Graphic Design Schools and Universities

If you are looking for an outstanding graphic design school or university, you have probably discovered that there are many from which to choose. Since most art schools offer degree programs, aspiring designers will want to thoroughly research their choice schools to determine if they offer the courses, accreditation, and learning environment that will suit their chosen career path best. Various two-year associate degree programs are available in design art and design science (AA or AS), though most students choose to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree (BA). Many schools also offer a five-year bachelor of fine arts degree (BFA) that challenges students even further and adds more to
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If you are looking for an outstanding graphic design school or university, you have probably discovered that there are many from which to choose. Since most art schools offer degree programs, aspiring designers will want to thoroughly research their choice schools to determine if they offer the courses, accreditation, and learning environment that will suit their chosen career path best.

Various two-year associate degree programs are available in design art and design science (AA or AS), though most students choose to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree (BA). Many schools also offer a five-year bachelor of fine arts degree (BFA) that challenges students even further and adds more to the overall experience--not to mention the portfolio and resume.

Here are a few of the most popular schools that aspiring graphic designers choose:

The Art Institute, various locations

This popular art and design university has at least 45 locations throughout the country, including an online campus. The Art Institute is nationally accredited and well respected in the art world. With so many locations, there is likely to be a campus near you. Catering to working adults, there is even a graphic design program that you can complete entirely online. Courses are five and a half weeks long, and you can take no more than two classes concurrently per session or four courses online each quarter. This smaller course load allows graphic design students to earn a degree and remain involved with their family and current job.

Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California

There are several flexible options for attending courses on campus, including days, nights, and weekends. The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California also offer a design degree program online that allows you to attend as long as you maintain attendance standards. This privately funded academy offers a top-notch education at a rate 40 percent lower than traditional private universities, and federal student aid is available. For full-time on-campus students, there is a guaranteed housing option so you can relocate to attend the school.

ITT Technical Institute in Murray, Utah

The ITT Technical Institute is a well-known school, with campuses online and throughout the country; however, the graphic design program is only available at the Murray, Utah campus. This campus houses ITT's only School of Drafting and Design. You can expect to complete this program in slightly less than four years at the average course load, though it could be completed in a shorter or longer amount of time depending on your circumstances.

Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology in Dayton, Ohio

Earn an AS degree in graphic design with this program that will prepare you for an entry-level position in various aspects of graphic design. It also allows transfer of some credits to another institution in order to complete a BA degree at another university. The AS degree curriculum at Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology in Dayton, Ohio is centered specifically on graphic design and hands-on learning, whereas other colleges offer AA degrees that have a well-rounded general art, and art history base.

Choosing between the various two- and four-year programs is something that you should discuss with an admissions officer after you have thought about your career goals. Knowing the specific courses offered and the level of accreditation offered are important, though cost of attendance will most likely also be a factor. No matter what an aspiring student desires, he or she is bound to find an ideal graphic art college or university.

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