| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City |
Our 2020 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Iowa. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Founded in 1858, Iowa State University serves around 33,400 students enrolled in hundreds of undergraduate majors, minors, certificates and graduate programs through eight colleges, two schools, and around 150 academic departments. The schools College of Design, Department of Graphic Design offers a Graphic Design Program that leads to a 123.5 credit undergraduate BFA including the 30-credit core Design Program. The College also offers a 34 graduate credit program leading to an MA in Art and Design with a Specialization in Environmental Graphic Design (the first and only program of its kind in the United States) and a 30 graduate credit program leading to an MA – Experiential Graphic Design (MAxGD). A 64 credit hour MFA in Graphic Design is also available.
Undergraduate course highlights include 3D Motion Graphics, Digital Imaging, Photography and Narrative Message, Multimedia Design, Publication Design: Magazines, Design for E-Commerce/Graphic Applications, and Wayfinding Design. Students will also complete several independent study courses, a workshop, internship, and professional presentation. Graphic Design Field Study opportunities are available and include study and tours of museums, galleries, artist and/or designer studios, and other areas of interest within art and design.
All students may also participate in the International Study Abroad Program in Western Europe. Students will visit design studios, art museums, and educational facilities.
Course highlights for the Graduate Graphic Design programs include Audience and Perception, Digital Imaging, Graphic Design and Human Interaction, Signs, Symbols, Images, Critical Media, Design and Cultural Semiotics, Design for Behavioral Change, Usability, and Consumer Experience Design and Branding. Graduate students will complete Teaching in Higher Education and Design Practice as well as a Research Thesis.
MFA program highlights include Graphic Design Field Study opportunities including study and tours of museums, galleries, artist and/or designer studios, and other areas of interest within art and design. All students may also participate in the International Study Abroad Program in Western Europe, where students will visit design studios, art museums, and educational facilities.
Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa serves approximately 32,535 students from all over the world enrolled in majors, minors, and certificates in more than 200 areas of study. Programs are provided through 13 colleges and academic units, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which offers 68 majors to 17,900 students. The College houses the School of Art and Art History (est. 1936), which has several programs for aspiring graphic designers. Options include a BFA with a Major in Media, Social Practice & Design (MSPD), which includes Graphic Design, Intermedia and Photography, and MA and MFA degrees in MSPD with Graphic Design.
The BFA program requires a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 62 semester hours in the major. The program “provides a foundation in art history as well as an understanding of the formal traditions and contemporary practices in studio art,” says the school. BFA students will complete the requirements of the BA Art degree, as well as completing additional art hours and studio art coursework requirements.” BFA students will select a studio art discipline from within one of the four areas. Among them is MSPD with Graphic Design.
“The undergraduate experience in Design begins with fundamental concepts and principles of composition, color, and typography. Throughout the curriculum, these principles are combined with contemporary practices of interactive, web, experimental, and environmental design—ensuring a holistic design experience.”
“Design studios are fully equipped with the latest hardware and software needed to prepare students to fully realize their creative vision through the use of contemporary processes. A robust offering of courses in print design and web/interactive design allows students to pursue a plan of study most appropriate to their individual creative interests.”
The graduate programs focus on the “development of individualized, advanced design thinking and design education processes.” Program highlights include graduate workshops, shared Graduate Graphic Design Studio space, and teaching and research assistantships.
