editorial Designer, and Web Designer. Program alumni have landed positions at places such as Google, IDEO, MacFadden & Thorpe, Atlassian, California Academy of Sciences, Frog Design, Wolff Olins, Snap Inc., and Bonfire Labs. 

The Design MFA at California College of the Arts is a terminal degree program that requires 90 units of study. Students in this program benefit from 24/7 access to the Hybrid Lab and Rapid Prototyping Studio; a lecture series that explores all disciplines; access to an extensive Materials Library; a yearly retreat at Headlands Center for the Arts; intensive workshops with visiting designers; and exhibitions for studio and end-of-year work.

The program also has three concentrations—Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Industrial Design—and two options including the two-year program and three-year program. The two-year option is designed for students with experience in one or more areas of design. The three-year option is for students with an undergraduate degree in an unrelated area. The first year of the three-year program allows students to develop design skills in preparation for the traditional two-year curriculum. 

The CCA Design MFA provides a variety of course options including Design in Context Seminar; Digital Electronics; The Studio 2: IxD; Contemporary Design; Mechatronics; Hybrid Business Models; Interactive Media; Typography; and Professional Practice. The program culminates with the thesis project and exhibition. 

Graduates of the Design MFA program at California College of the Arts are prepared to pursue leadership roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Project Manager, Art Director, Senior Product Designer, Managing UI/UX Designer, Research and Development Technologist, Managing Curator, Entrepreneur, and Educator. 

CCA MFA alumni have worked with or been hired at places such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Apple, The New York Times, Google, IDEO, Headlands Center for the Arts, Adobe, and Meta. Graduates have also launched their own design firms and companies. Examples include BackerKit, Sensoree, and Gold Collective. 

California College of the Arts was established in 1907 as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts. When it opened, CCA had just three teachers and 43 students when it opened. Today, the school employs 420 faculty members that serve approximately 1,500 students enrolled in nearly 40 degree programs and minors. California College of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

The Design Department at Brigham Young University (BYU) is part of the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Within the department are six degree programs, including a limited enrollment Graphic Design BFA. For students seeking a shorter program with a flexible schedule, BYU also has a Graphic Design Fundamentals certificate program that builds into the school’s BAS in Professional Studies (BAS PS). 

The certificate consists of 12 credit hours. Courses include Introduction to Graphic Design; Adobe CC Basics; Typography I; and Graphic Design. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue positions such as Junior Graphic Designer, Marketing Production Artist, Junior Production Artist, and Design Assistant. 

Although the Graphic Design Fundamentals certificate can prepare students for employment in the field, many graduates continue into the BAS PS program. This four-year option is designed for students who would like to tailor the curriculum to meet their specific career goals. 

The Graphic Design BFA at Brigham Young University is a 120 credit hour professional degree program that focuses on design thinking; professional practice, design across media types, effective communication through design; design impact and sustainability; and cultural change, context, and audience. Course examples include Motion Concepts; Interaction and Design Systems; Typography 1-2; Analog Motion; Design Theory; History of Graphic Design; 3D Motion; Collaborative Design: Brand and Strategy; Advanced Interaction Design; Interface and Usability; Letterpress Studio; Ethnographic Research Design; 3-Dimensional Design; Design Lab; and Design Lecture Series. 

The program also provides a number of career and business courses to prepare students for entry into the field or to launch their own design studios. Course examples include Marketing Management; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Studio Practices for Designers; Introduction to Advertising; New Venture LaunchPad; and Career Strategies. 

All Graphic Design BFA students at BYU will complete a design internship. For the culminating experience, students may complete the BFA Capstone, consisting of three courses, or Collab. UX Design: Discovery, Research, and Implement—three separate courses totaling 6.5 credits. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Brigham Young University are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as advertising, branding and product design, data visualization, publishing, interaction design, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), exhibit design, motion graphics, mobile app development, and web design. 

BYU graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Amazon, Walt Disney, Microsoft, Walmart, Boeing, Visa, Apple, Wells Fargo, Nestle, Southwest Airlines, Nike, Adobe, Target, eBay, Raytheon, Samsung, PepsiCo, JCPenny, Dell, Toyota, Marriott, Ford, Overstock.com, Allstate, Verizon, Intel, Divvy, AT&T, USAA, General Motors, NortonLifeLock, Oracle, Procter & Gamble, FedEx, KPMG, Lenovo, Capital One, Delta Airlines, HP, and Bank of America. 

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 more than 35,000 students from the U.S. and 105 countries, BYU is the one of the largest private universities in the nation. The school provides approximately 435 programs across more than a dozen colleges and departments. Campuses include BYU-Utah, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, BYU Pathway Worldwide, and Ensign College.

Brigham Young University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

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).

Boston University (BU) is home to the College of Fine Arts, which houses the School of Visual Arts. Within the school are three paths to study Graphic Design: the BFA, MFA, and certificate. All options are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). 

Established in 1954, the School of Visual Arts at Boston University houses state-of-the-art facilities such as Media Center, Computer Labs, and Darkrooms; the Engineering Production Innovation Center (EPIC); and the Visual Arts Resource Library. As part of the SVA, Graphic Design students also benefit from seminars, professional internship opportunities, and visiting artists and designers. 

