Search Graphic Design Schools by Location, Subject & Degree

Choose a State: No Preference Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas British Columbia (Canada) California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming OR Region / Country: No Preference - Help w/ Regions - Central Mid Atlantic Mid South Mid West North East Pacific West South East West - Countries - Canada France Ireland Italy Spain United Kingdom Choose a Subject: No Preference 3-D Design Architectural Design Commercial Art Computer Art/Design Digital Design Fashion Design Game Design Graphic Design Illustration Industrial Design Product Design Visual Communication Web Design Choose a Degree: No Preference Course / Class Workshop / Seminar Certificate Associate's Bachelor's Master's Doctorate Post-Doctorate Diploma

Top Graphic Design Schools

Choosing a Graphic Design School

What should you consider when choosing a graphic design school?

What degree do you want?

A degree in graphic design, or an art degree that offers a specialization or concentration in graphic design.

What's the difference? It all depends on where your interests are founded, and where you want to take your graphic design career.

If you are more interested in the visual arts, but think you can make more money as a graphic designer, consider an art school that offers a specialization.

A degree in graphic design, on the other hand, will ensure that your portfolio and career are focused on such things as typography, page layout, and even interaction design.

Accreditation

You should ensure your chosen school is accredited. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design is the accrediting body for programs in art and design, and currently approves more than 200 post-secondary institutions.

Hands-on Experience

A good graphic design program will emphasize portfolio development. A portfolio is the best way to demonstrate your skills to a potential employer. As a graphic design student, you should learn and become proficient with a significant number of computer design programs, such as Illustrator, Quark Xpress, and Photoshop.

Your program's curriculum should also include coursework that emphasizes creative and critical thinking You should have opportunities to learn outside the classroom through field trips and internships. And studio time is also critical -- graphic design cannot be learned without hands-on experience.