Top Graphic Design Schools
The graphic design industry is growing rapidly. The education opportunities have also expanded in graphic design. Although many graphic designers educate themselves, and learn through experience, employers are more interested in job candidates that have a combination of both experience and education. The most notable transformation in graphic design education is the expansion of majors available and course design. There are far more programs available than ever before. The field has expanded immensely in the past two decades and now there are more areas of design than ever before. If you aspire to be a great and successful graphic designer, it is imperative that you attend one of the top graphic design schools.
Graphic Design is a broad field and many students choose to specialize in a specific area of interest or expertise. Some programs that are available at top graphic design schools include 3-D Design, Web Design, Illustration, Computer and Art Design, Architectural Design, and Graphic Design. Some of the top graphic design schools in the country include:
- Boston University
- Academy of Art University
- California Institute of the Arts
- Cranbrook Academy of Art
- Chapman University
Boston University
Boston University is a well respected school with a fabulous Graphic Design program. Boston University has one of the top graphic design schools in the country. The staff at Boston University encourages their students to explore new ideas, and to be fully educated and informed of the new and contemporary design developments in the graphic design field. Students in this program will study photography, typography, and architectural and package design. Students also study graphic imagery and also work on much of their individual design ideas as study projects as required by their coursework.
Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University is located in downtown San Francisco. The Academy of Art University has received countless awards and distinctions as one of the top graphic design schools in the world. World-renowned graphic design professionals comprise the staff at the Academy of Art University. There are a wide variety of majors and programs offered at the Academy of Art, including Graphic Design, and Illustration Facilities. Web Design and New Media Facilities is also a program that is offered at the school, which would compliment a graphic design degree. The Academy of Art University has more information on their website.
California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts or CalArts, is in Valencia California. It was founded by Walt Disney in the 1960s, and was the first degree-granting institution of higher learning in the US that was created for the arts. CalArts offers degrees in both the visual and fine arts. Their graphic design program is highly regarded. California Institute of the Arts website can give you more guided information about their program.
Cranbrook Academy of Art
Cranbrook Academy of Art is in located in Michigan. It was founded in the early 1900’s. The Cranbrook Academy of Art is one of the nation’s top graduate schools for architecture, art and design. The overall MFA program (Masters of Fine Arts) is ranked fifth in the nation. The degrees offered in their graphic design program are in 2-D Design 3-D design.
Chapman University
Chapman University is located in Orange, California. It is known for its college of film and media arts. It Chapman University offers a first class education and a talented and experienced staff in graphic design. It has been listed by US News and World Report as one of the top graphic design schools in the nation.
Top Graphic Design Schools- Online
For those already working in the industry, going back to school may be difficult, even more so when there are so many art schools to choose from. There are many online school programs that offer graphic design degrees. There are many benefits to using an online program for your degree. These programs are generally allow you to work on your own schedule, as long as you complete projects and tests by the scheduled due dates. There are no scheduled “class times” therefore, you can still work your job. It is your responsibility to do the coursework for your class according to the lesson plans. This is much more accommodating than having to go to the college campus at a scheduled time for classes.
- University of Phoenix
- Academy of Art University
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- Westwood College-
- International Academy of Design and Technology