The BU SVA Graphic Design programs consist of workshops, immersive studio experiences, and a variety of electives and minors that complement all curriculums. Elective examples include Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Exhibition Design, Experience Design, Motion Graphics, and Design for the Web. 

Other 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 also have the opportunity to participate in the Studio Arts program in Venice, Italy, which consists of 16-18 credit hours in graphic design, drawing, painting, printmaking, art history, and sculpture. Courses are held at Boston University’s Venice Center, with some electives provided off-site at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. 

Consisting of 132 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA is a cross-disciplinary program that begins with first-year foundation courses. In the following years of the program, students can select courses from the College of Communication; Innovate@BU; the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences; Hariri Institute for Computing; and Questrom School of Business. The program culminates with the thesis project and end-of-year exhibition at the Boston University Art Galleries. 

Consisting of 60 credit hours, the Graphic Design MFA program provides 24/7 access to individual private studios. Through BU’s partnership with AIGA Boston, MFA students also have opportunities to network with industry leaders through visits to local studios and campus events. 

Of the 60 required credit hours for the program, 32 are in graduate graphic design courses. Other requirements include Graphic Design Theory I-II; Graduate Typography; and History of Graphic Design. Twelve required elective credits allow students to explore additional areas within and outside of design. 

The BU Graphic Design certificate program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree and 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 are prepared for positions in the design industry or entry into the BU Graphic Design MFA program. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Boston University have worked with companies such as Converse, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), and Free People. Some program alumni go on to launch their own design studios or freelance businesses. 

Boston University dates back to 1839, where it began as the Newbury Biblical Institute. Officially chartered in 1869, the school serves approximately 37,560 students enrolled in more than 300 programs 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).

Full Sail University (Full Sail) provides several paths to study Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, programs include a Visual Design certificate, and AAS and BS degrees in Graphic Design. At the graduate level, students can earn an MFA in Media Design. 

The Visual Design certificate consists of 23 credit hours. Course examples include Graphic Design Principles I-II; Design Art and Theory; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; and Color Theory. Certificate students will complete the Project I: Visual Design and Portfolio I: Visual Design courses to graduate. In just 28 weeks, graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions across industries. 

The Graphic Design AAS at Full Sail University is designed to be paired with Full Sail’s Visual Arts BS completion program with a concentration in Graphic Design. Delivered on campus and online, the 60 credit hour Visual Arts BS consists of courses such as Concepts in Advertising; Interactive Media Design and Usability; Packaging and Prototypes; Visual Realization; Interactive Editorial Design; and Media Integration. The program culminates with the Career Readiness course and Project and Portfolio IV: Visual Arts. 

The Graphic Design AAS consists of 62 credit hours. The hands-on curriculum prepares students for entry into the BS or entry-level positions in design. Course examples for the program include Typography and Page Layout; Creative Presentation; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; Creating Brand Experience; Logos and Symbols; Digital Publishing; Concepts in Photography; and Project and Portfolio I-II: Visual Design. 

The Graphic Design AAS program at Full Sail University culminates with the Professional Development Seminar II: Graphic Design course and Project and Portfolio III: Graphic Design. 

The Full Sail Graphic Design BS is a 120 credit hour program that explores print publishing, interface design, advertising, branding, and integration. Students in this program benefit from opportunities to gain hands-on experience with entertainment and media companies; a project-based curriculum; professional development seminars; and seven graphic design and project portfolio courses. 

Other course examples include Graphic Design Principles I-II; Media Integration; Interactive Editorial Design; Concepts in Advertising; Graphic Web Design; Popular Culture in Media; Logos and Symbols; Digital Studio; Fundamentals of Physical Science; and History of Visual Communications. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design BS program at Full Sail University are prepared to pursue positions at advertising agencies, design studios, marketing companies, magazines, book publishers, public relations firms, and web design studios. Some graduates go on to pursue an advanced degree such as Full Sail’s Media Design MFA. 

Delivered 100% online, the Full Sail Media Design MFA explores team dynamics, client communications, research methods, and motivational theories. Course examples for the program include Measuring Design Effectiveness; Brand Development; Defining Client Needs; Design Research; Effective Copywriting; Multi-Platform Delivery; Organizational Structures; and Design Integration. 

In the last two months of the program, Design MFA students will complete the Professional Practice course and Thesis: Presentation of Design Solution.

The Full Sail Media Design MFA program takes just 12 months to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared for teaching positions at top universities, and advanced roles at companies, studios, and organizations. Program alumni are also prepared to launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

Full Sail University opened in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio. Today, the school is located just 35 minutes from downtown Orlando and Universal Studios. Serving approximately 21,000 students, Full Sail provides graduate certificates and degree programs at all levels in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) has a Communication Design (CD) program that explores graphic design, interactive media, and advertising. Leading to a BFA, this 120 credit hour program requires all students to complete the First-year Experience (FYE), which includes courses such as Systems of Drawing; Visual Language; Digital 2D; Process of Inquiry; Digital 4D; and Fabrication. 

