carnegie mellon university tour schedule

Departmental Tours and Events

Visiting individual schools/departments.

In addition to the general campus tour, various individual schools and departments within Carnegie Mellon offer opportunities for prospective students and families to tour facilities, attend an information session or meet with a faculty member. If the department or school you're interested in doesn't appear below, appointments could possibly be made on an individual basis, in advance of your visit. Please email the Office of Admission at  @email for a specific department's contact information. In addition, please note that departmental visits and tours are available only on weekdays. 

College of Engineering

Biomedical engineering (opens in new window).

To arrange a meeting with the Biomedical Engineering department at least one week in advance of your visit, contact Kristin Kropf at @email .

Chemical Engineering (opens in new window)

The ChemE department is excited to offer Undergraduate Information Sessions for prospective students and their families interested in Chemical Engineering. There will be virtual and in-person information sessions held throughout the year. During the school year, we also offer for prospective students to sit in on our Introduction to Chemical Engineering course taught by Professor Joanne Beckwith Maddock after the information session. Please visit this link (opens in new window) to register!

We also offer student-led tours, which last approximately one hour, and provide an insider's perspective on campus life, as well as a look at our ChemE facilities and lab spaces. To schedule a tour, click here (opens in new window) . 

Civil and Environmental Engineering (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Civil and Environmental Engineering offices year-round. Use this link to schedule a visit; you may also reach out to Andrea Francioni Rooney , the Director of Undergraduate Programs, if there are no available meeting times. 

Electrical and Computer Engineering (opens in new window)

ECE is excited to announce the return of their student tour guide program for prospective students interested in electrical and computer engineering. During this 45-minute to 1-hour walking tour, visitors will get an insider's perspective on student life while seeing brand new laboratories and learning about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. For more information and to schedule a tour,  click here .  Please note: Tours are only offered in the fall and spring; we do not offer tours in the summer months.

Engineering and Public Policy (opens in new window) / Science, Technology and Public Policy

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Engineering and Public Policy office year-round to discuss the Engineering and Public Policy or Science, Technology and Public Policy double majors. To schedule an appointment prior to your visit, please visit the  Engineering and Public Policy website . For drop-in visits, please contact  Deborah Kuntz , EPP Program Coordinator at 412.268.3303.

Materials Science and Engineering (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit the Materials Science and Engineering Department. We make every effort to accommodate all requests for department visits year-round. To request a visit, please complete  this form . If you have additional questions, please reach out to  Paige Houser , Undergraduate Academic Advisor.

Mechanical Engineering (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit the Mechanical Engineering Department. To schedule an appointment, please fill out the Department Tour Request form . 

College of Fine Arts

School of architecture (opens in new window).

The School of Architecture has several visit opportunities for prospective students. Please visit this page for more information regarding tours and information sessions.

School of Art (opens in new window)

The School of Art supports both online and in-person visit opportunities. Visit this link to register for a virtual information session, virtual portfolio review or in-person tour with Sheika Lugtu, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment for the School of Art. 

School of Design (opens in new window)

The School of Design is excited to offer several options for prospective students seeking visit opportunities. Visit this link to either register for an in-person studio tour or view a recorded information session. 

School of Drama (opens in new window)

Students interested in touring the School of Drama should visit this link to schedule a tour of the Purnell Center for the Arts. 

School of Music (opens in new window)

The School of Music offers both in-person and virtual visit opportunities. Please visit this page for more information. 

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Academic advisory center (opens in new window).

Prospective students with general questions about the Dietrich College and the transition from high school to Carnegie Mellon are welcome to schedule an in-person or phone appointment to speak with an Academic Advisory Center Advisor by calling 412.268.2924.

Economics (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Undergraduate Economics Program to learn more about our courses, curriculum, and degrees. Please use the program’s  online scheduler  to set up a meeting with a member of the advising team, either remotely or in-person.

English (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Department of English to learn more about our majors. Please complete this form to register. 

History (opens in new window)

The Department of History is not currently offering tours of its programs or facilities. Please visit this page for more information. 

Institute for Politics and Strategy (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to make an individual appointment to learn more about the academic programs within the Institute for Politics and Strategy (including the major in International Relations and Politics and the Carnegie Mellon Washington Semester Program). Please contact the Deputy Director  Emily Half  to schedule a meeting.

Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics (opens in new window)

The Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics welcomes prospective students and their families and invites them to explore our course offerings (while there is no Linguistics department per se, we offer an interdisciplinary Linguistics major and minor drawing on courses in Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Psychology). To schedule a meeting with a language-specific faculty advisor, please email our Undergraduate Coordinator  Sue Connelly or reach out by phone at 412.268.5669.

Philosophy (opens in new window)

The Department of Philosophy is not currently offering tours of its programs or facilities. Please visit this page for general information regarding the Philosophy Department.

Psychology (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Department of Psychology to learn more about our courses, research opportunities, and majors. To schedule an appointment, contact Emilie O'Leary , Undergraduate Program Coordinator, at 412.268.3153.

Social and Decision Sciences (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Department of Social and Decision Sciences to learn more about our majors. Please fill out this form to schedule a meeting.

Statistics & Data Science (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Department of Statistics to learn more about our majors. Contact  Glenn Clune , Undergraduate Academic Advisor, to schedule an individual meeting.

Information Systems

Information systems (opens in new window).

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to reach out via email with questions and to schedule a meeting.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Bxa intercollege degree programs (opens in new window).

BXA welcomes prospective students to schedule an individual meeting to learn more about our interdisciplinary programs in Humanities and Arts, Science and Arts, Computer Science and Arts, and Engineering and Arts. Appointments can be made  online (opens in new window) .

IDeATe (opens in new window)

Prospective students who are interested in adding interdisciplinary collaboration to their undergraduate experience are encouraged to visit IDeATe at Hunt Library to discuss the program. To schedule an appointment, contact  Kelly Delaney. Appointments are available Monday through Friday.

Mellon College of Science

Biological sciences (opens in new window).

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to reach out via  email  with questions and to schedule a virtual meeting on weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM. We cannot guarantee appointments for same day requests.

Chemistry (opens in new window)

The Department of Chemistry provides opportunities for conversation regarding our programs and a short tour of the department's undergraduate laboratories to prospective students and their families on weekdays between 10 AM and 4 PM. Students should contact the undergraduate program office at @email . Unfortunately, same-day requests can rarely be accommodated.

Mathematical Sciences (opens in new window)

Physics (opens in new window).

The Physics Department encourages you to schedule a virtual visit with Dr. Gillian Ryan.  For additional questions, please email Amanda Bodnar, Academic Program Manager.

School of Computer Science

VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

The School of Computer Science and all its divisions frequently receive requests for public tours. Due to incredibly high demand, we cannot offer in-person tours of SCS for prospective students. Instead, p rospective students are welcome to explore the School of Computer Science via a series of recorded information sessions, led by faculty members representing each of its four majors — view the recordings . 

Computational Biology (opens in new window)

Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the Computational Biology Department. We encourage participation in the Turn Tartan Experience, offered as a virtual session in the fall with the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Please contact  @email (opens in new window)  to discuss the undergraduate Computational Biology program. 

Tepper School of Business

Business administration (opens in new window).

Interested students and their families are welcome to request an appointment with a staff member using our online scheduler .

Non-Academic Departments

Athletics, physical education, and recreation (opens in new window).

Students who are interested in varsity athletics should complete the  Recruit Questionnaire (opens in new window)  for their respective sport. If interested in meeting while on campus, in addition to the questionnaire, prospective recruits should also contact the appropriate coach in advance by  email (opens in new window) . 

Students interested in finding out more about club sports, intramural sports, and other physical education opportunities should visit our  Recreation website (opens in new window) .

Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) (opens in new window)

Finding fulfilling summer internship and full-time work after graduation is an important component of the educational process. CPDC Career Consultants and staff are available to talk with prospective students about careers and the services we offer. If you'd like to schedule a meeting while you're visiting campus, please  email us  the following information:

• Name of student/family members visiting campus
• Date(s) of visit
• Two preferences for times of visit. Our offices are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for a 15-minute meeting
• Carnegie Mellon college and/or major that you're most interested in
• An email address where we can confirm your request

ROTC (opens in new window)

Students who are interested in the ROTC programs at Carnegie Mellon have the opportunity to tour the facilities and meet with ROTC recruiters. To schedule an appointment, contact  Michael Danko  at 412.268.8747.

Office of Disability Resources (opens in new window)

Students with inquiries or questions about disability resources at Carnegie Mellon can connect with  Catherine Getchell (opens in new window)  at 412.268.6121.

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Due to Carnegie Mellon’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, we’re continuing to encourage students and families to connect with us online. Schedule a virtual informational chat and/or a 30-minute portfolio advice session with Art Senior Admissions Officer, Sheika Lugtu. Click here to schedule a time .

The university also offers several online visit opportunities that let you explore Carnegie Mellon’s campus and residence halls, chat with an admission counselor, sit in on an information session and hear from current students. To complement these offerings, we’re now also offering limited registrations for a self-guided Outdoor Campus Walking Route and on-campus Information Session . You can find the university’s full visitor protocol here .

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Prospective Student Visits

The School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University welcomes undergraduate and graduate program prospective students to engage with us during the academic year while semester coursework is in session. In-person tours, remote information sessions, and online one-on-one appointments via Zoom are available on select weekdays during the fall and spring academic semesters. The prospective student experience is limited in the winter months and in the summer when the undergraduate and graduate programs are not in session.

We respectfully request that visitors do not enter the School of Architecture design studios or facilities outside of an official tour (register below). Please review CMU’s Visitor Protocol guidance prior to scheduling an on-campus visit. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the health and safety of our community.

We continue to encourage prospective students and families to connect with our community through our online visit opportunities that let you explore Carnegie Mellon’s campus and residence halls, chat with an admission counselor, sit in on an information session, and hear from current students. To complement these remote offerings, the university offers registration for campus visits including an On-Campus Information Session , an In-person Campus Tour , and an Outdoor Campus Walking Route .

During the tour you will be able to observe student and faculty collaboration as you visit the architecture design studios, Shop, and Digital Fabrication (dFAB) lab.

In-person tours for Summer 2024 will conclude on August 9th. Fall semester visitation will begin the week of September 16th with tour registration opening in early September.

Schedule a tour

Undergraduate Program Info Sessions

On select Wednesdays this fall semester, the School of Architecture will offer architecture undergraduate admission information sessions for prospective undergraduate students in a live, remote format (via Zoom) with Q&A to engage with our students and faculty. Dates and registration will open in early September.

Admission Appointments

Prospective undergraduate and graduate students can schedule a weekday appointment to meet with Alexis McCune Secosky, Director of Recruitment & Enrollment, to discuss academic programs and application questions. All appointments are hosted remotely on Zoom. Appointment registration will be available in mid-September.

Schedule Admission Appointment

Life in Pittsburgh

There’s a reason Pittsburgh keeps topping the “Most Livable Cities” lists . More accurately, a host of reasons: 90+ unique neighborhoods, glittering nightlife, world-class cultural institutions, gorgeous public parks—the list goes on. The Steel City may have shed its industrial grit, but it’s still tough at heart. Study architecture in a city on the move—one that will welcome you with open arms.

From optimizing the speed of a human-powered vehicle to transforming healthcare through big data, CMU students’ native intelligence floods everything they do. The Carnegie Mellon campus and state-of-the-art facilities are perfect for study and collaboration. For a break, we’re just steps away from miles of wooded hiking trails, and in the heart of one of the country’s most dynamic cities.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Transfers: 2024 Requirements, Dates, GPAs & More

How long do carnegie mellon university (cmu) tours last.

CampusReel hosts a total of about 48 tour videos for Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), so you can expect to spend between 144 to 240 minutes total watching content. Of course, we are constantly adding new content. Come back to CampusReel often to see new videos and campus tours of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and stay informed on campus life.

Where do Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tours start?

On CampusReel, you can start your Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tour wherever you’d like. If you’re touring Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in person with a traditional walking tour you’ll likely start at the admissions office. The school’s address is listed as Pittsburgh, PA so we recommend plugging that into your GPS. Before beginning a tour at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), make sure you check the weather and plan out your itinerary and accommodations appropriately. Pittsburgh weather can be unpredictable, so bring comfortable shoes in case it rains. Also, check what stops the tour includes to make sure you’ll see everything you’re interested in! The Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) website likely outlines important information for tour visitors.

When do Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tours start?

Needless to say, a CampusReel virtual tour of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) starts whenever you want. However, most schools provide 2-3 different start times for group tours in-person: in the morning, afternoon, and late afternoon. We recommend choosing the second available timeslot because Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) students will likely be up and about by then. You can explore Pittsburgh if you wake up early and want to gain a deeper understanding of the surrounding community. Check the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) admissions site or student services to confirm tour times.

What are the best landmarks and locations at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)?

Below is a list of every Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) building that has a tour on CampusReel.

• Painted Fence at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Gates Hillman Complex at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Scobell House at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• The Mall at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Pausch Bridge at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Hunt Library at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Baker Hall at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Fairfax Apartments at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Posner Hall at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Gates Center for Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Walnut St at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Donner House at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Tartan Express Food Truck at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• The Exchange at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• The Cut at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Salúd Juicery Shadyside at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
• Schenley Plaza at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

What will I see on a Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tour?

All CampusReel tours for Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) include everything from dorms to dining halls to student interviews and gameday videos. Most importantly, you will see Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) students!

What is city Pittsburgh, PA like?

Pittsburgh is listed as Mid-Atlantic. You need to evaluate the area carefully to make sure this is an environment you want to go to college in. Some people love a town this size, and others don’t. Either way, it will affect your time at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

Who are the tour guides for Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on CampusReel?

Scroll up to the top of the page to select from a number of tour guides available at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Keep in mind anyone can upload content to CampusReel, so the available tour guides are constantly increasing.

Summary and Overview of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tours:

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), like all colleges and universities, has its pros and cons. At the end of the day, your goal with these tour videos is to try to decide if Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is the right school for you. After you’ve taken the time learn about the campus, Pittsburgh and overall experience, then you can consider taking your search one step further and visiting Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in person.

Check out these related virtual tours:

• Campus tour to American University (AU)
• Campus tour to Georgetown University
• Campus tour to Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
• Campus tour to CUNY Lehman College
• Campus tour to University of Rochester

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Plan a Visit

The School of Design is a special place and we welcome the opportunity to have you experience what makes us great. For general campus tours, the University offers limited tours for which you must register . For School of Design specific information sessions and tours, please see below.

