| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn |
| 2 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville |
Our 2024 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Alabama. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Founded in 1945 in the Auburn University School of Architecture and Applied Arts, the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) is the oldest NASAD accredited school in the state of Alabama. Today, the SIGD is part of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), which serves more than 1,800 students from around the world.
Other CADC highlights include immersive learning experiences, integrated industry partnerships, study abroad opportunities, research initiatives, and leadership opportunities. All CADC students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Wallace Hall, which features studios, classroom spaces, and fabrication shops; Dudley Shop; Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory; and the Urban Studio.
Leading to a BFA, the SIGD Graphic Design (GDES) program takes place in a professional studio environment that features hands-on design instruction; cross-disciplinary collaborations; and courses that explore illustration, typography, motion design, branding, publishing, UI/UX, packaging, and more. Course examples for this 123 credit hour program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Foundation Design I-II; Graphic Processes; Typographics; Graphic Design I-II; Interactive Media; Graphic Design History; and Photo Design.
Other program benefits include guest lecturers, exhibitions, design symposiums, and internship opportunities. Through the CADC study abroad program, BFA students also have opportunities to work and learn in places such as England, Taiwan, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Ireland.
During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University, students will complete a professional portfolio of their best work and participate in the Graphic Design Senior Show. Students may also participate in the recently launched SIGD event—Kaleidoscope: Auburn Design Show.
This juried design exhibition features carefully selected works by undergraduate students in the Pre-Graphic Design (PGDE), Industrial Design (INDD), and Graphic Design (GDES) programs, and graduate students in the Master of Industrial Design (MID) program.
Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University are prepared to pursue positions across all areas of design. Program alumni have been hired at advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, app development companies, retailers, magazines, and in-house design studios.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Chartered in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, the school went on to become the first land-grant college in the South in 1872. Today, Auburn serves a coed population of approximately 29,410 students, making it one of the largest universities in the region. Auburn University provides 150 majors and programs across more than a dozen colleges and schools.
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) houses the Department of Art, Art History, and Design. An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the department provides courses taught by working artists; exhibition opportunities and student shows; one-on-one mentoring and professional training; the opportunity to work on team projects for real clients; professional practices courses; and hands-on experience in design, promotion, and gallery management.
The UAH Department of Art, Art History, and Design also provides internship opportunities with advertising agencies such as Younger Associates or public institutions such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Students have also interned at NASA, Boeing, Weird Giraffe Games, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, Brainy Pixel Productions, Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., CFD Research Corporation, and Hudson Alpha.
Students in the department also have access to state-of-the-art studios, classrooms, and production facilities; three gallery spaces; and 10 majors and minor options. This includes the BFA in Fine Arts with a 30 credit hour Graphic Design concentration.
Students in this program have the option to join the campus advertising club—Student Advertising Federation (SAF). Members of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), and the American Advertising Federation of North Alabama (AAFNA), the SAF provides opportunities for students to work on community projects, engage in advertising activities, and build their portfolios.
Course examples for the program include Print Media I-II; Topics in Studio Art; Web User Experience I-II; Contemporary Art History; Typography I-II; Independent Projects; Watercolor and Digital I-II; and Professional Practices. The program culminates with a final project, portfolio, and exhibition.
Graduates of the Fine Arts: Graphic Design BFA program at University of Alabama in Huntsville are prepared to roles at advertising agencies, book publishing companies, public relations firms, computer systems design companies, newspapers and magazines, design firms, web design studios, manufacturing companies, and marketing firms.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville opened its doors as University of Alabama Huntsville Center in 1950. Starting with just ten freshmen-level classes, the school welcomed 137 students. Today, University of Alabama in Huntsville houses eight colleges and schools that serve approximately 8,745 students enrolled in 94 degree programs across 100+ areas of study. University of Alabama in Huntsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