Students will complete 78 studio credits, including courses such as Communication Design I-IV; Advertising Design; Computer Studio I-III; Information Graphics; Packaging Design; History of Illustration and Communication Design Since 1850; Identity Design; Patterns in Nature; Critical and Creative forms; Information Design and Research Methods; Advanced Computer Studio; and The Creative Professional in Context. 

For students interested in enhancing the degree, MIAD provides a number of minor options. Examples include Advertising; Digital Media Production; Book Arts; Copywriting; Arts Management; Business; Art History; Writing; Soft goods; and Sustainability. 

The Communication Design BFA program at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design culminates with a thesis (two courses, six credit hours) and the Professional Portfolio/Practice course, worth three credits. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries, pursue graduate study, or launch their own creative agencies and design studios. 

Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Illustrators, Book Designers, Art Directors, Package Designers, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designers, Advertising Designers, Publication Designers, Brand Managers; and Web Designers. 

Companies that have hired MIAD graduates in interns include Google, Nike, GE Healthcare, Land’s End, General Motors, Delta Faucet, Harley-Davidson, High Sierra, Ford Motor Company, Kohler Company, Hanson Dodge Creative, Milwaukee Tool, Fiskars, PIVOT Cycles, Trek, and Generac. 

Founded in 1974, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design serves 900 degree-seeking students, 600 pre-college students, and 250 outreach/special programs students. For degree-seeking students, MIAD provides seven degree programs, five studio minors, and nine liberal studies minors. The school’s affiliation with Marquette University provides access to additional courses in Humanities and Sciences, and other resources. 

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 and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Syracuse University (SU) is home to the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Both provide programs for graphic designers. Within the College of VPA is the School of Design, which houses the Communications Design BFA program. The Newhouse School houses the Visual Communications Department, home to the Visual Communications BS (Vis BS) with a Design track.  

The Communications Design BFA program focuses on hands-on projects that explore areas such as advertising, branding, exhibition design, and graphic design; individual and group collaborations; internships with local and national companies; and study abroad at the SU Center in London, UK or Florence, Italy. 

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Communication Design I-II; Digital Tools for Designers I-II; Design Skills & Processes; Analog Design Tools; Design Skills and Processes; History of Modern Design 1850-Present; Design, Cultural Traditions and the Environment; Problem Solving Strategies; and Design Project Management. 

During the final year of the VPA Communications Design program at Syracuse University, students will complete the Portfolio & Practice course. Final portfolios will be displayed at SU’s annual two-day Senior Portfolio Show in New York City. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as Designers, Art Directors, and Creative Directors at major companies and studios. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as The New York Times, Apple, Citi, GQ, Major League Baseball, Wired, Pentagram, Bloomberg, Landor & Associates, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, Havas Health, CBX, and McCann. 

The Visual Communications BS program in SU’s New House School begins with foundational courses in Multimedia Storytelling; Introduction to Graphic Design; and Introduction to Photography for Multimedia. These courses allow students to work in collaborative teams to produce stories using digital media and the internet; develop problem-solving skills in the layout, typography, and production of digital and print communications; and develop technical skills in production and editing of communications photography and multimedia storytelling. 

Upon completion of the Foundation Year, students will move on Vis and Design track requirements. The track includes the following courses: Motion Design; User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design; Immersive Design; Typographic Design; Type and Image Design; and the Design Capstone (with portfolio). 

Other Vis BS benefits include internship opportunities; study abroad experiences; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and participation in the design workshop known as Pixels & Print. 

Launched 10 years ago by the Visual Communications Department at the Newhouse School, this 48-hour experience provides the opportunity to create designs for social good. In teams coached by industry professionals, students will design a website; promotional and social motion graphics; a logo and brand system; and a printed book. 

The Visual Communications BS at Syracuse University prepares students for creative careers in areas such as advertising, UI/UX, branding, publishing, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), packaging design, exhibit design, and web design. Sample job titles include Graphic Designer, Art Director, UX Designer, UX Director, Motion Graphics Designer, 3D and Spatial Designer, Product Designer, Film Editor, Photo Editor, Cinematographer, Creative Director, and Commercial Photographer.  

Program alumni have landed positions at places such as Amazon, Google, The Washington Post, New York Daily News, and Grova Creative. Some program alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios and freelance businesses. 

Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is an R1 research university that serves approximately 22,700 students from all 50 states and 120 countries. More than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs are provided across 13 colleges and schools. In addition to campuses in Syracuse, Manhattan, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, Syracuse University operates overseas centers in France, Italy, London, Poland, Chile, and Spain. Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

University of Miami (UM) is home to the College of Arts and Sciences, which houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is the Electronic Media area—home the Graphic Design and Multimedia concentration. Leading to an Art BFA, the program features interdisciplinary courses; visiting lecturers and seminars; an automatic minor in Art History; visits to galleries and museums; internship opportunities in the Miami/Broward area; and business field trips. 

All BFA students also benefit from regularly scheduled critiques by visiting artists; access to studios, computer labs, drawing classrooms, and exhibition spaces; and biannual reviews that allow students to spend an entire day displaying and discussing their work with faculty from all areas. 