Undergraduate Program Visits

We invite you to view our recorded Undergraduate Design Info Sessions throughout the year. For an informative and engaging Undergraduate Design Studio Tour, join us most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 1PM. The available dates for prospective students tour range from September 4, 2024, to April 9, 2025. 

Register for our Undergraduate Tour

Please fill out this brief form to register for a tour. Your confirmation will include the date, time, and location details. All tours begin in room 110 of Margaret Morrison Hall and are either conducted by a Design Admissions staff member or a current undergraduate Design student.

For more details and to register for our virtual information sessions, click here .

Graduate Program Visits

We host Visitors' Days for prospective graduate students two times a year, once in late October and again in late March. Visitors' Days are planned and scheduled according to the best opportunities for you to learn more about the work taking place here, and to interact with our core faculty and current students. To get started on planning your visit and to reserve your place, see the visitor information pages for the Master’s Programs and/or Doctoral Programs .

Mechanical Engineering

If you are visiting campus, please make arrangements (see below) to schedule a tour of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. These one hour tours highlight facilities such as the Tech Spark maker spaces, laboratories, classrooms, and more.

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University tours

Campus tours, interviews, and information sessions for prospective undergraduate students are offered through the university’s Office of Admission .

Department tours

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Turn Tartan Days

We're rolling out the red carpet just for you! Carnegie Mellon's Turn Tartan Days are your chance to find out why you should "Turn Tartan", and join the CMU family.

Each student's visit will start with registration, coffee/tea and mingling with our deans and directors of Admission. A warm welcome from the Office of Admission will then kick off your time on campus! You'll be able to choose how you spend your day: getting to know your home college and departments with academic and artistic information sessions and office hours, meeting current students, touring campus, learning about financial aid and more. THESE EVENTS ARE FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS ONLY Select a date to get started:

Presenting Sponsor: The Arthur J. and Betty F. Diskin Cultural Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation.

Tuning Out Prejudice:

Building bridges that last.

A landmark community project centered on the valuable lessons of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Building Bridges that Last

October 7-November 21, 2023 Exhibit at Posner Center, Carnegie Mellon University

Tuning Out Prejudice Building Bridges That Last

Pittsburgh has long been known as the City of Bridges, with a multitude of these unique and colorful structures that connect our communities and our diverse backgrounds. These connectors have enabled us to come together to celebrate our shared cultural, educational, social, and vocational activities. 

How better to underscore these shared values than through a landmark collaboration of the arts, religious institutions, community organizations, education professionals, and musicians. Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh will present impactful programming throughout our community, reinforcing the valuable lessons of diversity, equity, and inclusion that are essential to our future.

Over the course of two months, through educational and cultural programs and exhibits , this unique project will, through lessons of the Holocaust, demonstrate humanity’s amazing ability to rebound from even the darkest depravity. The centerpiece of this event is the Violins of Hope Exhibit, which showcases violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each instrument has a unique emotional history that tells a story of perseverance and hope.

As a community that has already experienced attacks of hatred and division, Pittsburgh is especially sensitive to the need for unity. Thus, it is our hope that this landmark project will bring our community together, tuning out prejudice and building bridges that last .

A note from the chairs

When we began working on this project in the spring of 2018, we knew it could be a powerful experience for our community. The stories of the Holocaust and the lessons we can learn from them have never been more important. We are proud to be bringing together such an amazing group of community partners  to present a broad array of meaningful programming. We look forward to engaging our fellow Pittsburghers in tuning out prejudice and building bridges that last .

A project of this scale does not happen without broad community support. We are so grateful to The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the Diskin Family Foundation for embracing our vision from the very beginning. In addition, the enthusiastic support of the following groups has inspired us every step of the way:

We have also been blessed to work with a wonderful team of professionals that have guided us along this journey.

And of course, we offer a heartfelt thank you to Amnon, Assi, and Avshi Weinstein for sharing their violins with us. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity to welcome these amazing instruments into our community. They will surely leave a lasting impression on all who see and hear them.

With deep gratitude and appreciation,

Sandy Rosen – Chair | Pat Siger – Co-chair | Lynn Zelenski – Project Manager

The Violins of Hope Exhibit relates remarkable stories of string instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each surviving instrument has a unique and inspiring story that connects both young and old to the history of the Holocaust in a deeply emotional, personal, and relatable way. Paralleling lessons of the past to present day issues is key to creating a future where diversity, equality, and inclusion are valued. 

This one-of-a-kind exhibit will be housed at the Posner Center on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus. It will be open, free to the public* , from October 7-November 21, 2023. Individuals can experience the exhibit on their own or be guided by a trained docent. Group tours will also be available. In addition, time will be set aside for special tours to be given to middle and high school groups throughout Greater Pittsburgh.

Tickets Now Available!

Youth Education

One of the main goals of Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh is to educate both young and old in our community by using stories from the past to shed light on our future. A special emphasis will be placed on comprehensive in-school programming for middle- and high-school students. In addition, subsidies for school groups will be available for transportation and admission to age-specific educational tours of the Violins of Hope Exhibit. 

By delving into the historical themes of bigotry, racism, and intolerance during the Holocaust and telling stories of perseverance through these times, students will uncover the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting circumstances.

If your school would like to participate, contact us here.

Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh will bring together over 50 community partners that will present a variety of impactful programming throughout our region designed to reach a broad audience to reinforce the valuable lessons of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We are grateful to these invaluable community partners  for embracing our vision.

Events will include:

Click here to sign up for event updates.

Get Involved

Be a part of this amazing project! There are so many ways to get involved:

Community Voices

Volunteer opportunities.

There are many ways you can become involved with Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh. Through a volunteer role, you can make a positive impact on our community, and have fun while you’re at it. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, make new friends, and share enriching experiences with others.

Requirements

Are you willing to provide support in any of the following areas?

Special Event Planning

Send us an email to sign up for event updates

If you are a school who wants to participate contact us here. send us an email to find out more about this landmark community project., learn more. send us an email to find out more about this landmark community project., donate to violins of hope: greater pittsburgh. community support is essential to make this project a success..

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Find the right school for you

Did You Know..... Full Sail’s Graphic Design program , offered both on campus and online, teaches students skills that are highly sought-after in the creative industry. Students will learn how to meet deadlines and work within specific creative demands while producing high-end design work in a variety of format. Learn more about Full Sail University's graphic design program .

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

What are the top graphic design school programs in the US?

Our 2024 rankings of the Top 50 Graphic Design School Programs in the US. We considered over 700 colleges with graphic design programs for this year's rankings. For an explanation of ranking criteria,  click here .

The Graphic Design program at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides collaborative and individual spaces that allow students to create everything from traditional books to interactive texts, while learning about grids, systems, typography, and more. The school’s dedicated studios also provide access to screen printing, bookbinding, and papermaking facilities, as well as printing and photographic resources for digital and traditional creations. 

Serving approximately 150 BFA students and dozens of MFA students, the RISD Graphic Design program is one of the school’s largest departments. The four-year BFA program is project-based, allowing students to explore areas such as UX design, film graphics, packaging, and book covers. All students will complete the First-Year Program, which consists of courses such as Critical Introduction to the History of Architecture and Design; Drawing I-II; Spatial Dynamics; and Design I-II.

After the first year, RISD Graphic Design students will move on to courses such as History of Graphic Design; Typography I-III; Color + Surface; and Studio I-IV. Throughout the program, students will also have access to electives and workshops that allow students to work in various areas of graphic design. Other benefits include visiting artists, critics, and designers from around the world, and the opportunity to pursue a professional internship in summer or during the semester in the junior and senior years of the program. 

The Graphic Design BFA program at Rhode Island School of Design culminates with an independent degree project to be reviewed by visiting critics and viewed by the public. 

The RISD Graphic Design MFA has a two-year track designed for students who have a BA of BFA in the field and related professional experience. The program also provides a three-year track for individuals with a fine arts, sciences, or liberal arts degree. Both tracks allow students to customize the curriculum through cross-disciplinary electives.

The two-year track has two sequences including Graduate Studio and Graduate Seminar. In the Graduate Studio sequence, students will explore the design process. During the Graduate Seminar sequence, students will explore design history and current critical issues. In this sequence students will also begin the process of developing their graduate thesis projects. 

In the three-year track, students will begin the program with skills development in areas such as color, typography, image, theory, and design application. After the first year, three-year track students will begin working their way through the same curriculum as two-year students. 

All RISD Graphic Design MFA students have individual workspaces in a large design studio in RISD's Center for Integrative Technologies (CIT), which also houses the graduate student gallery and several advanced degree programs. MFA students will have opportunities to interact with other graduate students in Digital + Media, Interior Architecture, Teaching + Learning in Art + Design, and Textiles.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Rhode Island School of Design graduates enjoy a high employment rate. Around 96% of RISD alumni are employed one year after graduation, with 70% employed in positions directly related to their major. RISD Graphic Design alumni go on to become Senior Graphic Designers, Product Designers, Textile Designers, Packaging Designers, Art Directors, UX Designers, Brand Identity Designers, Industrial Designers, and Creative Designers. 

Founded in 1877 as both a school and a museum, Rhode Island School of Design is one of the first independent colleges of art and design in the U.S. This private, nonprofit college serves approximately 2,540 students enrolled in 43 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. 

RISD is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and MA in Teaching programs have special accreditation by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, and the RI Department of Education, respectively.

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 MFA Design programs 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).

ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses a social innovation department known as Designmatters. Through this department, the school became the first design institution to be formally affiliated with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization (NGO). ArtCenter also houses the Graphic Design Department, that provides opportunities to study abroad in Berlin at the school’s satellite studio—ArtCenter Berlin. Organized like a creative agency, the studio highlights department led initiatives and transdisciplinary projects; sponsored studios and collaborations; and industry partnerships. 

Within the department are two programs: the BFA in Graphic Design (Gx) and the MFA (MGx). Minors in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Product Design are also available through the Designmatters program, which combines immersive, real-world studios with humanities, sciences, and studio courses.

ArtCenter Gx BFA requires 132 units. The program explores both traditional and emerging media such as books, coding, press kits, apps, 3D motion graphics, packaging, and film, books. The curriculum is hands-on with courses taught by professors with expertise in visual interaction, print, transmedia design, motion, and packaging. Course examples for the program include Narrative Imaging; Communication Design 4: Identity Systems; Transdisciplinary Studio; Communication Design 5: Transmedia; Motion Design; Intro to Transmedia 1; Graphic Design History 1-2; Package Design 1: Design Principles; Visual Interaction Design 1: Intro to UI; Information Design; and Business and Professional Practice. 

Throughout the program, ArtCenter Gx BFA students will complete projects in state-of-the-art facilities such as Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography and Archetype Press. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with subject experts, work on real-world digital campaigns, and create and distribute materials for ArtCenter partners such as Nike, Cedars-Sinai Research Centers, Adobe, and Homeboy Industries. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own entrepreneurial branding. 

During the final term of the ArtCenter Gx BFA, students will complete the Portfolio and Career Preparation course.    

The ArtCenter College of Design MGx program has both two-year and three-year options. The two-year option consists of 75 units completed across four full terms, plus one ArtCenter Lite (ACL) summer term. During the ACL, students will have the option to complete a design internship, studio independent study, or Testlab Berlin. Options are worth six credits each. All two-year students will also complete the Graduate Forum course, worth three credits. 

Consisting of 86 units, the three-year MGx option is for students who need to develop additional design skills in order to be successful in the graduate program. This option consists of two additional terms. Upon successful completion of both terms, students may be admitted to the traditional graduate track. 

Course examples across options include Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 1.0; Graduate Project Writing; Design Research/Strategy; Graduate Visual Interaction Design; Graduate Typography 3; Grad Studio Materials Lab; and Professional Leadership. MGx students will complete a Portfolio Lab, and a thesis project to graduate. 

Students in all ArtCenter College of Design programs have the opportunity to intern, network, and interview with major companies and studios such as Amazon, Walt Disney Imagineering, Nike, Google, Blizzard Entertainment, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Ford, Riot Games, Mattel, Warner Bros., BMW, DreamWorks, Meta, Netflix, Honda, and Chronicle Books. 

ArtCenter Graphic Design alumni go on to establish careers in areas such as branding and corporate identity, visual interaction design, broadcast graphics, transmedia design, information architecture, printing and poster design, web design and development, app design, motion graphics, film title design, production management, package design, art direction, publication design, environmental graphic design, and exhibition design. 

Many ArtCenter College of Design graduates have been hired at places such as Google, Meta, and IDEO. Some program alumni have also been hired to work with Local Projects—an exhibition and media design firm for public spaces and museums. 

ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,385 students from more than 50 countries. Founded in 1930, the school has campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, along with satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles) and Berlin, Germany. ArtCenter provides 11 undergraduate programs; 10 graduate degree programs leading to an MFA or MS; a joint MS/MBA program; and undergraduate minors for Business, Creative Writing, and Social Innovation students. 

ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

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; and 

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).

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is home to the School of Art. Within the school is a Graphic Design program that focuses on small critique-based courses that encourage collaboration, discussions, and debates. Led by industry professionals with years of experience, courses and projects take place in residence in communal studios with 24-hour access. Students also have unlimited access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs; the opportunity to work with faculty mentors throughout the program; study abroad opportunities; and the option to complete an internship with a major design firm or studio. 

The Graphic Design program at CalArts provides two degree options: the BFA or MFA. The BFA curriculum explores all areas of graphic design through a combination of core courses, required courses, and electives. Courses are delivered as lectures, studios, labs, and technical workshops. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV (Lecture); Skills for Visualization; Graphic Design I-IV (Studio);  Intro to VR Workshop; Typography I-III; Digital Design LAB I-II; and Professional Practice for Graphic Design. 

To enhance the degree, BFA students may add the Digital Arts minor, which consists of 18 units of study. Students in the minor may explore areas digital bookmaking/InDesign; programming; CG art and animation; mapping techniques; advanced web design; filmmaking; and sound design. 

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at California Institute of the Arts, students will complete Professional Practice for Graphic Design, a final project, and a professional portfolio.  

The Graphic Design MFA at CalArts has an Integrated Media (IM) concentration, which combines IM critiques and seminars with specialized coursework and elective courses across the Institute. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design Theory; Visual Literacy; and Typographics IA-IB.

