| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City |
| 3 | Drake University | Des Moines |
Our 2024 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Iowa. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Design at Iowa State University (Iowa State) is home to the College of Design. Serving around 2,000 students, the college provides dozens of majors, minors, and certificate programs across seven departments. The Department of Graphic Design (GD) provides BFA, MA, and MFA programs. The BFA is the only public Graphic Design BFA in the state of Iowa.
In partnership with the Iowa State Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC), the GD Department also provides a unique dual degree program in graphic design and human-computer-interaction—the GD MFA/HCI MS. All programs in the Graphic Design Department are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Other department features include graphic design practicums that provide real-world experience with clients such as the Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity; internship opportunities with more than 125 companies, studios, and design firms; and study abroad experiences through the College of Design’s flagship international program, with studio facilities at Palazzo Cenci-Bolognetti—the historic center of Rome. Students also have opportunities to participate in faculty-led short-term abroad experiences in places such as Paris, Italy, France, the UK, Ghana, Sweden, Uganda, and Greece.
The Graphic Design BFA at Iowa State University begins with the College of Design’s 31 credit hour Core Design Program (CDP). For one year, students will have opportunity to experiment with interdisciplinary work, collaborate in teams, and develop critical thinking skills. CDP course examples include Design Studio I; Critical Thinking and Communication; Design in Context; Digital Design Literacy; Drawing I; and Design Collaborative Seminar.
Upon successful completion of the CDP, students will enter the professional three-year BFA program and begin taking courses and studios that explore both traditional and new graphic design media. Course examples include Graphic Design Studio I-V; Introduction to Web Programming; Typography I-II; International Perspectives; Graphic Design History; Design Ethics; Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition; History of Art I-II; and Graphic Materials and Processes.
Throughout the BFA program, students will have the opportunity to travel to design centers across the U.S.; interact with visiting artists and lecturers; develop a market-ready portfolio of individual and group design projects; and attend the annual Design Career Fair. This “design majors only” event attracts more than 125 firms recruiting for jobs and internships. Iowa State College of Design alumni account for more than half of the recruiters in attendance.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Iowa State culminates with the Graphic Design Capstone course. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in advertising, magazine design, digital art, book design, packaging design, animated products design, web design, film and television, exhibition design, interactive media design, and newspaper design.
The MA in Experiential Graphic Design (MAxGD) requires 30 credit hours of study. The program is designed for students with little or no experience in graphic design. The MAxGD explores areas such as information design, wayfinding, interaction, placemaking, and exhibition design. Course examples include Graphic Design Theory; User Engagement; Graphic Design Graduate Studio I-II; Critical Media; Graphic Design for Behavioral Change; Studio: Exhibition Design; Audience and Perception; Studio: Wayfinding; and Design and Cultural Semiotics.
The ISU Graphic Design MFA is a terminal degree that requires a minimum of 60 credits to graduate. Students in the program may choose an elective focus area outside of graphic design to enhance the degree. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design for Behavioral Change; Critical Media; Introduction to Research Design; User Engagement; Graphic Design Theory; Audience and Perception; Design and Culture Semiotics; and Graphic Design Graduate Studio I-II.
MFA students will work closely with faculty to complete the MFA Graduate Thesis. This culminating experience takes place over three studios including Thesis Preparation Studio and Graphic Design Graduate Studio I-II.
The dual GD MFA/HCI MS is an interdisciplinary program allows students to study HCI, graphic design, game-based learning, virtual reality, and other disciplines. Course examples in addition to courses and the culminating experience for the MFA program, MFA/MS students will take HCI courses such as Visual Design for HCI; Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling; Human Factors in Product Design; Introduction to Research Design; Python Application Development in HCI; and Evaluating Digital Learning Environments. Graduates of the MAxGD, MFA, and MFA/MS programs at Iowa State University are prepared to pursue advanced design, teaching, research, and consulting roles across industries.