The Art BFA consists of 123 credit hours with a maximum of 21 credit hours in the Graphic Design and Multimedia concentration. Students Course examples for the program include Introduction to 3D Design; Typography; Experimental Illustration for Print and Interactive Media; Graphic Design I-III; Modern Art; 2D and 3D Design; Multimedia I-III; History of Graphic Design; Introduction to Electronic Media; Color Digital Photography; and Drawing. 

The Art BFA at University of Miami culminates with a professional portfolio and BFA Exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Digital Media Designer, Digital Artist, Layout Designer, Creative Director, Packaging Designer, 3D Artist, Brand Manager, Computer Graphic Designer, Media Specialist, Exhibit Designer, Multimedia Producer, User Experience (UX) Designer, Concept Artist, and Web Designer. 

UM alumni have been hired at places such as Disney, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Royal Caribbean, NBCUniversal, The Miami Heat, Nestle Nespresso, ABC, Levi’s, Sundance Institute, Free People, Citibank, Pfizer, Ford, Old Navy, Chewy, Macy’s, Johnson & Johnson, Anthropologie, Grainger, ESPN, The New York Mets, Procter & Gamble, and Allstate. 

Some UM BFA graduates have gone on to enroll in advanced study programs at top universities such as Harvard University, New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Yale University, Duke University, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Southern California.   

Founded in 1925, University of Miami opened its doors with 646 full-time students enrolled in programs across the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Music, and the Evening Division. Today, this private research university serves more than 18,000 students enrolled in nearly 350 majors and programs across 12 colleges and schools, and three campuses including Coral Gables, Virginia Key, and downtown Miami. University of Miami is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Columbia College Chicago (Columbia) is home to the School of Fine and Performing Arts, which has a Graphic Design program with BA, second BA, and BFA options. A 21 credit our Graphic Design minor is also available. This program can be added to any creative degree and explores graphic design, typography, web design and visual culture. 

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

Minors that complement the BA Program include Creative Advertising, Motion Graphics, User Experience, Design Management, Photography, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. 

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); Design Thinking; History of Communication Design; Publication Design; Letterpress Studio; Motion Graphics; Design Lab; Experimental Typography for Graphic Design; Photo Communication; Website Design; and Business of Design. 

Both the BA and BFA programs begin with foundations courses. All students will develop advanced skills in Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. Student also have opportunities to complete an internship. Examples of past placements include Foote, Cone & Belding (FCB), Leo Burnett, 50000feet Creative Agency, Pivot Design, Cards Against Humanity, and Pressley Johnson Design.

The Graphic Design BA and BFA programs at Columbia College Chicago culminate with a final project and professional portfolio of the student’s best work. Graduates go on to become Graphic Designers at advertising agencies, design studios, publishing companies, nonprofits, and start-ups, among others. Program alumni have been hired at places such as include Leo Burnett, Fjord (part of Accenture Interactive), Modern Luxury, Google, One Design Company, Time Zone One, and Cards Against Humanity.

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 provides several business management programs. Columbia College Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Arts and Letters at University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame) houses the Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD). This multidisciplinary department us home to the Division of Design, which provides BA, BFA, and MFA degrees in Design. A Collaborative Innovation minor is available for students who would like to major in another area. 

This option consists of a five-course sequence that begins with the lecture-based course Design Matters. Students will then select the remaining four courses from three areas including Inspiration - research, discovery, reframing; Ideation – design, brainstorming; and Implementation – prototyping, delivery. Course examples include Introduction to Visual Communication Design; Design Research: From Insight to Innovation; Community-Based Design; Digital Modeling: 3D Form and Fabrication; and Interaction Design. 

The Capstone for the program—Service Design: Strategies for Social Systems—requires students to work in interdisciplinary teams on industry-sponsored design briefs from innovation to implementation. 

The Design BA at University of Notre Dame is a liberal arts degree with traditional and professional tracks. The traditional track consists of 12 courses/36 hours with a three-course core during the first year and a capstone project in the final year of the program. The professional track consists of 16 courses/38 hours, with a focus on portfolio development. The professional portfolio is the culminating experience for this program. 

The Design BFA is a 22 course (66 hours) program that begins with a three-course studio core: Design Matters; 2-D Foundations; and Rapid Ideation & Visualization (or Drawing I). The culminating experience for this program is the Thesis and Exhibit held at the AAHD Gallery. 

The MFA is a three-year terminal degree that provides full scholarships and an annual stipend for all students. Course examples include VCOM and ID Seminar; Painting/Printmaking Seminar; and Thesis Direction. The Master’s Thesis will be installed in the Snite Museum for review and approval. 

Students the Design BA, BFA, and MFA programs at Notre Dame may concentrate in Visual Communication Design (VCD). This allows students to explore user-centered design (UCD), packaging design, digital modeling and visualization, cultural divergence, product automation, UX/UI, scale-graphics, social innovations, data visualization, social design, and healthcare. Course examples for the BA and BFA programs include Typography; Brand and Identity Systems; UI/UX Design; Motion Design; Packaging Design; Sustainability of Designed Objects; Digital Modeling; and Visual Communication Design Studio. 

To further enhance all program curriculums, the Division of Design at Notre Dame allows students to collaborate with faculty and peers in other departments and colleges. Examples include the Colleges of Engineering or Science; the IDEA Center at Innovation Park; the School of Architecture; Mendoza Business School, and Keough School for Global Affairs. 