MFA students will also participate in two MFA Graphic Design Practicum workshops; Graduate Seminar I-II (Lecture); and Graduate Seminar I-II (Studio). 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at CalArts are prepared to pursue positions at design studios, advertising agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, government agencies, museums, and in-house design departments across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter), Walt Disney Imagineering, Whitney Museum of Art, Meta, North Carolina State University College of Design, Evernote, M+ Works, Kookmin University (Seoul South Korea), Museum of Arts and Design, SMOG Design, and California College of the Arts (CCA). 

Walt and Roy Disney formed California Institute of the Arts in 1961 through a merger of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Chouinard Art Institute. Today, CalArts serves 1,440 students enrolled in more than 70 degree programs across six schools. California Institute of the Arts also houses the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT), located in downtown LA, and the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) with community organizations and public schools across LA County. 

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

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).

The Communication Design BFA at The New School’s Parsons School of Design (Parsons) is the oldest program of its kind in the U.S. Housed within Parsons School of Art, Media, and Technology (AMT), the program is also STEM-designated. Consisting of 120 credits, the BFA requires courses such as Drawing/Imaging; Time; and Space/Materiality. Other courses include Objects as History; Typography Lab; Design Studies; and Interaction Lab. The Parsons Communication Design BFA is provided on-campus (full-time), and it takes four years to complete. 

The Communication Design program at Parsons has additional undergraduate option for students seeking a shorter degree program. The campus-based, 60 credit hour AAS program has both full- and part-time schedules. Course examples include Typography and Interaction; Design History and Practice; and Professional Practices and Portfolio. The Communication Design AAS program can be completed in just two years (full-time).  

For students seeking an even shorter program, the Division of Continuing and Professional Education at Parsons has a Graphic and Digital Design certificate that consists of eight courses. Required courses include Introduction to Graphic Design; Color Theory; Graphic Design History; Digital Graphics with Illustrator I; and Digital Imaging Workshop. The remaining courses can be selected from elective options. 

Examples include Graphic Design 2; Print Production in a Digital World; Animation Fundamentals; 3D Modeling; Adobe InDesign; Digital Layout: and Graphic Design Portfolio. Students typically complete the Graphic and Digital Design certificate in just 18 months.   

At the graduate level, Parsons School of Design has a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Communication Design with a concentration in Digital Product Design. This specialized, STEM-designated program emphasizes teamwork strategies and collaboration. Course examples include Typography and Interaction 1-2; Visual Culture Seminar; Major Studio 1-2; and Methods and Practices. Students can complete this 30 credit hour program in one year, full-time. 

All Parsons School of Design students benefit from participation in AMT events; interactions with visiting artists and lecturers; interdisciplinary collaborations; internship opportunities in New York and other major cities; study abroad experiences in places such as Paris, London, and Florence; and access to a state-of-the-art Making Center. This facility houses 600 workstations along with equipment and tools for animation, 3D prototyping, printmaking, and motion capture. 

Graduates of the Parsons School of Design AAS and BFA programs work in areas such as brand and editorial design, environmental and spatial graphics, type design, data visualization, digital product design, motion graphics, UX/UI design, and exhibition design. 

Program alumni are employed at creative agencies, tech companies, publishing houses, digital design firms, start-ups, cultural institutions such as MoMA, and publications such as the New York Times . 

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

The New School was founded in 1919. Parsons School of Design was established as The Chase School in 1896 by American Impressionist William Merritt Chase. In 1904 Frank Alvah Parsons joined the school, eventually becoming its sole director. The Chase School became Parsons in 1941, and joined The New School in 1970. Today, The New School serves 10,000 students, with more than 5,000 enrolled in Parsons School of Design. 

The New School provides more than 120 degree and diploma programs across six colleges and schools, including Parsons Paris. The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with Parsons School of Design included within the scope of MSCHE accreditation.

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).

The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the School of Design and Creative Technologies. Within the School is the Design Department. Housed in the Doty Fine Arts Building (DFA) and the Art Building (ART), the Design Department provides BA, BFA, and MFA programs in Design. 

For students seeking a shorter program, the Center for Professional Education at UT Austin has a three-month Graphic Design certificate program that may be completed 100% online. Over 13 sessions, certificate students will master industry software such as Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign, and Photoshop. The program also explores design practices and the production of static and motion graphic designs. 

All UT Austin Design students benefit from dedicated studio spaces and fabrication labs; courses taught by industry professionals; and opportunities to engage in experiential learning through the school’s internship and study abroad programs. Students may also take courses through The Center for Integrated Design (The Center), which has partnerships with companies and organizations such as IBM, McKinsey & Company, the Austin Arts Commission, Logitech, the Office of Sustainability, Planet Texas 2050, EcoRise, and agrodesign. 

At all degree levels, design students will explore graphic, industrial, and interaction design. All coursework is project-based and industry-oriented, with the opportunity to create a specialization by selecting courses from formal five areas. This includes Graphic Design, Design History, Interaction Design, Design Research, and Industrial Design. 

The Design BA at UT Austin combines liberal arts coursework with project-based courses in design techniques, aesthetics, history, theory, and research methods. While students in this program will take fewer courses than BFA students, they will have the opportunity to explore other areas in additional departments across the university. 

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Introduction to 2D and 3D; Typography; Interaction Design; Sketching; Design Research and Images in Communication; and History of Design. The Design BFA is a pre-professional degree consisting of 120 credit hours. Around two-thirds of the courses for this program are in design and related coursework. Course examples include Identity Systems; Design and Social Environment; Typography I-III; and Industrial Design. Students will also complete one or more paid internships at places such as Apple, EA Games, Google, IBM, Dell, and Samsung. 

The Design BFA program at UT Austin culminates with capstone design project that will be presented in UT Austin’s Annual Public Exhibition. 

The Design MFA at University of Texas at Austin is a 60 credit hour program designed for students with professional design skills. The curriculum for the program consists of the design core, design studios, electives, and thesis studios. Course examples for the program include Design in Context; Design Pedagogy and Instruction; User Research; Design Documentation and Storytelling; Topics in Interaction Design Studio; Service and Systems Design; Visiting Designer Studio; and Fieldwork in Design. 

All Design MFA students have 24/7 access to shared studio spaces; design, materials, digital fabrication, and computer labs; the Wood Shop; a Visual Arts Center; The Foundry; a Fine Arts Library; and the Harry Ransom Center. The program culminates with the thesis project that will be presented at the MFA Exhibition. 

Graduates of the Design programs at UT Austin are Graphic Designers, Project Managers, Book Designers, Design Strategists, UI/UX Designers, Interaction Designers, Product Designers, Brand Designers, Visual Designers, Creative Directors, Industrial Designers, Freelance Designers, and Entrepreneurs. 

Program alumni have been hired by major companies, organizations, and studios such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Razorfish, Deloitte, Meta, The New York Times, H-E-B Digital, Publicis Sapient, Serenity Forge, Droga5, Double A Labs, Gensler, and frog design (part of Capgemini Invent). 

Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 51,915 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 155 undergraduate degree programs with 170+ fields of study; 139 graduate degree programs; and nearly 100 doctoral programs across 19 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Graphic and Experience Design (GXD) program at North Carolina State University (NC State University) is one of less than 350 programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program is also recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). 

Housed in the College of Design’s Department of Graphic and Industrial Design, the program has options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Degrees include the Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design (BGXD) and Master of Graphic and Experience Design (MGXD). The MGXD is one of the few graphic design graduate programs in the U.S. with STEM Classification (CIP).    

The undergraduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State consists of 120 credit hours. Students in the project-based program will take specialized courses such as Image and Tech Tinkering; Branding, Interaction, and Service Design; Typography and Technology; Designing for Settings, People, and Use; Information and Publishing Design Systems; and Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading. BGXD students will also complete a graphic and experience design practicum studio; three advanced graphic and experience design studios; and design electives that focus on individual interests. 

Other BGXD program features include the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or summer at the NC State Prague Institute, Greece, or other study abroad locations; professional paid internships at major design firms; and participation in sponsored studios as part of the GXD curriculum. Examples of past sponsors include Coca Cola, The National Civil Rights Museum, Hanes, Bosch, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, John Deere, Under Armour, Lowe’s, Caterpillar, BD Medical, and SAS. 

Graduates of BGXD program at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions across industries. Program alumni have been hired at design firms and technology companies such as Lenovo, IDEO, R/GA, IBM, Red Hat, SAS, Pentagram, IQVIA, Willowtree, and Citrix. 

The graduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State has two-year and three-year options. Both lead to a terminal degree, equivalent to the MFA, which qualifies graduates to pursue leadership roles across industries, teach at the university level, or pursue a Design PhD. 

The two-year program (MGXD II) is designed for students with a graphic design BFA (or equivalent) and experience in visual communication, design, interaction design, or related field. The three-year program (MGXD III) is for students who have earned a BA in another field or a Graphic Design concentration. 

All MGXD students will participate in studios and seminars such as MGXD Studio I-III; Theoretical Frameworks in Design Seminar; Advanced Graphic Design Studio; Tech Tinkering Seminar; and Design Research Methods Seminar. Electives allow students to enhance the degree. Elective examples for the MGXD II pathway include Environmental Communication; Film Production; Advanced Technical Writing and Education; Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM); and Cognitive Processes.  

Elective examples for the MGXD III pathway include Responsible AI and Society; Graphic Design History; Typography I-II; Special Topics in Social Innovation; and Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM). Across pathways, students will have opportunities to take additional electives at affiliate universities such as Duke and UNC Chapel Hill. 

In addition, MGXD students will have opportunities to work on collaborative projects and research with major companies and institutes such as IBM, NC State Laboratory for Analytic Sciences, Red Hat Software, SAS, and the Institute of Emerging Issues. 

For their final graduate projects, MGXD students will research an area of focus, record conclusions, design studies and mock-ups, and present the project to the public. 

Graduates of the Master of Graphic and Experience Design program at North Carolina State University have gone on to establish successful careers at consulting firms, software companies, and universities. Examples include Adobe, Carnegie Mellon University, IDEO, University of Michigan, Lenovo, Pratt Institute, IBM, University of Washington, Red Hat Software, and Accenture. 

North Carolina State University employs more than 10,000 faculty and staff that serve approximately 38,440 students. This makes NC State the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides more than 250 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) provides several paths to study graphic design. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Graphic Design BFA. At the graduate level, MICA has MA (GDMA) and MFA (GD MFA) degrees in Graphic Design. 

The Graphic Design BFA begins with the First Year Experience (FYE). A requirement for all undergraduates, the FYE allows students to explore various MICA’s programs and build foundation-level art and design skills. The FYE is also designed to prepare students for upper-level study within the school’s Undergraduate Studies (UGS) programs. FYE courses include Ways of Writing; Form I-II; Color Design (2D); Drawing (Fundamentals); Fabrication (3D); Modernisms; and New Media (4D) and Fabrication (3D).

After completing the FYS, students will move into the major, where they will have the opportunity to customize an area of specialization through electives and thesis projects in environmental graphic design, branding, UI/UX design, motion graphics, advertising, product design, package design, visual design, and font design. To enhance the degree, BFA students may also choose a minor from more than 20 options or focus in an additional area. 

Minor examples include Illustration, Animation, Sequential Art, Printmaking, Interactive Arts, Creative Entrepreneurship, Photography, Film and Video, Game Design, and Sustainability and Social Practice. 

Courses for the program are led by 25 faculty from all areas of design. Major course examples include Advanced Design I-II; Graphic Design I-IV; Flexible Design Studio; Typography I-II; and Senior Seminar. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as publishing, UI/UX design, advertising, marketing, entertainment, public relations, retail, app design, multimedia, architecture, and social media. 

The graduate programs at Maryland Institute of College and Art serve more than 300 students from nearly every state and 20 countries. Housed in a loft-style studio space with dedicated computers and workspaces, the 60 credit hour Graphic Design MA prepares students for career advancement or entry into a MICA GD MFA program. Course examples include Design Theory and Practice; Transmedia Type Lab; Typography Intensive; and Graphic Design MA Studio I-II.  

Program features include courses taught by industry professionals; participation in seminars; internship opportunities; and the GDMA Workshop. This three credit hour workshop provides the opportunity to create and exhibit a self-directed design project and professional portfolio. 

Also consisting of 60 credit hours, the GD MFA program at MICA features studio courses, seminars, and independent work. Elective options in print, digital media, and video allow students to create an area of specialization. Course examples include Advanced Publication Design; Visiting Designers I-II; Design Studio I-IV; Visiting Thesis Critics; and Thesis Writing. 

The graduate Graphic Design programs at MICA can be completed in two years, full-time. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across industries. MICA alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Adobe, Morehouse College, Netflix, and Under Armour. Program alumni have also presented their work at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), The Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian), and The Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney). 

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

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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has three pathways to study Graphic Design. Housed in the Visual Communication Design (VCD) Department are the Studio BFA with a VCD focus, and a flexible Studio MFA that allows students to design their own plan of study. The Continuing Studies Department has a Graphic Design certificate consisting of courses such as Introduction to Graphic Design; Color Theory; and Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop. 

All students benefit from the courses taught by practicing designers; technical advising; and the VCD Departments visiting designer lecture series Exploratory Languages . This annual event features some of the world’s foremost designers and design educators. 

The Studio BFA with a VCD focus explores environments, objects and print (physical media) and interactive and time-based media (virtual media). Course examples for the program include Environmental Graphics; Packaging Design; Letterpress Printing and Book Binding; Motion Graphics Design; Offset Printing/Digital Printing; Sustainable Design; Interaction Design/Interface Design; Publication Design; Book Design; Font/Typography Design; Symbol Design; Website Design/Cross-Platform Design; Exhibition Design; and Identity Design/Strategic Design. 

In addition to a variety of course options, VCD BFA students have the opportunity to complete a Career and Professional Experience (CAPX) internship, and participate in the Fall or Spring Exhibition. Students may also participate in the department’s year-end Visual Communication Design Show. 

Graduates of the SAIC VCD program at SAIC will enter the market with a professional portfolio of their best work. Program alumni while our alumni are Designers and Educators at major institutions and studios across the U.S. and abroad. 

The 60 credit hour Studio MFA is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore other SAIC departments such as Film, Video, New Media, and Animation (FVNMA); Designed Objects; Intermedia; Writing; Architecture; Photography; and Interior Architecture. Course examples for the program include Type and Image in Motion; Advanced Typography; Package Design; Letterpress Bookworks; Electronic Publications; Image Studio; 4D Design: Manipulating Media; and Envisioning Information. 