For graduates receiving degrees from August 2020 to May 2021, 100% were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
Founded in 1858, Iowa State University is the nation’s first designated land-grant institution. The school serves approximately 30,180 students enrolled in more than 300 undergraduate majors and fields of study leading to a graduate or professional degree. The academic programs at Iowa State are housed across eight colleges, two schools, and 150 academic departments. Iowa State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Iowa (UI or Iowa) houses the School of Art, Art History, and Design. In the early 1900s, when the school was known as the School of Fine Arts, the Department of Graphic and Plastic Arts was established and began offering a BA. Today, the School of Art, Art History, and Design provides BA and BFA degrees in Art, and an Art History BA. Art BA and BFA students can major in areas such as Graphic Design, 3D Design, Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, or Intermedia.
Program features include guest speakers; access to state-of-the-art production facilities, studios, and labs; visiting artist events; the opportunity to select courses from Tippie College of Business; and participation in the Donate Design Initiative. Since 2006, upper level Art students have had the opportunity to work in this service-learning design studio, which focuses on projects and consulting with local and regional non-profit organizations. Past projects include identity development, social media marketing, branding strategies, print collateral, and web development.
All Graphic Design students have the opportunity to complete an internship and participate in Iowa Study Abroad. Students have traveled to places such as London, India, Span, England, Dominican Republic, Ireland, Rome, and Sydney.
The curriculums for the Art BA and BFA programs at University of Iowa combine art history, studio art, and elective coursework. Course examples for the Graphic Design concentration include Graphic Design I-VI; Color Photography; Book Design for Publishing; Design Fundamentals; Letterpress; 3D Design; Life Drawing; Book Arts; Printmaking; Intermedia; and 3D Computer Graphic Art.
The Art BA and BFA programs at University of Iowa culminate with a final project and exhibition held at a local gallery. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as advertising, public relations, film and television, book publishing, exhibit design, packaging, and corporate brand identity.
Some of the top hiring companies for University of Iowa alumni include Microsoft, Nordstrom, Walmart, UPS, Walt Disney, Target, Amazon, Starbucks, Epic, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Uline, Mediacom, Deloitte, Wells Fargo, General Motors, Costco, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Tesla.
Founded in 1874, University of Iowa is Iowa’s first state university and flagship public research institution. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the school serves approximately 31,450 students enrolled in more than 200 undergraduate areas of study, and over 100 graduate areas across 12 academic colleges. University of Iowa has been a member of the Association of American Universities since 1909 and the Big Ten Conference since 1899.
Drake University (Drake) houses the College of Arts and Sciences. Within the college is the Art and Design Department, which provides three paths to study graphic design. Options include the BA, BFA, and minor in Graphic Design. As part of Drake University, all programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Graphic Design BA students will complete 42 credit hours in the major, BFA students will complete 75 credits, and the minor consists of 21 credit hours. All programs take place in a studio environment, with regular access to studios, labs, and shops. Class sizes are limited to 10-20 students, allowing for personal attention and accessibility. Other program features include internship opportunities; visiting artists; workshop; critiques; and study abroad experiences.
Across pathways students will take courses such as The Idea of Design; Form and Concept; Interactive Design; Typography; Design Issues; Constructing Space; Observational Drawing; 2D Design; Advanced Typography; Concept and Audience; Art History; and Graphic Design Practicum.
The programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates of the Drake University Graphic Design programs are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at advertising agencies, design studios, and in-house design departments in Iowa and across the U.S.
Drake University graduates have been recruited by companies such as Amazin, Capital One, Microsoft, Intel, Deloitte, EY, Humana, Caterpillar, Nationwide Insurance, Cargil, Hy-Vee, and Midwest Family Mutual.
Drake University was founded in March 1881. The school serves approximately 5,000 students from 45 states and more than 40 countries. Programs include more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations; and 20 master’s doctoral, and professional studies programs across seven colleges and schools. Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