Other program features include local and campus-based projects; study abroad opportunities in places such as India, Haiti, South Africa, and Nepal; and summer internships with local companies, organizations, and designs studios. 

Graduates of the Design programs at University of Notre Dame are prepared to pursue roles across industries. MFA graduates are also prepared to pursue teaching, research, consulting, and other leadership roles. 

Within six months of graduating, 97% of Notre Dame Arts and Letters graduates are employed full-time, enrolled in graduate school, participating in service programs, in the military, or working on independent projects. Notre Dame Department of AAHD graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Microsoft, HarperCollins, DreamWorks Animation, Ogilvy & Mather, Digitas, Whirlpool, LinkedIn, Accenture, Southwest Airlines, Booz Allen Hamilton, Giorgio Armani, Morningstar, IBM, The Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Inquirer, Deloitte, 2K Games, Bain & Company, and JPMorganChase. 

Formerly a men’s university, University of Notre Dame was founded in 1842 and chartered by the State of Indiana in 1844. This private, Catholic college became coeducational in 1972. Notre Dame serves approximately 13,175 students enrolled in 75 undergraduate majors and more than 20 graduate programs across eight colleges and schools. University of Notre Dame is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University (TCU or Texas Christian) is home to the Department of Design, which houses the Graphic Design program. Leading to a BFA, the program requires all students to complete the TCU Design Internship during the third year of study. This requirement gives students the chance to work at advertising agencies and design studios in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, across the U.S., and abroad. 

TCU Design students have completed internships in places such as London, New York, Peru, Chicago, Panama, Miami, Taiwan, and Los Angeles. 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 after graduation. 

Consisting of 120 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA program at Texas Christian University explores advertising, typography, corporate identity, packaging, web and interactive media, publications, and branding. Students will complete a total of 51 credit hours in Graphic Design. Course examples include Computer Applications I-II; Typography; Publication Design; Corporate Identity; Experience Design; Packaging; Creative Practice; Advertising Design; Illustration; 3D Design Principles; Survey of Art History; Design Entrepreneurship; Visiting Designers; and Business of Design. 

The TCU Graphic Design program culminates with the capstone classes: Portfolio and Marketing, and Senior Thesis. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. 

For the past four years, program alumni have enjoyed a near 100% job placement rate. Graduates have gone on to become Graphic Designers, Art Directors and Brand Managers at advertising agencies, design studios, and in-house design departments in places such as New York, London, Los Angeles, Peru, Miami, Germany, San Francisco, Guatemala, Chicago, Panama, Seattle, and Nicaragua. 

Examples of companies that have hired TCU Graphic Design graduates include Pace Communications, Warren Douglas Advertising, Loyalkaspar (LK), Deep Focus, Pentagram, and Twilio. 

Established in 1873 as one of the Southwest’s earliest co-educational 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).

Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) has a Graphic Design program with three options: the multidisciplinary Graphic Design + Digital Media (GD+DM) BFA; the Graphic Design BFA with an Illustration emphasis; and the Graphic Design BFA with an emphasis in Action Sport Design. 

For students interested in a shorter program, Laguna College of Art and Design has a GD+DM minor that can be taken alone or with a related program. Other minor options include UI/UX and Motion Design. 

Consisting of six entry-level courses, the GD+DM minor provides a foundation in graphic design, digital media, and related software applications. Courses include History of Graphic Design; Graphic Design 1; Fundamentals of Digital Imaging: Illustrator; Typography 1; and Fundamentals of Digital Imaging: Photoshop. 

Students in all programs benefit from small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art studios and facilities; mentorships; hands-on design projects; internship opportunities; and industry partnerships with companies such as Pixar, SapientNitro, Taco Bell, Saatchi & Saatchi, Nike, Samsung, and Vans. 

Taught by industry professionals, courses examples for the Graphic Design and Digital Media program include Experiential Design; Motion Graphics + VFX2; Digital Media Strategies; Color, Materials + Finishes; Graphic Design Honors Lab; Applied Design Lab; Prints + Patterns; and Professional Studies for Designers. 

Illustration emphasis students will take courses such as Rendering; Package Design; Applied Design Lab; 3D Design for Motion 2; Graphic Design Honors Lab; 3D Design Zbrush; Color Illustration; and Digital Media Strategies. Students in the Action Sports emphasis will take courses such as Fundamentals of Graphic Design; Graphic Design 1-2; Action Sport Industry; Typography 1-3; Computer Imaging; and Motion Graphics + Visual Effects. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Laguna College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have gone on to establish careers with leading companies such as Amazon, Wieden + Kennedy, Blizzard, Saatchi & Saatchi, Google, Disney Interactive, Nike, Pixar, Riot Games, Coca-Cola, Tesla, Cartoon Network, Adidas, Random House, Mattel, PayPal, MGM, Billabong, Sony, Warner Brothers, MSNBC, Sapient Nitro, Apple, Rivian, Vans, and Disney Imagineering. 

Laguna College of Art and Design opened in 1961 as Laguna Beach School of Art (LBSA). The not-for-profit art and design school has a main campus in Laguna Beach, with educational affiliates in Florence (Academy of Arts in Florence, Italy); Los Angeles (Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art); and the Netherlands (Breda University of Applied Sciences). 