A major component of the SAIC Studio MFA is the opportunity to complete a graduate project every semester. MFA students will work one-on-one with artists, writers, and other academics from different SAIC departments. Graduate seminars, such as Form-Configuration-Content and Narrative Architectures, are also part of the program. Successful completion of a thesis is required to graduate. 

Students in all SAIC Design programs may join the VCD AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) Chapter, which hosts local visiting designers, the annual Town Hall AIGA event, a biannual portfolio preparation seminar, and tours of Chicago studios. The VCD Department also offers the opportunity for students to participate in juror-led student workshops, and jurors’ lectures through the Chicago International Poster Biennial (CIPB). 

Graduates of the MFA programs at School of the Art Institute of Chicago are employed at museums, advertising agencies, marketing firms, non-profit organizations, and major companies and studios across the U.S. and around the world.

Founded in 1866 by a group of 35 artists, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the nation’s oldest accredited independent schools of art and design. Serving approximately 3,100 students from around the globe, SAIC provides more than 50 areas of study across 24 academic departments. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) houses six schools, more than 8,000 students, 125+ degree programs led by 750 faculty and associates, and one of the region’s leading contemporary museums—ASU Art Museum. Within the Herberger Institute is The Design School, which houses the Graphic Design program. 

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the program consists of a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD); a Master of Science in Design (MSD) with a concentration in Visual Communication Design (VCD MSD); and a Master of Visual Communication Design (MVCD). 

Delivered at ASU’s Tempe campus and through ASU Online, the Graphic Design BSD is a studio and lecture-based program that emphasizes collaborative teams and professional projects in areas such as branding, publication design, interface design, animation, information design, motion graphics, web design, interaction design, and sensorial design. 

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Regenerative Graphic Design; Sustainability; Communication/Interaction Design Theory; Advanced Interaction Design; Visual Communication Design I-VI; Motion Graphics and Interaction Design Advanced Media; Technology for Design I-II; Letterform; Typography; Exhibit Design; Graphic Design History I-II; American Institutions; and Design Drawing. 

The Graphic Design BSD at Arizona State University culminates with a final project and a professional portfolio of the students best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as advertising and marketing design; publication design; information design; brand and corporate identity design; broadcast design (TV graphics); web design; interaction and interface design; VCD; and museum or exhibition design. 

Delivered in-person at the ASU Tempe campus, the VCD MSD consists of 36 credit hours of study completed over four semesters (two years). In addition to interactions with visiting designers and an internship in teaching design, VCD MSD students will take courses and seminars such as Methods in Visual Communication I-II; VCD Seminar: Contemporary Issues; Qualitative Research in Design; and Research Methods. 

To graduate, students will have the option to complete a thesis or the applied project course. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles advanced design and other industries, as well as graphic design education or research. 

The MVCD program at the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts explores areas such as interaction design, visualization, user experience design, prototyping, design for social innovation, visual research, service design, ideation, and participatory design.

Consisting of 42-43 credit hours, the MVCD program has two options. The two-year, studio-based degree is designed for professionals with design experience or a degree in VCD, graphic design or other related area. The three-year studio-based degree is designed for students without an undergraduate design degree or experience in VCD/graphic design. 

Students in the two-year ASU MVCD program are encouraged to complete an internship, while three-year students are required to complete an internship. Internships take place during the summer after the first year, and they may be completed anywhere in the U.S. and around the world. Both options require successful completion of the culminating experience for the program—Advanced Visual Communication Design Studio IV. Students will earn five credits upon completion. 

Graduates of the graduate Design programs at Arizona State University are prepared to pursue titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, Visual Design Consultant, Creative Lead, Senior Visual Communication Designer, Media Collection Specialist, Managing Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UI/UX Designer, Instructional Designer, Package Designer, Brand Manager, Commercial and Industrial Designer, Senior Technologist, and Design Professor. 

ASU Design alumni have been hired at major companies and organizations such as American Airlines, Google, Banner Health, UNICEF, and GoDaddy. 

Arizona State University serves 145,655 students, making it one of the largest universities in the U.S. Founded in 1885 as the Arizona Territorial Normal School, ASU has four campuses that provide 800 fully accredited degree programs across 16 colleges and schools. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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 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.

The School of Art at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper Union) houses an Art BFA program that allows students to customize the curriculum by choosing courses across seven disciplines, elective options, and techniques classes. Disciplines include graphic design, drawing, printmaking, photography, audiovisual, painting, and sculpture. 

All Art BFA students will complete the first year Foundation Program, which consist of courses in art history, visual art techniques, humanities, social sciences, and art theory. This 130 credit hour program also explores critical thinking methods and writing as part of the artistic process. Students will work on two-, three-, and four-dimensional projects as well. 

In the sophomore year of the Art BFA program at Cooper Union, students will begin taking prerequisite studio courses in their area of focus. In the junior year, students may begin taking electives and other courses from the School of Art, as well as the Schools of Architecture and Engineering to develop skills in other areas. Elective examples in the School of Art include Art of the Book; Computational Studio; and Painting Techniques and Materials.  

Course examples for the Graphic Design area include Graphic Design I-II; Interactive Design Concepts: AI + Play; Motion Graphics; Advanced Design; Typography; Data Science and Design Projects for Social Good; and Type Design. 

All Cooper Union students have the opportunity to complete an internship and study abroad experience. Art BFA graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as publishing, advertising and marketing, packaging design, brand identity design and management, public relations, motion graphics, web design, exhibit design, user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design, multimedia design, and illustration. 

Founded in 1859 by industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist Peter Cooper, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education. Serving approximately 890 students, this all-honor private college awards all admitted undergraduate students a half merit tuition scholarship currently valued at $22,275 per academic year. Programs at Cooper Union are housed in the Irwin S. Chann School of Architecture; Albert Nerken School of Engineering; the School of Art; and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1946.

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 School of the Arts and Architecture at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA). Within the department are two paths to study Graphic Design: the DMA BA and the Media Arts MFA. Both multidisciplinary programs explore narrative, visual communication, network media game design, and video. Courses for the UCLA DMA and Media Arts programs are taught as studios, typically with no more than 22 students. 

All UCLA DMA and Media Arts students have access to a number of labs, spaces, and other facilities. Examples include the Experimental Digital Arts (EDA) Space; New Wight Gallery; the UCLA Game Lab; Media Arts Research Space (MARS); the Shoot Room; Fabrication and Electronics Labs; DMA Graduate Student Gallery; Audio and Video Labs; the Print Lab; Broad Art Center; the Arts Library; DMA Labs; and the Art-Sci Center + Lab. 

Students in the DMA BA program will take foundation courses that explore typography; interactivity and motion; and color, space and form. Specific course examples include Media Histories; 3D Modeling and Motion; Topics in Visual Communication and Image; Drawing and Color; Tangible Media; Word + Image; Topics in Interactivity And Games; Design Culture; Typography; Special Topics in Design Media Arts; Design Culture; Network Media; Form; Game Engine; Design Futures; and Motion. 

The DMA BFA program at UCLA culminates with the Senior Projects courses in the areas of visual communication and image; interactivity and games; or video and animation. 

Media Arts MFA students will participate in seminars, group critiques, and research projects, while developing skills through one-on-one mentoring. Course examples for the program include Virtuality; Programming Media; Contemporary Topics in Media Arts; TA Training; Creating Context and Collaborative Practice; and Graduate Seminar. 

The Media Arts MFA program at UCLA culminates with a thesis project to be presented at the UCLA MFA Exhibition. 

Graduates of the DMA and Media Arts programs at University of California Los Angeles are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as graphic design, book art and publishing, content strategy, branding and packaging, multimedia design, advertising and marketing, motion art and design, UI/UX design, presentation design, art or design direction, media art, web design, exhibition design, and graphic art.  

UCLA graduates are routinely hired at places such as Apple, Walt Disney Company, Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bloomberg, Amazon, Deloitte, KPMG, the County of Los Angeles, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Getty, Mattel, Oracle, Kaiser Permanente, Cisco Systems, Target Corporation, SpaceX, Accenture, and Teach for America. 

Founded on May 23, 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, University of California, Los Angeles serves 46,430 students from more than 100 countries. The school provides 250+ programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. University of California, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) houses the only Art Education PhD in the state of Texas. CVAD also houses the Design Department, which attracts recruiters from many Dallas and Fort Worth design studios. As such, design students are routinely hired for internship opportunities and paid positions after graduating. 

For UNT CVAD students seeking a design degree, the CVAD Design Department has a Communication Design BFA with two tracks: Graphic Design and User-Experience Design (UX Design). Both tracks consist of studio courses and additional requirements such as Typography I; Foundations for Communication Design; and Image-Making and Color Theory. 

UNT UX Design students will take other requirements such as Foundations of User-Centered Design; Contextual Research Methods; and Typographic Systems. 

Other course examples across tracks include Publication Design; Advanced Communication Design Studio; Interaction Design; Data Visualization and the Design of Information; Prototyping and User Testing; Graphic Design Advanced Campaigns; Digital Patterns and Systems; Cause-Based User-Experience Design; Advanced Product Design in UX Design; Planning and Developing Interactive Systems; and Art History Survey I-III. 

Students in both tracks may add a minor such as New Media Art, Printmaking, Art History, or Photography. To graduate, all UNT Communication Design students will complete a final portfolio of their best work. 

Program alumni are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, entertainment, publishing, computer systems design, manufacturing, and education. University of North Texas CVAD graduates also qualify for jobs with government agencies, museums, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations. 

Established in 1890 and employing more than 4,600 faculty and staff, University of North Texas is one of the largest employers in the City of Denton, Texas. The school serves 46,940 students, making it one of the top 10 largest universities in Texas, and one of the largest in the U.S. Students at UNT have access to more than 200 degree options across 14 colleges and schools. University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Established in 1925, the College of the Arts at University of Florida (UF) houses four schools; two centers, and the Digital Worlds Institute. Accreditations include the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST); and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). 

Among the schools in the College of the Arts is the School of Art + Art History, which provides opportunities for all students to work with clients on real-world projects. The school also provides access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences in places such as France, China, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Brazil, the UK, and Spain. 

For students seeking a graphic design program, the UF School of Art + Art History provides four paths. At the undergraduate level, students can enroll in the Graphic Design BFA, minor or certificate program. Graduate students can earn a Graphic Design/Design and Visual Communications (MxD) MFA. 

The Graphic Design BFA explores art history; 2D, 3D, and 4D; design; and drawing. Course examples include Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; Typography 1: Letterform; Image, Form and Meaning; Design and Professional Practice Studio; Graphic Design History I-II; Graphic Design: Visual Systems in Design; Design: Ideas and Styles; and Typography 2: Composition. 

In the final semester of the program, BFA students will complete the Senior Design Studio; the Design Workshop; and a professional portfolio. 

The Graphic Design minor and certificate are available to Art and Art History majors in the School of Art + Art History. Both curriculums explore graphic design thinking, methods, processes, and practices. Course examples across options include Design Studies; Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; and Typography 1: Letterform. The minor requires 18 credit hours. The certificate requires 15 credit hours. 

The MxD MFA at University of Florida is a 60 credit hour, terminal degree that launched more than 20 years ago. This design-centered, interdisciplinary program consists of studios, workshops, seminars, and practicums. In addition to opportunities to develop entrepreneurial, teaching, and other skills through electives, the program allows experimentation, collaboration, and field experiences. 

Elective examples include Methods of Research in Art Education; Global Entrepreneurship; Seminar in Museum Studies; Creativity in Entrepreneurship; Arts, Advocacy and Public Policy; Teaching Art in Higher Education; Creativity and Health: Foundations of the Arts in Medicine; and Creativity in Entrepreneurship. The UF MxD MFA culminates with a thesis or creative project. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Florida are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design in industries across the U.S. and abroad. Some program alumni have gone on to teach or launch their own studios, while others have been hired at companies, studios, and organizations such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM, L’Oréal, Verizon, Twitter/X, R/GA, West Elm, IDEO, Fossil, Viacom, JetBlue, Kate Spade, Facebook/Meta, and the Miami Heat. 

Graduates who have gone on to teach have been hired at UF, University of Colorado–Boulder Northern Alabama University, Auburn University, Ball State University, University at Buffalo, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Illinois State University, among others. 

University of Florida traces its founding to 1853, when the East Florida Seminary opened as the state’s first state-supported institution of higher learning. Today, University of Florida is a top 10 public, comprehensive, land-grant research university with professional campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. UF serves 60,795 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 16 colleges and schools. University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Arts and Sciences (ArtSci) at University of Washington (UW) is home to the School of Art + Art History + Design (SoA+AH+D), which houses one of the largest undergraduate programs at UW: Visual Communication Design (VCD). Featured in international design journals Art and Design (China), IDEA (Japan), and Novum (Germany), the VCD program leads to a Bachelor of Design (BDes). The School of Art also has a two-year Master of Design (MDes) for students with experience in design, and a three-year option for students from other disciplines with outstanding design potential. This option focuses on developing core design skills in preparation for advanced design coursework in the two-year MDes program. 

The VCD BDes is an intensive program that encourages collaboration and experiential learning such as study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Paris, and Amsterdam. The curriculum for this 180 credit program includes courses in general education, art history, studio, and electives. Course examples include Corporate Identity; Interface Design I-II; Visual Systems; Publication Design; Advanced Typography; Introduction to Motion Design; Visual Storytelling; and Exhibition Design. 

In the Junior and Senior years of the UW BDes program, students will complete an internship, a Design Capstone, and Design Exhibition worth 1-3 credit hours. 

The MDes at University of Washington is considered the terminal degree in the field. Consisting of 80 credits (minimum), the MDes emphasizes individualized and interdisciplinary studies. This provides opportunities to study Visual Communication. Also, a research-based program, the MDes allows students to choose courses from and complete research projects with the Departments of Communication, Psychology, and Biomedical Informatics; the College of Engineering; and the Schools of Business and Nursing. 

Throughout the UW MDes program, students will have opportunities to complete several special projects sponsored by major corporations and led by design faculty. Other program benefits include project-based studios, seminars, and independent study. 

During the final year of the UW MDes program, students will work with their chair and committee to complete a thesis document and exhibition to be displayed at UW’s Henry Art Gallery. Past thesis topics include Urban Planning, Information Visualization, Healthcare, and Aviation. 