Laguna College of Art and Design serves around 770 students enrolled in more than 20 degree programs and minors. LCAD is regionally and nationally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The Graphic Design BFA program at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) features hands-on projects for real-world clients. Consisting of 123 credit hours, the program also highlights workshops, presentations, and teaching engagements led by design professionals; the opportunity to gain work experience through the RMCAD Graphic Design Internship Program; and the option to complete the program on campus or online.  

Students in the program will explore user experience (UX) design, typography, branding, advertising concepts, and digital illustration. Course examples include Visual Sequencing; Experimental Typography; Information Visualization; Vector Illustration; Web Design I-II; Sign + Symbol; User Prototyping; Raster Image Processing; Layout Design; 3D Packaging; and Interaction Design. 

In the third year of the RMCAD BFA program, students will participate in the Graphic Design Junior Portfolio Review. The culminating experiences for the program include the Senior Graphic Design Seminar, Graphic Design Senior Portfolio Review, and the Graphic Design Graduation Portfolio. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design Program at RMCAD are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Logo Designer, Brand Designer, User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) Designer, Advertising Designer, Visual Communication Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Motion Graphics Artist, Digital Project Manager, Interactive Media Designer, Production Art Manager, Package Designer, Multimedia Designer, and Creative Lead. 

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design began in 1963 as Rocky Mountain School of Art. Serving over 1,000 students, RMCAD provides 16 degree and certificate programs delivered either on campus, online, or a combination of the two (hybrid). Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and it is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Chapman University (Chapman) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department is a Graphic Design program with BFA and minor options. The 24 credit hour minor consists of courses such as Advanced Typography; Visualization – Perspective and Rendering; Graphic Design; Branding and Advertising Design; Illustration; Motion Design; and Graphic Design Portfolio. 

Students in both programs benefit from participation in the Margo Pawell Design Symposium (est. 2013); performance assessments by design faculty and outside professionals at the annual OC Portfolio Design Club; the Department of Art Visual Thinker Lecture Series; two portfolio workshops; intensive training in Adobe Creative Suite, laser cutting, and 3D printing; and the opportunity to work on real-world projects for outside university clients. 

All Graphic Design BFA and minor students will also have the opportunity complete 120 hours of field internships with places such as Quicksilver, Seventeen Magazine, Chase Design Group, Roxy, Clear Channel Radio, O’Neil, Filter Magazine, Volcom, and St. John. BFA may also participate in the Chapman Study Abroad Program. Students have studied in places such as London, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, and South Korea. 

An additional component of the Graphic Design BFA program at Chapman University is the option to integrate additional coursework from other programs such as Advertising and Public Relations, Creative Industries, Business, Marketing, and Sociology. Otherwise students will complete 66 credits in Graphic Design. 

Course examples include Introduction to Lettering and Book Arts; History of Graphic Design; Interactive, Advanced UX and Web Design; AI Research Through Design; Objects and Space; Art and Text; Advanced Graphic Design; Advanced Typography; Branding and Advertising Design; 4D Design; Sustainability and More Than Human Design Research; Information Design; and Business Practices.

The Graphic Design BFA program at Chapman University culminates with a final project and portfolio of the student's best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Chapman alumni are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, DreamWorks Animation, NBCUniversal, Google, The Walt Disney Company, Apple, CVS, Johnson & Johnson, Amazon, Warner Brothers Discovery, Panasonic, Netflix, Blizzard Entertainment, Boeing, Paramount Pictures, and MGM Resorts.    

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. The school provides around 200 programs across 11 schools and colleges. Chapman University is accredited by the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).

Liberty University (Liberty U) is home to the School of Communication and the Arts, which has several paths to study Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, the school provides a Graphic Design BFA; Digital Design: Graphic Design BS; and a Studio and Digital Arts: Graphic Design BS. At the graduate level, students can earn an MFA in Graphic Design. 

A major component of all programs is the opportunity to complete a 90-hour practicum and a 180-hour internship with a major company, studio or organization. Students have interned at places such as ESPN, Disney, Bloomingdale’s, and Ralph Lauren. 

Other program features include study abroad experiences in London or Paris; access to drawing and painting labs, 2D/3D design labs, Mac labs, photography labs, and the 3D Innovation Lab; and extensive portfolio development workshops and courses. 

The Liberty U Graphic Design BFA requires 120 credit hours of study. Course examples include Graphic Design; Art, Culture and technology; Interactive Design I-II; Vector Illustration; Publication Design; Advanced Typography; Drawing I-II; Interactive Publication; History of Graphic Design; and Digital Imaging. Students will also complete a professional practices course, final project, and portfolio. This campus-based program can be completed in four years. 

The Digital Design: Graphic Design BS at Liberty U consists of 120 credit hours. Course examples include Art as Communication; Digital Photography; Introduction to 2D Design; Graphic Design I-II; Art Appreciation; History of Art I-II; Advanced Typography; Vector Illustration; and Professional Practices. 