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design across all industries. Some of the top employers for UW graduates include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Apple, Meta, Deloitte, KPMG, T-Mobile, Starbucks, Accenture, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Oracle, EY, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Nordstrom, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), ScribeAmerica, and Highspot. 

Established in 1861, the University of Washington serves approximately 60,700 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. UW provides approximately 475 programs and 845 degree options across 18 colleges and schools. The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Engineering at UW is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is home to the School of the Arts (VCUarts). Within the school is the Department of Graphic Design, which provides a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Design/Visual Communications. Students in both programs have access to labs and design studios such as the Creative Print Bureau (CPB) and middle Of broad (mOb). CPB is a student and staff operated lab that provides print production services and learning opportunities through workshops, demos, and self-service machines. Students may participate in print production projects for various local businesses. 

The experimental design lab mOb brings together the departments of graphic, fashion, and interior design. Designers from all departments work with faculty mentors on projects for companies across the state. Students may also participate in community and government projects. Past projects have included a reimagined Monument Avenue in Richmond; signage for the James River Park System; and the development of bridge concepts for Interstate 95. 

Consisting of 122 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA emphasizes collaboration. Students will begin the BFA with the Art Foundation Program (AFP), which consists of courses and studios such as Survey of Art I-II; Time Studio; Surface Research; Drawing Studio; Space Research; and Project Studio.   

Upon completion of the AFP, students will move on to courses such as Core Studio I-IV; Synthesis; Multi Studio I-II; Design Practices; Precedents Inquiry; Dialogues; and Critical Inquiry. Electives allow students to explore everything form book design to management. Elective examples include Book Arts; Letterpress; Typographic Systems; Web Design; Exhibition and Environments Graphic Design; Experimental Letterpress; Typeface Design; Studio Management; and Design Activism. 

The Graphic Design BFA culminates with a final project and professional portfolio. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Exhibition Designers, Creative Directors, Interaction Designers, User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designers, Film Production Designers, Environmental Graphic Designers, and Broadcast Designers. 

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the 60 credit hour Design/Visual Communications MFA at Virginia Commonwealth University is a design and research degree that culminates in a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation. MFA students will complete several workshops and seminars; research/individual study; and an Internship or Teaching Practicum. Optional study abroad programs for a semester, summer or several weeks are also available. 

Graduates of the VCUarts Design/Visual Communications MFA program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of design. Graduates may also pursue positions in art and design education and research. Program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Critical Analyst (Publishing), Public Art Director, Program Manager (Non-Profit), Design Strategist, Art Educator, Media Production Manager, Identity and Branding Design Manager, and Information Architect. 

Founded in 1838, Virginia Commonwealth University is a top 100 research university that serves approximately 28,595 students. The largest employer in Richmond, Virginia, VCU provides more than 200 academic programs across 15+ colleges, schools, and centers. Virginia Commonwealth University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

Founded in 1928, the School of the Arts at VCU is a four-year, non-profit art and design school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association for Schools of Theatre (NAST). The school serves around 3,230 students enrolled in 18 bachelor’s degree programs and five master’s degree programs. In 1998, VCUarts founded its Doha, Qatar campus. This location serves approximately 380 students enrolled in five bachelor’s degree programs and one master’s degree program.

The College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) is home to the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design. Within the school is a Communication Design program that features five semester-long co-op experiences. These paid opportunities are part of the UC Co-op Program, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. 

Participation is mandatory for all DAAP students, and these paid experiences take place at Fortune 500 companies and abroad in places such as Morocco, South America, and China. Examples of past co-op employers include Disney, IBM, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Guess, Toyota, 3M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s, GE Aviation, and Kroger. 

In addition to opportunities to gain valuable paid experience, the five-year, 120 credit hour Communication Design program at UC provides access to state-of-the-art production labs and studios; a curriculum that emphasizes studio-based learning that explores graphic, motion, and interaction design; and the opportunity to customize a focus area through electives. 

Course examples for the program include Welcome to Design; Typography 1-3; Design and the Future; Collaborative Studio; Design Aesthetics 1-3; Design and Meaning; Motion Design 1-2; Interaction Design 1-2; and Graphic Design 1-2; Design in History I-II; and Applied Professional Practice - DAAP. The Communication Design program culminates with a final project and portfolio. The program leads to a BS in Design (BSDES) with a Communication Design major. 

At the graduate level, University of Cincinnati has a multidisciplinary STEM Master of Design (MDes) program that explores user experience (UX), industrial design, communication, and fashion design. Considered the terminal degree in the field, the MDes also covers design strategy, systems thinking, design methods, and designing for social impact. 

Course examples for the program include Design Communication; Research Methods; Proposal Studio; Professional Development Seminar; Translational Research; Design Strategy; and Writing Studio. 

The MDes program culminates with the Thesis Development; Defense Studio; and Thesis Delivery courses. Final projects will be exhibited at the Annual UC DAAPworks Show. 

Graduates of the Design programs at University of Cincinnati have been hired at design firms across the U.S.; they work on internal design teams across industries; and many alumni have launched their own design studios and freelance businesses. Some graduates also go on to teach or perform research for various businesses. 

Founded in 1819, University of Cincinnati is an urban research university serves approximately 50,920 students enrolled in more than 400 academic programs across 14 colleges and three campuses. The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1919. As an Ohio Public Institution, every program at UC is also approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is home to the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, which houses the College of Architecture; the Graduate School of Art; the Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Design; and Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Together, these academic divisions provide access to numerous maker spaces and exhibitions; a dedicated art and architecture library; one of the nation’s first Master of Urban Design programs; and approximately 3,500 significant pieces of art and installations by 19th-, 20th- and 21st-century American and European artists. 

Sam Fox also provides dozens of degree programs, including a Design BA with a Communication concentration, and a Communication Design BFA. All first-year students will take Digital Studio and two courses such as 2D Design, Drawing, or 3D Design. Electives from the Sam Fox School and advanced studio courses allow students to create an area of focus. 

The BA program is designed for students seeking a liberal arts curriculum within the studio major, while the BFA provides an immersive studio experience. Students in both programs benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios allowing opportunities to work one on one with instructors; internship opportunities; and study abroad for a summer or semester in Florence. 

Across programs, students have access to courses such as Global Topics in Visual Communication; Design in Social Systems; Type as Image: The Design of Books; UX Research methods for Design; Applied Illustration; Letterpress Printing; Programming Design; image and Meaning; Multimedia Design: Time/Sound/Space; Content to Cover: The Design of Books; and Printing Propaganda: The Letterpress Poster. Courses for the BA and BFA Washington University in St. Louis are supplemented by seminars and readings. 

The BA program culminates with a final project. The BFA students will complete the BFA Capstone + Thesis Exhibition to graduate. Students in both programs will take Professional Practice Seminars highlighting portfolio development, CV creation, interviewing, public speaking, and developing job search skills.

The BA and BFA programs at Washington University in St. Louis are accredited by the College Art Association of American (CAA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). 

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles across all areas of design. Recent Sam Fox alumni have been hired at places such as Pixar, Walt Disney Imagineering, Google, IBM Design, The Atlantic , Nickelodeon, YouTube, Isaac Mizrahi, New York Magazine , Meta, Guggenheim Museum, Levi Strauss & Co., American Museum of Natural History, Pentagram, Princeton University Press, National Gallery of Art, and Gensler. 

Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis serves approximately 15,190 students enrolled in more than 300 academic programs across seven schools. The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts was founded in 2006 after the merging of Architecture and Art, and the WashU Museum. Washington University in St. Louis has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.

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).

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses the College of Fine and Applied Arts, home to the School of Art and Design. Within the school are two paths to study Graphic Design—the Graphic Design BFA program and the Art and Design MFA. The BFA is a 122 credit hour, interdisciplinary program that requires 37 credit hours in the major. Course examples include Introduction to Graphic Design; Advanced Interaction Design; Graphic Design Toolbox; Typographic Practice; Design Methods; Graphic Design Inquiry; Ethics of a Designer in the Global Economy; Type and Image; and Graphic Design Inquiry. 

All Graphic Design BFA students benefit from the programs lecture series; designated studio spaces; 44/7 access to computer labs and state-of-the-art production facilities; and the opportunity to join the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Student Chapter. This professional organization provides networking opportunities, workshops, and trips Chicago-based design studios. 

All Graphic Design BFA students also have the opportunity to take advantage of enrichment programming such as minors, internships, and 300+ study abroad programs in more than 50 countries. 

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign culminates with the Senior Portfolio Review held in Chicago and the Graphic Design Capstone. This advanced studio is the student’s final preparation for practice in graphic design. Capstone projects may be presented at the Annual BFA Exhibition held at UIUC’s Krannert Art Museum.   

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in advertising, user interface/user experience design (UI/UX), marketing, publications design, communications, multimedia design, and web design. Program alumni enjoy a 92% success rate (employed or pursuing an advanced degree). 

The Art and Design MFA at UIUC is a 64 credit hour program that provides several areas of concentration. Ideal options for design students include Design for Responsible Innovation (formerly Graphic Design) and Interdisciplinary Studio-New Media. Students in both areas will explore digital interaction, information design, visual narrative, data visualization, systems thinking, and responsible practices in print media. Course examples include Ethics of a Designer in the Global Economy; Design for Responsible Innovation Research Impact; and MFA Design for Responsible Innovation Studio. 

The Art and Design MFA program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign culminates with a written thesis and participation in the graduation exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of design. Program alumni can also pursue teaching or research positions or launch their own studios or freelance businesses. 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 as Illinois Industrial University. The second oldest public school in the state, UIUC serves more than 55,000 students from 50 U.S. states and 120+ countries. More than 250 programs are provided across 16 colleges and instructional units. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Otis College of Art and Design (Otis College or Otis) provides several paths to study Graphic Design: the BFA, MFA, and a certificate. The 14-course Graphic Design certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in graphic design and it can be completed in 1-2 years. Course examples include Design for Branding and Marketing; Advanced Graphic Design; Typography I-II; Advertising Concept and Design; Digital Design Tools: Print; Digital Drawing: Illustrator; 2D Design; and Digital Design Tools: Graphics.

The Graphic Design BFA at Otis College emphasizes craft, presentation skills, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary studies. Students will explore design areas such as package design, branding and logo development, web design, interactive design, book design, poster design, and app design. 

Through required coursework, BFA students will also explore UX/UI design, typography, printmaking, motion design, storyboarding, traditional letterpress, and type design. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV; Visual Culture; Typography I-IV; Thought Lab; Graphic Design/Illustration History; Creative Action Junior Studio; Systems and Identity; Visual Language; and Entrepreneurship 101. 

Otis BFA students will have opportunities to develop skills in additional areas of design through electives such as Making with AI Generators; Editorial Illustration; Propaganda; and Web Coding Fundamentals. 

During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program, students will complete a semester-long project. The schedule includes weekly lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and coursework that focuses on technical and critical approaches to design. 

The Graphic Design MFA program at Otis College of Art and Design features an accelerated curriculum spanning four consecutive semesters completed over 14 months. The program, which typically begins in the summer semester, consists of studio projects, workshops led by visiting artists and designers, round table discussions, and courses in history and design theory. Course examples for the program include Contemporary Graphic Design Issues, Models of Practice, Seminar Studio I-IV, and Entrepreneurship. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design degree programs at Otis College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as advertising, publishing, branding, environmental graphics, entertainment, packaging, emerging technologies, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), and interactive design. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Conde Nast Publications, Young & Rubicam, Disney Consumer Products, Amazon, GUESS, Google, the WB Network, Apple, Capitol Records, Metro, Hallmark, Anthropologie, Ogilvy Worldwide, Museum of Art (LACMA), Deutsch Inc., Southern California Institute of Architecture (SciArc), Los Angeles County, Gehry Partners, and Interscope Records. 

Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is Los Angeles’ first professional school of the arts. This private, non-profit college serves more than 1,200 students enrolled in 11 BFA and MFA degree programs in the Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Public Practice, and Writing. A variety of minors and certificate programs are also available. Programs and courses at OTIS are led by more than 430 professors—all active professionals in their respective fields.  

Otis College of Art and Design is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). OTIS is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the Partnership for Academic Leadership on Sustainability (PALS).

The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU) provides several paths to study Graphic Design. Houses in the college’s Department of Design is a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Visual Communication Design, and a Design Thinking Minor. The college’s Department of Art houses an interdisciplinary Visual Arts MFA. 

The Design Thinking Minor is a 15 credit hour program that covers the basics of design. Courses include Introduction to Design Practice, Design History, Exploring Design Thinking, Visualization as Thinking, and Presentation as Thinking. Students in all departments may add the Design Thinking Minor to their degree program. 

The Visual Communication Design BSD provides research opportunities; the chance to study with students from Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo, Brazil; portfolio development throughout the program; the opportunity to pursue the Arts Honor Program; and participation in Design Week in Milan, Italy. BSD students may also get involved with student organizations such as NOMA: Designers for Diversity; D3: Design Develop Deploy; and Design for 90. 

Course examples for the OSU BSD program include Design Media I-IV for Visual Communication Design; Typographic Design; Materials, Process, and Production for Visual Communication Design; Visual Principles and Techniques I-II; Advanced Collaborative Design; and Design History. 

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design BSD at OSU are prepared to pursue creative roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Imagineering, McGraw-Hill Education, Microsoft, IBM, Publicis Sapient, Abercrombie & Fitch, Push Digital, WD Partners, Wildflower Press + Paper, Creative Spot, Sketch Blue, Ring, MKSK, Impact Communications, and Roto Group.   

The Visual Arts MFA at The Ohio State University is a three-year, 66 credit hour program that provides 24/7 access to private and semi-private studios, state-of-the-art facilities and exhibition spaces, and the Wexner Center for the Arts—a renowned contemporary art center located on the OSU campus. MFA students also benefit from access to the Fine Arts and Cartoon Libraries; the OSU-run Urban Arts Space located in downtown Columbus; and interactions with visiting artists, critics, and curators. 

Students in this full-time program may specialize in a variety of design disciplines through electives and other coursework. The OSU Visual Arts MFA program culminates with the MFA Thesis Exhibition held at the Urban Arts Space. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across all areas of design. 

The Ohio State University was established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school serves 64,405 students across six regional campuses including Columbus (main), Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and OSU’s Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. More than 200 majors, minors, and specializations are provided across 18 colleges and schools. The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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).