The Digital Design: Graphic Design BS at Liberty U can be completed 100% online in 3.5 years. Students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work 

The Studio & Digital Arts: Graphic Design BS is a residential program that requires 120 credit hours of study. Course examples include Studio & Illustration Foundations; Graphic Design I-II; Introduction to 3D Graphics; Interactive Design I; Professional Practices; Introduction to Typography; and History of Art I-II. The program culminates with a final project and professional portfolio. 

The Graphic Design MFA at Liberty University is a 60 credit hour program that consists of 8-week courses delivered 100% online. Students in this interdisciplinary program will develop advanced skills in areas such as publication design, 3D art, typography, vector illustration, web design, digital photography, and game design. 

Course examples include Interactive Design; Publication Design; History of Graphic Design; Sequential Art; Character Design; Visualization Illustration; Interactive Game Design; Advanced Typography; Digital Imaging; Web and New Media; Advanced Graphic Design; and Advanced Digital Photography. 

The Graphic Design MFA culminates with two courses: Art and Design Research Methodologies, and Thesis/Portfolio Project. Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Liberty U Graphic are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as advertising, branding, marketing, user interface (UI), packaging design, illustration, publishing, multimedia art, museums, game design, entertainment, and web design. MFA graduates are prepared to pursue leadership, research, and teaching positions in these and any other fields. 

Program alumni can be found at places such as BBDO, Conde Nast, Motion Picture Association of America, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, ESPN, Discovery Communications, Hallmark, M&C Saatchi Performance, Capital One, Alloy Research and Brand Strategy, SAP, Prototype Advertising, and ACCO Brands. 

Founded in 1971, Liberty University opened with just over 150 students. Today, Liberty U serves more than 135,000 students enrolled in over 700 campus-based and online programs. Liberty students come from all 50 states and just about every country around the globe. Programs at Liberty U are housed across 16 colleges and schools. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Maine College of Art (MECA&D) has an interdisciplinary Graphic Design program that provides 24/7 access to state-of-the-art production facilities and studio space. Students also have considerable access to faculty and artist-educators. 

Leading to a BFA, the Graphic Design program at Maine College of Art explores methods in both analog and digital media. Examples include interactivity, branding, information design, narrative, and motion. Course examples include Typography I-II; Letterform Design; Branding and Visual Systems; Perpetual Play; Form and Meaning; Interactive Design; 3D: Materiality; History of Graphic Design; Contemporary Art; Graphic Design Motive, Method, Making; 4D: Space and Temporality; and Digital Imaging. 

During the final year of the MECA&D Graphic Design program, students will complete the Professional Studio – Craft and Graphic Design Type and Space courses, as well as two studio elective courses, and four academic elective courses. 

The program culminates with a final degree project to be presented at the Senior Exhibition. Graduates of the Visual Communication Design program at Maine College of Art are prepares to pursue careers in areas such as advertising, publishing, entertainment, brand development, game design and development, social media, digital communications, public relations, design for exhibitions, museums, and art installations, news media, fashion design, healthcare, and information technology. 

Maine College of Art & Design was founded in 1882 as part of the Portland Society of Art. This private, non-profit, four-year institution serves approximately 500 degree-seeking students and 1,200 continuing students. Degree programs lead to a BFA, MFA, or MAT. Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has a Graphic Design and Media Arts program and a Graphic Design minor that can be completed 100% online or on campus. Consisting of 15 credit hours, the minor provides a foundation in graphic design, design thinking, and the creative processes. Students will also develop technical and conceptual skills as they apply to various media. Course examples include Fundamentals of Design; Design Thinking for Graphic Designers; and Digital Design Tools. 

Leading to a BA, Graphic Design and Media Arts is a career focused program with optional concentrations in User Experience (UX) Design and Web Design. In addition to a formal concentration, students may select a minor to enhance the degree. Examples include Communication; Art History; Digital Media and Video Production; Retailing; Professional Writing; Research; Digital Studies; and Creative Writing. 

Consisting of 120 credit hours, the SNHU Graphic Design and Media Arts BA requires 36 credit hours in the major, and 12 credit hours of electives, allowing students to create additional areas of focus. All courses for the program are taught by industry professionals. Course examples include Design Thinking for Graphic Designers; Typography; Graphic Design Studio I-IV; Personal Branding and Self Promotion; Multi-Channel Advertising Design; Layout and Publication Design; Advanced Digital Graphic Design for Web; User Interface and Experience; Designing a Brand Identity; Digital Design Tools; and Professional Practices in Graphic Design. 

Other program features include networking opportunities through program affiliations, projects, and professional conferences; internships at news networks, festivals, and non-profits; access to more than 50 student clubs; and study abroad experiences for up to 12 days, a semester, or a full year in places such as London, Greece, Spain, Australia, Italy, Costa Rica, Japan, or Canada. SNHU is a member of the National Student Exchange (NSE), which provides access to more than 150 university partners around the world. To date, students have studied in 22 countries.  