First organized in 1883, and founded in 1895, the Gayle Garner Roski School of Art and Design at University of Southern California, Los Angeles (USC) is one of Southern California’s oldest art and design schools. School highlights include an experimental and collaborative approach to learning; hands-on studio courses; coveted internships at places such as DreamWorks, Lego, National Geographic, and MTV; skills-based workshops in 2D and 3D design media; seminars; and international design study tours in places such as London, South Africa, Italy, and Australia. 

Within the USC Roski School of Design are several paths to study Graphic Design including BFA and MFA degrees in Design; an interdisciplinary Communication Design minor; and BFA/MFA Design progressive degree designed for exceptional students in the junior year of the Design BFA program. The dual degree program can be completed in less time than taking the BFA and MFA programs separately. The BFA/MFA also allows students to skip the formal graduate application. 

The Design BFA is an intensive program that requires 128-units over four years. This pre-professional degree also requires a minor such as Advertising, Multimedia Experiences, Digital Experiences, Business, Communication, Marketing, Designing Products, or Entrepreneurship. Students may also choose 26 units of electives to customize a specialization in practically any area of design or other related discipline. Selections may be from the Roski School or other schools across USC, Los Angeles. 

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

The Design MFA at University of Southern California, Los Angeles is a studio-based program that requires a minimum of 56 units of study. This includes 26 elective units. Eighteen elective units must be from USC Roski School of Art and Design, and eight can be from any department or and school outside Roski. 

Elective examples include Directed Research; Design Studio Co-Lab; Field Internship Experience; Design Pedagogy; and International Design Study Tour. Examples of required courses for the program include Contemporary Issues in Design; Design Theory; Individual Studies; Designers in Residence Forum; and Advancement (workshop). 

The culminating experience for the USC Roski Design MFA program Master’s Thesis, completed across three courses totaling four units. 

In addition to all USC Roski has to offer, Design MFA students benefit from partnerships with organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). The school also provides opportunities to participate in seminars, discussions, and events featuring leaders in the design industry. 

The USC Roski Communication Design minor is a 24-unit program that explores digital imaging, visual literacy, communication, marketing, public relations, and business. Specific course examples for the program Design II-II; Typography; Consumer Behavior and Marketing; Graphic Design in Fashion; Advertising Media and Analysis; Ideas in Intermedia; and Histories of Art, Design and Visual Culture. 

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

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

University of Southern California, Los Angeles opened in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, USC serves 47,000 students and employs approximately 4,770 full-time faculty. This makes University of Southern California Los Angeles the largest private sector employer in LA and the largest school by enrollment in the state of California. 

Students at USC have access to more than 600 graduate and professional programs across 23 schools and divisions. University of Southern California, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

San Diego State University (San Diego State or SDSU) is home the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA), which houses seven schools, three departments, 15 interdisciplinary centers and institutes, and over 40 student clubs. Serving more than 5,000 students, the PFSA provides professional internship opportunities, and optional international experiences for students across all departments and schools. 

Among the PFSA’s seven schools is the School of Art and Design, which has BA and MFA degrees in Applied Arts and Sciences. Students in these Art programs have the option to add the Graphic Design emphasis. Course examples across programs include Graphic Design I-IV; Expressive Typography; Experiential Graphic Design; Packaging Design; Typography I-IV; Screenprinting Studio; History of Graphic Design; Artists and Designers in Real Time; Drawing I-II; and Two-Dimensional Design. 

In addition to a variety of courses, BA and MFA students have access to state-of-the art facilities such as seven Mac Computer Labs; the Computing Labs for Digital Imaging, Interactive Media, and Video; Intaglio and Relief Printmaking Studios; Printmaking, Letterpress, and Book Arts Studios; and the Screen Printing Studio. SDSU Graphic Design students also benefit from the Art and Design School’s visiting lecture series; access to local galleries and museums; interaction with visual and performing arts organizations; and AIGA membership. 

Graduates of the San Diego State University Graphic Design programs are prepared to pursue leadership and other roles such as Packing Designer, Lead Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Graphic Illustrator, Creative Director, Print Production Artist, Multimedia Designer, Technical Illustrator, Layout/Production Artist, Logo Designer, Book Artist, and Art Director. 

Established in 1897, San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. Serving more than 37,000 students, SDSU is also one of the largest schools in the U.S. The school provides more than 200 degree programs across seven colleges and hundreds of departments. San Diego State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA), home to the School of Design. Within the school is a Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design. The UIC School of Design also houses a studio-based, Design Studies BA for students who prefer an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes collaboration and hands-on projects. 

Course examples for the program include Color Theory; Typography I: Form; Digital Media Design; Integrative Design Studio I-II; Typography II: Systems; Design Research Methods; Integrative Design Studio I-III; Human Experience in Design; Design Drawing; Integrative Studio Project; and Design Colloquium. 

The Graphic Design BDes at UIC is a 132-unit program that requires 59 units in the major. The program begins with a Foundations Year, which consists of courses such as 2D Form Studio; Digital Media Design; Color Theory; 3D Form Studio; Design Drawing; Design Photography. In the Graphic Design major, students will complete courses such as Typography I-IV (Form, Systems, Expression, and Advanced Topics); Digital Media Design III: Motion Design; Digital Media Design III: Motion Design; Form and Image Studio; Digital Media IV: Advanced Topics; History of Design; and Information Aesthetics I-II. 

Electives for the program allow students to study video game design and development and additional areas outside of the School of Design. 

In the final year of the Graphic Design BDes program at UIC, students will complete two Senior Design Colloquium courses and the Graphic Design Thesis I-II courses. 

The Graphic Design MDes at UIC is an intensive, collaborative program that takes two years to complete. A major component of is the study abroad experience. All Chicago-based students will participate in the Basel School of Design summer workshops, which take place at the FHNW HGK Basel Visual Communication Institute in Münchenstein, Switzerland. 

Course examples for the Graphic Design MDes program include Advanced Graphic Design I-II; Documentation Studio; Research Seminar I-II; Combined Studio; Design Seminar; and Research Studio. Students may also study additional areas of design or others areas through the required 16 hours of graduate-level electives. 

The culminating experience for the Graphic Design MDes program is the Master’s Research Project + Exhibition. Graduates of the BDes and MDes programs are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of design. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Educators, Researchers, and more. System-wide, University of Illinois graduates are routinely hired at places such as Walt Disney, Amazon, Ford, Coca Cola, Microsoft, IBM, Target, State Farm, Walgreens, Nike, Pepsi, Chase, Apple, and Boeing. 

University of Illinois Chicago serves 34,000 students, making it the largest university in the Chicago area. With roots dating back to 1859, when the Chicago College of Pharmacy was founded, UIC provides more than 250 degree programs and 85 minors across 16 academic colleges. The University of Illinois Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

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).

Serving approximately 2,700 students, the College of the Arts at Portland State University (PSU) is the largest art school in the Pacific Northwest. Within the college are the Schools of Architecture; Film; Music and Theater; and Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. The Schnitzer School houses the Graphic Design BFA program and a 32 credit hour Graphic Design minor. 

The School of Business at Portland State University houses an Advertising Management (AM) minor for Graphic Design majors. This 24 credit hour program provides opportunities to work with real clients through the Creative Strategy and Advertising Campaigns courses and in the on-campus advertising agency FIR. Electives allow students to develop skills in digital media, social media, and portfolio development. 

Graduates of the AM minor are prepared to pursue roles the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Potential careers include Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Art Director, Production Designer, UX Designer, Multimedia Designer, Digital Designer, Packaging Designer, Creative Director, and Web Designer. 

The Graphic Design BFA at Portland State University provides the opportunity to work on projects for real clients through the Schnitzer School’s in-house studio A + D Projects. Students also benefit from professional off-campus internships; field trips; the peer mentorship program; the Matthias Kemeny Endowed Design Lecture Series; professional portfolio development courses; and access to more than 200 study abroad programs. Examples include Art History in Rome, Mixed Media and Printmaking in Guanajuato, Mexico, and Berlin: The Fall and Rise of an Art City. 

Consisting of 180 credits, the Graphic Design BFA requires courses such as Design Process; Show and Tell; Digital Graphics; Typography I-II; Digital Imaging and Illustration; Interaction Design Principles; Foundations in Motion, UI, and UX; Storytelling and Narrative; Information Design; and Brand Lab. 

Each spring, PSU Graphic Design students will take what they’ve learned so far and participate in the student showcase Be Honest . This allows them to present their work to design professionals during all phases of the program. 

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA at PSU, students will complete the Design Thesis I-II, and Design Portfolio courses, and participate in Fresh —the A + D Graphic Design Senior Showcase. The event allows students to continue networking, display their work, and get additional feedback from industry professionals. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design program at Portland State University are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Publication Designer, Brand and Identity Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Interactive Designer, Art Director, User Interface Designer, Illustrator, Design Manager, App Designer, Web and Mobile Designer, Product Designer, and Environmental Designer. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Wieden+Kennedy, R/GA, Nike, Apple, IBM, Nordstrom, IDEO, Adidas, Dropbox, Buzzfeed, Snapchat, and Spotify. Others have found success at design studios such as OMFCO, Jolby, Sandstrom, and Instrument. Some PSU Design alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios, product lines, or freelance carers. 

Portland State University opened in the summer of 1946 with 220 students. Today, PSU serves 21,040 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across nine colleges and schools. Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) houses the School of Design. Within the school are two paths to study graphic design—the Graphic Design BFA and the Communication Design (VCD) MFA.

Students in the Graphic Design BFA program have opportunities to gain industry experience through cooperative education and internships with top companies in New York and across the country. Coursework for this 120 credit hour program provides additional opportunities to gain real-world experience through collaborative class projects with RIT partners such as Kraft, Unilever, Starbucks, Roomba, and Wegmans. 

Each year, Graphic Design at RIT hosts multiple workshops that encourage collaboration and community engagement. Examples include PUSH and EUREKA! PUSH is a multi-day event led by industry designers. EUREKA allows students to work in multilevel, interdisciplinary teams to complete a project. Students will also work with stakeholders and community organizations on projects that will be presented to a panel of experts. The winning project will move forward to implementation. 

Besides participating in a variety of projects and workshops, Graphic Design BFA students will study everything from branding and identity systems to user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design. Senior electives allow students to choose advanced coursework a specific area of interest. Elective examples include Interactive Design III; Advertising Design; Editorial Design; Typography III; and Collaborative Design. 

All BFA students will take four Graphic Design Studio courses and others such as Motion Design I-II; Experiential Graphic Design; 2D Design; History of Graphic Design; 3D Design; Drawing I-II; and Professional Practices. The RIT Graphic Design BFA culminates with a Graphic Design Capstone and final public exhibition. 

Around 94% of all RIT Graphic Design graduates are employed, pursuing graduate study, volunteering, or in the military within six months of graduating. For those who are employed, typical job titles include Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, Product Designer, Associate Art Director, Identity/Packaging Designer, Illustrator, Digital Product Designer, Motion Designer, UI/UX Designer, Promotions Marketing Coordinator, Presentation Designer, and Social Media Director. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Company, ESPN, Adobe, Vogue Italia, Apple, Fisher-Price, Sesame Street, Sports Illustrated, and the NHL.

The Visual Communication Design (VCD) MFA at Rochester Institute of Technology is a STEM-designated, cross-disciplinary program that explores graphic design, 3D digital design, interactive design, UI/UX design, and motion design. Consisting of 60 credit hours, the VCD MFA also allows students to customize a large portion of the curriculum with coursework from other programs and departments. 

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

Like the BFA program, the MFA provides access to cooperative education and internship opportunities, as well as workshops, state-of-the art production facilities and studio spaces, and networking through RIT’s Creative Industry Day. The program culminates with two thesis courses: Thesis Research and Planning and Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation. 

With a 100% outcome rate, graduates of the Rochester Institute of Technology VCD MFA program go on land positions such as Senior Graphic or Visual Designer, Product Designer, Creative Director, Motion Graphic Designer, User Experience Researcher, Cinematographer, User Interface (UI) Designer, Game Producer, and User Experience (UX) Designer. 

Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum. With global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo, this research university serves 20,570 students, making it one of the largest private universities in the U.S. RIT provides 200+ academic programs across nine colleges and two degree-granting institutes. Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

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).

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 offers 150 majors and programs across more than a dozen colleges and schools.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is home to the School of Art. Serving more than 3,600 students enrolled in 17 majors, the school provides several paths to study Graphic Design. For students seeking a four-year degree, the school has a Graphic Design BFA. Within the Art School’s Communication Design Pathways Department is a Communication Design AAS, with one- and two-year options. The one-year option can be completed on campus or entirely online. The two-year program is campus-based.   

Developed by practicing industry professionals, all programs provide hands-on learning; access to more than 30 minors; and opportunities to experiment through collaborative design projects. 

The Communication Design AAS at Fashion Institute of Technology is an introductory program that focuses on presentation skills, layout systems, concept development, web design, typography, digital design foundation, photography, and research. Course examples for the program include Three-Dimensional Design; Typography I-II; Book Binding; Presentation Graphics for Built Environments; Vector Graphics; Digital Graphics Intensive I-I; Computer Typesetting and Design; and Design Studio. 

The program culminates with the Capstone Design Studio, which consists of six lab hours. Final projects will be presented to faculty and industry professionals at a formal event. 

Graduates of the FIT Communication Design AAS Program are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in graphic design or admission to the Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Advertising and Digital Design, or Spatial Experience Design BFA programs at FIT. 

The FIT Graphic Design BFA is a two-year program that focuses on developing skills in experiential design; branding and identity systems; editorial design; advanced and kinetic photography; motion graphics; and UI/UX Design. With 32 credits in the major, the BFA requires three Core Studios, and courses such as Designing Identities; Survey of Graphic Design; Typography and Language; Experiential Graphic Design; Signage and Graphics; Special Topics in Graphic Design: Experimental Graphic Design in Space; Tangible Publication Design; and Graphic Design for Packaging. 

A Design Competition course allows students to compete in high-profile national and international competitions. The course consists of one lecture and two lab hours, where students will select their best works for submission.   

In the final years of the program, BFA students will complete the Professional Preparation course; an internship; and the Senior Thesis Research and Project courses. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Fashion Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers at advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, marketing firms, retail corporations, branding agencies, design studios, cultural institutions, interactive agencies, and production companies (music and entertainment). They go on to become Graphic Designers, Production Managers, User Experience (UX) Designers (UX), Brand Designers, Strategists, and Art Directors, among others. 

FIT alumni have been hired at places such as the PepsiCo, the New York Public Library, BBDO, Nike, Sony Music, Avon, R/GA, MoMA, LEGO, Atlantic Records, The Jewish Museum, Bath & Body Works, Colgate-Palmolive, bareMinerals, Coty, Godiva, Hyperkat, Landor & Fitch, and Think Brands. 

Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System, Fashion Institute of Technology opened in 1944 inside the High School of Needles Trades. On the first day of class, the school had 100 students. Today, FIT spans an entire city block and serves approximately 8,110 students. Programs are provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels and across five academic divisions. Fashion Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is located in the heart of Boston’s arts district. The school houses nearly a million square feet of studio, exhibition, living, and classroom spaces, as well as state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. All MassArt students also benefit from the school’s industry partnerships; MassArt Art Museum (MAAM); and internship opportunities with other local museums, design studios, galleries, businesses, and performance venues. 

For students seeking a career in Graphic Design, MassArt has a Communication Design BFA and a fully remote Communication Design certificate program consisting of three stackable certificates (levels) that can be completed in just over two years. Course examples include Graphic Design I-III; User Experience (UX) Design; Typography; Print Production Workshop; and Advanced Interactive Projects. 

In Level 3 of the certificate program, students will complete a final portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue immediate employment at advertising agencies, design studios, interactive agencies, web design companies, and non-profits as Graphic Designers, UI/UX Designers, Brand Strategists, Product Designers, and Visual Designers, among others. Graduates may also apply to the MassArt Communication Design BFA program. 

The BFA explores advertising, publication design, user experience design, branding and package design, interactive communication, web and app design, and information design. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design I-IV; Advanced Web Projects; Typography I-III; Advertising and Art Direction; Print Production Workshop; Experimental Book Arts; Identity Systems; Tools for Web and App Development; Lettering in Design; Information Architecture; Programming for Designers; Poster Design; and Type Design. 

MassArt Communication Design students will also complete several design studio courses; Professional Practice; Independent Study; and Advanced Projects I-II. Other program features include hands-on studio courses led by active industry; readings and presentations; Letterpress Studio; and collaborative projects. 

The Communications Design BFA program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design culminates with the Senior Design Portfolio and Senior Degree Project courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, book publishing, public relations, marketing, print media, entertainment, web development, multimedia, animation, and social media. 

Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own creative studios and design firms, while others have started their own freelance businesses or pursued graduate study. 

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first and only public college of art and design. Founded in 1873, the school serves approximately 1,940 students enrolled more than 40 degree, minor, and certificate programs. Approximately 155 continuing education students are enrolled in over 100 classes and workshops in all areas of art and design. Massachusetts College of Art and Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). MassArt is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The University of Kansas (KU) houses the School of Architecture and Design, home to the Department of Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Design Department has a Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) BFA and a Book Arts certificate. 

All programs feature collaborations, lectures, and workshops led by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art digital fabrication, bookmaking, print, and finishing labs; opportunities to complete a local and international internships; studios and photography facilities; and participation in the KU study abroad program. 

The Book Arts certificate programs require 12 credit hours. The undergraduate certificate includes 6-7 credit hours of electives. The graduate certificate includes 6-7 credit hours in studio, cultural, and historical electives. Students in both programs will take the following cornerstone courses: Letterpress and Bookmaking. Common electives include Book Arts; Digital Letterpress; and Special Problems in Design. 

Examples of other undergraduate electives include the Photobook; Publication and Editorial; and Fundamentals in Printmaking. Other graduate electives include Printmaking IV A (Intaglio); Writers Workshop; Advanced Special Topics in Printmaking: Papermaking or Japanese Woodblock; and Printmaking IV C (Serigraphy). 

The Visual Communication Design (VisCom) BFA at KU is a studio-based, research intensive program with no more than 20 students. Consisting of 120 credit hours, the program requires participation in the KU Design Professional Lecture Series, which features accomplished national and international designers. 

Course examples for the program include Elements of Type; Typographic Systems; Design Thinking and Research; Principles in Visual Communication; Branding; Fundamentals in UX Design; and Designing Social Interactions. In addition to adding the Book Arts certificate, students may enhance the degree through electives (16 credits). Elective examples include Emerging Technologies; Publication and Editorial; Motion Design; Dataviz and Digital Storytelling; Experiential Design; Digital Letterpress; Bookmaking; and Interaction Design. 

In the junior year of the KU VisCom program, students will begin working on their final portfolios. In the final year of the program, students will complete two Professional Studies courses, Global Culture, Senior Problems, and the Final Capstone Project. 

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design and Book Arts programs are prepared to pursue positions in advertising and marketing, branding, publishing, book design, public relations, industrial design, package design, UI/UX design, exhibition design, multimedia, motion graphic design, web design, and environmental design. 

Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Multimedia Artist, Communications Manager, Exhibition Designer, Art Director, Advertising Commercial/Industrial Designer, Visual Designer, Public Relations Manager, Advertising Art Director, and Marketing Manager.

University of Kansas welcomed its first class of 55 students on September 12, 1866. Classes began in an unfinished building on a hill known as Mount Oread. Today, KU is the state’s flagship institution, with nearly 30,000 students enrolled in more than 400 programs across five campuses and 13 schools. University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Michigan State University (MSU) houses the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), home to the Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD). Within the department is a Graphic Design program with BFA and minor options. The Graphic Design minor is open to students all bachelor’s degree students outside of the Studio Art program. Consisting of 15 credit hours, the program includes courses such as Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods; Concepts of Graphic Design; and Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs. 

The Graphic Design BFA at Michigan State University provides the opportunity for exceptional students to gain real-world experience by joining the Design Center creative team. Housed in the AAHD, the Design Center creates everything from logos and brochures to packaging and websites for local businesses in a real-world agency-like setting. 

Other program benefits include AIGA membership; the Annual Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series; and internship opportunities at a local or national company. All students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities labs and studios such as the Letterpress facility, four computer labs, and Kresge Art Center, which houses visual resource library, wood shop, Form From Thought digital fabrication lab, two exhibition galleries, and two installation project spaces. 

The Graphic Design BFA requires courses from the following areas: Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, Photography, and Electronic Art and Intermediate. Course examples include Graphic Design I: Graphic Form; Experimental Design Practices; Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods; Cartographic Design and Production; Motion Design; Graphic Design II: Visual Communication; History of Graphic Design; Interaction Design; Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs; and Concepts of Graphic Design. 

Graduates of the MSU Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. They hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Communications Coordinator, User Experience Designer, Art Director, Media Manager, Web Designer, and Creative Producer. 

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Leo Burnett, Domino’s, General Motors, Quicken Loans, Shift Digital, Campbell Ewald, and TechSmith Corporation. 

For students seeking a graduate degree, Michigan State University has a Create Your Own Pathway MFA. Students may select courses from any area of interest to build a focus area. This includes Graphic Design. In addition to selected courses, MFA students will take studios and seminars such as Integration in Studio Art; Theory and Writing for Artists; History of Art; Exploration and Research in Studio Art; and Professional Practice. Students will also participate in five formal Graduate Critiques worth one credit each. 

Other program benefits include dedicated studios; opportunities for external study; individual studio visits with approximately 45 visiting artists throughout the degree; internships; and study abroad experiences. The MSU MFA is also 100% fully funded, meaning every student receives a full tuition waiver and generous stipend. 

In the final year of the Michigan State University MFA program, students will complete the final research project (thesis). Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Program alumni are prepared to pursue leadership roles at major design studios and advertising agencies, non-profit organizations, retail giants, corporations (in-house design teams), museums, and academic institutions. 

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a land-grant, public research university serves 51,315 students enrolled in more than 400 academic programs across 17 degree-granting colleges. One of the largest and greenest campuses in the U.S., MSU houses more than 100 institutes and centers including the Institute of Global Health and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Serving nearly 7,000 students, the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State University (Texas State) comprises the School of Art and Design; the Department of Communication Studies; the School of Music; the Department of Theater and Dance; and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The School of Art and Design houses the Communication Design program (ComDes), which has BFA and MFA options. 

The 120 credit hour ComDes BFA takes place in a studio environment with access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment in the Mitte Complex. Examples include the Macintosh Lab, an open lab, digital color printing, a multidisciplinary innovation lab, and a photography studio. BFA students also benefit from meetups, mentoring, and internship opportunities through Texas State’s relationships with local and national businesses. Students have also interned at companies in Europe.  

Courses for the program explores corporate identity, brand experience, human-centered design, art direction, interactive design, sustainable packaging, typography, design research, environmental graphics, and art direction. Specific course examples include Intermediate Printmaking; Graphic Novels and Zines; Beginning Expanded Media; Typography I-II; Interactive Media; Trademark Design; Branding Systems; Art Direction; Conceptual Strategies; and History of Design. 

The ComDes BFA program at Texas State culminates with a Senior Portfolio Presentation and Self-Promotion Capstone. Before graduation, many ComDes students have already earned publishing credits in journals such as CMYK, Communication Arts, PRINT, Graphis New Talent Annual, Logo Lounge, and Step Inside Design. 

ComDes students have also received recognition at competitions such as the Austin Addy Awards, AIGA Flux, the San Antonio Addy Awards, The One Show, Director's Club of Houston, the American Advertising Federation Awards, Creative Summit, and Art The National Show. 

Graduates of the Texas State University ComDes BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at companies such as Disney, Google, DDB, Microsoft, USAA, Verizon, IBM, H-E-B Digital, Spotify, Vrbo, Indeed, GSD&M, and Helms Workshop. Graduates are also prepared to pursue the ComDes MFA. 

The Texas State University ComDes MFA is a terminal online degree with just one campus residency each year. During the residency, students will participate in visiting designer lectures, workshops, and critiques. Paid graduate assistantships are also provided, allowing students to gain valuable teaching experience through the ComDes program. Graduate assistantships require 20 hours of work per week. 

Students in the ComDes MFA program will complete 60 credit hours, including 18 core credit hours, 30 credit hours of prescribed communication design studio electives, six credit hours of free electives, and six credit hours of thesis. Courses explore design history, visual communication, digital design, and typography. 

Course examples include Corporate Identity Systems; Kinetic Typography; Exhibitions; Design for Motion; Research Through Making; The Experimental Book; Alternative Printing Methods; Entrepreneurial Design; Art Direction; Generative Design; International Perspective in Typography; Web Design; Experience Design; Sustainable Package Design; and Communication Design Seminar. 

A required Professional Practice course provides the opportunity to work with regional and national advertising agencies, graphic design firms, and digital media studios to gain experience in the industry. 

The ComDes MFA program at Texas State University culminated with a thesis, completed across a minimum of two courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers at advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, web design studios, publishing companies, art galleries, universities, and more. 

Program alumni hold titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Art Director, Design Manager, Professor, Visual Designer, Senior Interaction Designer, and Creative Director.

Lyndon B. Johnson is Texas State University’s most famous alumni, and the only president to graduate from a Texas college. Established in 1899 as a teacher’s college known as Southwest Texas Normal School, Texas State serves approximately 35,380 students enrolled in more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at University of Georgia (UGA) houses the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Founded in 1937, the school serves more than 1,000 students across five different facilities on the UGA campus. Since 1969, the Dodd School of Art has also served over 4,000 students from 400 U.S. institutions at its year-round Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy. International opportunities in Ghana, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are also provided thru the Dodd School. 

In addition to state-of-the-art studios, galleries, lecture halls, and a visual resource center, the UGA Dodd School of Art houses the Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. This interdisciplinary program features seminars; visiting artist lectures; classroom critiques and discussion; workshops; and exhibitions. Coursework explores layout, color techniques, three-dimensional design, typography, illustration, electronic design, photography, and graphic survey. 

Course examples for the program include Graphic Systems; Advanced Typography; Type and Image; Topics in Digital Platforms and Dynamic Media I-II; Art and Design in the City Intensive Field Study; Data Visualization; Time-Based Media and Design; Data Visualization; Environmental Branding and Experiential Graphic Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design (examples: Letterpress and Book Arts, Character Design, and Trend Forecasting); Visual Narrative Systems; and Professional Practices: The Business Side of Art. 

In addition to required courses, UGA Fine Arts BFA students must complete a certificate, minor, second major, or nine hours in an associated subject area. Examples include Marketing and Strategy; Cultural Studies; Interaction and Computing; or Communications and Media. The program also allows students to complete the Internship in Art; the Grady/Dodd Summer Studio; or Study Away in Cortona, Italy as electives. 

The UGA Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design culminates with the GD Senior Capstone and participation in the Annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exit Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), IBM Design, Aveda, Meta, Bustle, Gensler, and Free People. 

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, University of Georgia is the nation’s first state university. The school serves approximately 40,120 students enrolled in nearly 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Established in 1910, the Graduate School houses 250 of the school’s degree programs. University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) has multiple paths to study Graphic Design. This includes the traditional Graphic Design BFA; double majors in Graphic Design and Art History, and Graphic Design and Creative Writing; an Art History major with a Graphic Design Minor; and a Creative Writing major with a Graphic Design minor. 

All students will complete the first-year Foundation program along with courses and requirements such as Graphic Design Histories; Social  Innovation; Branding and Identity; Visual Inquiry; Information and Data Visualization; Type and Image; Self-Directed Inquiry; Interaction; Research and Process; and Professional Practices. 

Additional courses for the Graphic Design/Art History program Courses may include Contemporary Art; Global/Comparative Art; Modern Art; Baroque Art; and Art History Seminar. Students in the Graphic Design/Creative Writing program will complete 15 credit hours of literature courses and 12 credits in Creative Writing Workshop. Writing Seminar and Critical Studies I-II are also part of this program. 

Across programs, students benefit from interactions with visiting artists; faculty-led travel to places such as Peru, France, Thailand, Argentina, and Vietnam; and the opportunity to complete a professional internship in Missouri, the U.S. or abroad.

The culminating experience for all programs is the final project and a professional portfolio of the student's best work. Graduates of the Design programs at Kansas City Art Institute have been hired to work in a variety of design roles at places such as Nickelodeon, Fossil, The Getty Museum, Pentagram, Hallmark, R/GA, Airbnb, Salesforce, VML, Radius, Hyperakt, Design Army, Populous, and Barkley. 

Kansas City Art Institute was established in 1885 as a Sketch Club. Situated just steps from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art within Kansas City’s arts corridor, this four-year art and design college serves more than 700 students enrolled in 13 studio majors across 15 program areas. Kansas City Art Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Design at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN) is a comprehensive design college with more than 40 programs. This includes a Graphic Design BFA program, and MA, MFA, MS, and PhD degrees with an optional Graphic Design Track. Students in all programs will participate in workshops, advanced studios, individual and collaborative design projects, internships, and the study abroad program. 