In the final year of the Graphic Design and Media Arts program at Southern New Hampshire University, students will complete Graphic Design Culmination Experience I and 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 SNHU Graphic Design and Media Arts BA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Examples include digital communications, advertising, news media, brand development, healthcare, publishing, design for museums, exhibitions, and art installations, information technology, entertainment, fashion design, game design, social media, 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 Arts and Sciences at University of San Francisco (USF) houses the Department of Art + Architecture. Within the department is an interdisciplinary Design program that explores graphic, environmental, and digital media design. A 20-unit Design minor is also available for students in other majors. Course examples for this program include Design Fundamentals; Visual Communication; Design for the Web; Typography; Interaction Design; Information Visualization; and Digital Media Design.  

Leading to a BA, the four-year Design program allows students to gain hands-on experience working in USF’s Graphic Center. This student-run organization designs brochures, posters, banners, flyers, and t-shirts for faculty, departments, and club on campus. 

Othe program benefits include access to state-of-the-art studio facilities such as XARTS and 2D-3D studios; a mandatory internship within a professional Bay Area design setting; participation in design competitions such as Adobe’s Creative Jam; and the Design Collectives—a student group hosts discussions and community events. 

In addition to the design internship and USF’s Graphic Center, BA students have the opportunity to gain even more experience through the Exhibition Design Practicum. In this studio elective course, students will curate, design, organize, and launch an exhibition for the university’s Thacher Gallery. 

The Design BA at USF requires 49 units in the major. Course examples include Visual Communication; Copy Culture; Design for the Climate Crisis; Typography; Fabrication Lab; Design for the Web; Information Visualization; Digital Media Design; Critical Brand/Package Design; and Professional Practice in Design. 

The USF Design BA Program culminates with the Senior Thesis Exhibition in the SOMArts gallery in downtown San Francisco. Graduates will also assemble a professional portfolio of their best work. 

USF Design BA alumni go on to work at design studios, museums, start-ups, and in design departments across just about every industry. Some graduates go on to pursue graduate studies at institutions such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), New York University (NYU), Pratt Institute, DePaul University, Rhode Island School of Art and Design (RISD), Pratt Institute, University of the Arts London, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). 

Companies and organizations that have hired USF Design alumni include Apple, Disney, Google, Harper Collins, Oracle, Ubisoft, The Discovery Science Center in Orange County, Etsy, Twitter, Dwell Media, San Francisco Magazine, ACLU, Pandora, Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, SFO Signage & Wayfinding, Benefit Cosmetics, Big Fish Games, Project Open Hand, and Teach for America. 

Established in 1855 as the St. Ignatius Academy, University of San Francisco is the city’s first institution of higher education and it’s only Division I university. When it opened, this private, Jesuit institution had just three students and three faculty. Today, University of San Francisco serves approximately 9,210 students enrolled in more than 140 programs across five colleges and schools. University of San Francisco is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

University of Hartford (UHart) houses Hartford Art School (HAS). Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the school serves approximately 400 students enrolled in eight studio majors leading to a BFA, one Art History BA, two MFA degrees, and a number of minors. 

All programs feature small class sizes; studio-based curriculums; access to a 65,000 square foot facility that houses senior studio spaces and 100 Apple computer stations; and study abroad experiences at art and design institutions such as Slade School of Fine Art (London); University of Tasmania (Australia), and Glasgow School of Art (Scotland). 

For students interested in pursuing a career in graphic design, UHart’s Hartford Art School provides an 18 credit hour Visual Communication Design (VCD) minor and a 120 credit hour BFA program. 

The full-time degree program begins a foundation year that focuses on creative growth and skills development. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, students will begin working their way through design intensives and independent studios. In all, BCD students will complete 77–80 studio credits in the major, plus 45–46 academic credits. 

Course examples for the program include Issues in Design; Experimental Typography; Design Systems; Sequential Graphics; Type I-II; Image Making and Meaning; and Design Problem Solving. Electives allow students to create a focus. Elective examples include Advertising Illustration; Book Arts; Foundation 2D Studio; Digital Illustration; and Printmaking. 

All VCD BFA students have the opportunity to gain hands on experience through the Civic Design course, and the design internship. In the Civic Design course students have a chance to work with local clients. 

In the senior year of the VCD BFA program at University of Hartford, students will complete the Senior Project and Senior Portfolio courses. During the project course, students will work independently to identify and investigate a specific problem or theme in graphic design. During the Senior Portfolio course, faculty will assist students with the preparation and development a professional presentation. The course also focuses on career planning, resume preparation, and professionalism. 

The project course ends with the production of the thesis. This final project will be displayed at a networking event attended by design professionals and recruiters.

Graduates of the Hartford Art School gone on to establish careers at advertising agencies, publishing companies, web design studios, newspapers and magazines, television networks, film studios, healthcare providers, technology companies, and more. Some program alumni have gone on to pursue an advanced degree, while others have launched their own studios or freelance businesses. 

University of Hartford HAS alumni have worked on projects for Amazon and Netflix, and their work has been presented at museums and galleries such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET), Team Gallery, and Tanya Bonakdar Gallery. Graduates of the art and design programs at University of Hartford have also been hired at places such as ESPN, Travelers, Nike, Pentagram, and CVS Health. 

Chartered in 1957, University of Hartford is a four-year private university that serves approximately 5,900 students from 48 states and 51 countries. The school provides more than 175 programs spanning the arts, business, education, engineering, technology, health, and humanities are provided across seven colleges and schools. University of Hartford has been continuously accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) since 1961.