Consisting of 120 credit hours the Graphic Design BFA at UMN explores both traditional and technological production techniques. Students will study areas such as typography, data visualization, digital drawing, color theory, hand-drawing, illustration, animation, web design, and photography through major coursework (80-89 credits) and electives. 

Course and elective examples for the program include Identity and Symbols; Typography; Packaging and Display; Product Innovation Lab; Interaction Design; Storytelling and Design; Data Visualization Studio; Digital Illustration and Animation; Design Process: Photography; Travels in Typography; Advanced Web Design; Concept Sketching; Text and Image; User Experience in Design; Design and Visual Presentation; Human Factors in Design; Product Innovation Lab; and  Advanced Graphic Design Print Projects.   

The Graphic Design BFA Program at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities culminates with the Senior Thesis and Exhibition. This major event allows students to present their work to the faculty, peers, and the design community. Students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best work. 

The MA and MS programs with a Graphic Design Track at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities provides two plans: A and B. Plan A is thesis-focused and prepares students for the PhD Program. This pathway can be completed in 2-3 years full-time. Plan B is a project-based, two-year program designed for students seeking career advancement. Both plans are 34 credit hours and a both require a final oral examination. 

The UMN MFA/Graphic Design Track consists of 60 credit hours completed over three years, full-time. Students will complete 40 credit hours in the major and 12 credits in the capstone. A final oral examination is required to graduate. Consisting of 64 credit hours completed over four years, full-time, the PhD is designed for students interested in research or teaching. Students in this program will take 28 credits in the major and 24 dissertation credits. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at places such as graphic design studios, advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, government agencies, public relations firms, web design companies, and production studios (entertainment). 

Program alumni hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, User Experience Designer, Data Visualization Strategist, Web Designer, Interactive Designer, and Creative Director, among others.  

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System and the state’s only land-grant university. Founded in 1851, UMN is also one of largest research universities in the nation and one of just five universities in the U.S. with agricultural, engineering, law, medical, and veterinary medicine schools—all on one campus. Around 20,000 UMN faculty and staff serve approximately 50,000 students enrolled in more than 500 degree and minor programs. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.

The Graphic Design BFA program at San Jose State University (SJSU) is the only program of its kind in a public university in Silicon Valley. Established in 1969 and housed in the College of Humanities and the Arts, Department of Design, the program features a mandatory internship; the opportunity to work on community engagement projects; collaborations with students in other disciplines; classes and workshops led by studio professionals; and funded research. 

The Graphic Design BFA at San Jose State University is a professional degree program that consists of 120 credit hours, including at least 48 in the major. The program can be completed entirely online or on campus. Course examples Fundamental Graphic Visualization; Special Topics in Graphic Design; User Interface and Interaction Design; Intermediate Graphic Design; Digital Apps: Motion and Interaction Design; Visual Communication and Process; Advanced Typography; 3D Branding and Promotion Design; Exhibition Design and Info Graphics; and Advanced Graphic Design.      

Students will also complete the Degree Project: Senior Studio and Graphic Design Portfolio courses, and present their final works at the BFA Senior Show held in the Spring. 

For students seeking a degree that combines liberal arts and design, San Jose State University has a Design Studies BA with a Graphic Design specialization. Also housed in the Department of Design, the Design Studies BA is a 120 credit hour program that encourages students to select electives in arts and other areas. 

This liberal arts and design program also encourages students to add a minor from any of the following departments: Art and Art History; Computer Science; Journalism and Mass Communications; Psychology; Environmental Studies; Philosophy; Global Studies; Business; English and Comparative Literature; Anthropology; Urban and Regional Planning; and General Engineering. 

Course examples for the Design BA program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Fundamental Graphic Visualization; 2D Animation; Visual Communication and Process; Typography; 3D Branding and Promotion Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design; Digital Applications; Exhibition Design and Info Graphic; Visual Literacy: Image Making;  Advanced Graphic Design; Motion Graphics; Graphic Design History and Theory; Advanced Typography; Design Values and Professional Practices; Visual Principles; User Interface and Interaction Design; and Advanced Physical Prototyping. 

The Design BA culminates with the Senior Project, worth three credit hours. Design BA students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best individual and collaborative works. 

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at San Jose State University are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. SJSU alumni are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, Target Corporation, Apple, Cisco, Wells Fargo, NBC Universal, IBM, Oracle, Nordstrom, Google, JPMorganChase, Western Digital, The City of San Jose, Samsara Networks, and State Farm. 

Established in 1857, San Jose State University is Silicon Valley’s Public University. Serving approximately 36,000 students, the school provides more than 250 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs at SJSU are housed across nine colleges and dozens of departments and schools. San Jose State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is home to the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Dance, Art, and Performance. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the school houses the Department of art and Design, which has a Visual Communications Design (VCD) program leading to a BFA or MFA. 

The VCD BFA consists of 126 credit hours with 78 credits in the major. The program focuses on group and individual projects that focus on poster design, multimedia design, typography, packaging design, information design, and web design. Course examples for the program include, Visual Communication Design I-IV; Interactive Design Studies; Advertising Media Strategy; Fundamentals of Interactive Multimedia Design; Advanced Typography; Visual Communication Design Computing I-II; New Product Development; Advanced Poster Design; Physical Computing; Information Design; Advanced Web Design for Visual Communication Design; and Professional Practice for Visual Communication Design.

All Purdue VCD students have the opportunity to complete the Art and Design Internship course. is Worth 1-8 credit hours, this experiential opportunity takes place at an art-and-design-related firm, department, or studio. 

Graduates of the VCD BFA program at Purdue University are prepared to pursue positions such as Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Brand Manager, Package Designer, Advertising Artist, Creative Director, Design Consultant, and Web Designer. 

The VCD MFA at Purdue University is an interdisciplinary program that explores information design, typography, critical theory, poster design, web communications, advanced color design, design methodology, research methods, and design history. The program also features an 18-21 credit hour first-year curriculum; immersive studios; interdisciplinary seminars; and elective coursework. 

During the final year of the VCD MFA at Purdue University, students will work on their MFA Thesis and Exhibition. This event includes a presentation and public gallery talk about the student's final project.

Graduates of the Purdue University VCD MFA program are prepared to pursue advanced roles in art and design. Job titles include Brand Manager, Creative Director, Design Educator, Senior Graphic Designer, Graphic Design Consultant, Senior Packaging Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Multimedia Designer, Design Researcher, and Educator. 

Established in 1869, Purdue University is a public research university that opened with six instructors and 39 students on September 16, 1874. Today, Purdue employs more than 10,000 full-time faculty members and employees that serve approximately 50,885 students from all 50 states and 130 countries. Purdue University offers more than 400 programs in 11 colleges and schools. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Fine Arts at University of Utah (The U) is home to the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA program that consists of 122 credit hours, with a minimum of 79 in the major. Formerly the BFA in Studio Art with a Graphic Design emphasis, this new and improved program begins with three studio art foundations courses; Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture; Typography 1: Form and Space; and Writing. 

To advance into the second year of the program, students must successfully complete all first year coursework and submit a portfolio. A second year review is required to advance into the third year of the program. Second and third year course examples include Communication Design 1-5; Digital Drawing; Typography 1-3; Design Strategy; Visual Rhetoric; Writing for New Media; Digital Imaging for Visual Artists; and History of Graphic Design. 

Examples of upper division courses include Visiting Designer Studio: Design Co-op; Design Theory and Practice; and Professional Practices Seminar. The Visiting Designer Studio consists of studio-based projects and workshops led by guest lecturers. In the Professional Practices Seminar, students will complete a portfolio and professional resume. 

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Utah culminates with the Graphic Design Capstone 1: Research and Inquiry, and Graphic Design Capstone 2: Development and Presentation courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at places such as design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, museums, and universities. 

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. Also, a top-tier research university, The U serves approximately 35,240 students enrolled more than 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Communication and Information at Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) houses the School of Visual Communication Design (VCD), which emphasizes cross-disciplinary study and mandatory internships at companies and design studios in place such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Cleveland. Many VCD internships are paid. 

All VCD students also benefit from international study experiences; intensive portfolio development; and access to the recently renovated spaces of Taylor Hall. This includes the Creative Lab, photography studios, lounges, a signature gallery, production studios, and classrooms. 

For students seeking a degree in graphic design, the School of VCD has BA, BFA, MA, and MFA options. All VCD programs allow students to add an emphasis in Visual Design (Graphic Design). Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the BA and BFA programs also require a minor or secondary area of study. Examples include Advertising; Management; Visual Journalism; Public Relations; Entrepreneurship for Non-Business Majors; Health Communication; and Marketing. 

Students in all undergraduate programs will complete the Kent State University Core. Consisting of 36-37 credit hours, the KSU Core covers six areas including Humanities and Fine Arts; Composition; Basic Sciences; Mathematics and Critical Reasoning; Social Sciences; and Additional Options. All undergraduate options explore package design, 2D and 3D forms, motion, interactive design, print, illustration and design, video, exhibition design, and environmental design. 

The VCD BA and BFA programs at KSU culminate with a final project, portfolio and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue design careers across industries. Examples include advertising agencies, packaging companies, design consulting firms, branding agencies, PR firms, publishing companies, production studios (entertainment), media and communications companies, museums, and galleries. 

The graduate VCD program at Kent State is one of only three programs in the state of Ohio to offer a Visual Communication Design MA. The graduate program was also the first to offer the terminal degree in the field—the MFA. The MA is a 32 credit hour program that can be completed in just three semesters. Course examples include Advanced Graphic Design Advanced; Typographic Structures and Systems; User Experience Design Principles and Concepts; Design Research Methods; and Concept Development and Implementation. 

The VCD MA at Kent State University culminates with the MA Project in Graphic Design and Illustration and a portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as advertising, packaging, user experience (UX) design, corporate branding, digital media, entertainment, publishing, and social media. 

The Kent State VCD MFA is a 60 credit hour, five semester program that combines research, theory, and design coursework with hands-on teaching experiences at the freshman and sophomore level. Course examples for the program include Graduate Studio in VCD; Typography II; College Teaching in VCD; Graphic Narrative; Critical Practices in Design Research; Integrated Brand Design; Editorial Illustration; Typeface Design; Identity Systems; Information Design; Experimental Typography; Advertising Illustration; Brand Experiences; Responsive Web Design; and Glyphix Research Laboratory. 

The VCD MFA program at KSU culminates with the MFA Thesis course, worth six credits. During the course of this final project, students will work with their thesis advisor to produce a body work demonstrating skill as a professional designer, illustrator, or researcher. 

Graduates of the MFA VCD program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in design, design education, and design research. With an 89% employment (or continuing education) rate, Kent State graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Express, ESPN, Tesla, Cleveland Clinic, Delta Air Lines, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.   

Established in 1910 as a teacher training school, Kent State University comprises an eight-campus system that serves approximately 33,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Students at Kent State have access to more than 300 programs housed across 40+ colleges, departments, and schools. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University (Temple) began in the 1930s as Stella Elkins Tyler School of Fine Arts. Around 1965, the school’s name was changed to Tyler Schol of Art, and the Tyler Study Abroad program in Rome was founded. Today Temple University Rome is one of the top fine arts study abroad programs in Europe and the Tyler School is now known as Tyler School of Art and Architecture. 

The school’s 255,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility sits on Temple University's main campus in Philadelphia. The space houses classrooms, lecture halls, collaboration spaces, exhibition spaces, and Temple Contemporary—Tyler's visionary center for public programming. Tyler's 50,000-square-foot Architecture Building consists of three floors of studios and analog and digital research fabrication. 

Tyler School of Art and Architecture also houses the Department of Graphic and Interactive Design (GAID), which leads to a BFA or MFA. In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, the Tyler School also provides a Graphic and Interactive Design/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA. This interdisciplinary program focuses on art, art history, business, and entrepreneurship. 

Both GAID and GAID/Entrepreneurship students will begin their programs with the common foundation curriculum before advancing to GAID coursework and projects that explore typography, illustration, packaging, virtual reality, web design, real-life spaces, and social media. Across programs, course examples include Advanced Typography; Packaging, Interactive Design; Publishing; Advanced Graphic Design; Brand Identity; Art Direction; Design for the Public Good; Senior Illustration; Hybrid Design; Digital Narratives; Computer Graphic; The Business of Design; Advertising Design; Computers for Design; and Collaborative Design Workshop in Rome (six weeks). 

In addition to fulfilling requirements for the traditional GAID BFA program, GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies students will complete courses such as Doing Well by Doing Good: Where Innovation and Entrepreneurship Meet Social Impact; Launch a New Venture in 100 Days; Pitching and Funding Entrepreneurial Ventures; Lean Startup: Fast and Inexpensive Ways to Test and Launch Your Ideas; and Entrepreneurial and Innovative Thinking. All students may also complete the Field or Rome internship. 

Students in the 126 credit hour GAID BFA program will complete two portfolio review cycles in each academic year: the end of the Fall semester (December) and the end of the Spring semester (May). GAID students may also Students may complete an optional concentration in Art Education. 

The GAID and GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA programs at Temple University culminate with the Senior Thesis course Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship , and the Senior Portfolio course. GAID graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA graduates are prepared to pursue employment or launch their own studios or other businesses. 

The Graphic and Interactive Design MFA at Temple University is an interdisciplinary, research-driven program that combines electives with project, seminar, and art history courses. Project and seminar courses include Visual Design Graduate Seminar (12 credits/four terms); Graduate Professional Practices (three credits); Graphic Design Graduate Projects (nine credits/three terms); and Visual Design Thesis (12 credits/four terms). 

The GAID MFA at Temple University culminates with the Thesis Exhibition and Slide Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership design roles across industries. 

GAID program alumni work at in-house design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, web design firms, packaging companies, and film and television studios. Some MFA graduates have launched their own design studios and freelance careers, while others have gone on to teach at top universities and art schools. Some of the top employers of Temple University graduates include Amazon, SEI, Lockheed Martin, and Vanguard. 

Founded in 1884 as a night school, Temple University Serves 30,530 students, making it one of the largest universities in Pennsylvania. Temple provides more than 500 academic programs across 17 colleges and schools, including five professional schools. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). Temple University is also an member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

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