Graphic designers are required in almost everything we look, read, watch from the designs on a book to a website of a company or blog, the TV commercials, along with logos on business cards. These visual wizards make sure that every concert poster or any app interface leaves a great impact on people along with communicating any desired message.
If this seems interesting to you, then you might wonder how to become a graphic designer. In this case, you have to attend a school. In this article, we have discussed graphic design schools along with top 5 design schools in the country.
What is a Graphic Design School?
Graphic design is the usage of text, image and other media to communicate any idea or information. Graphic designers are those who provide strategic communication via their advertisements, posters, web pages, app interfaces logos and more. In case you are a creative person along with having an interest in technology, graphic design can be the perfect work for you.
To get any work as a graphic designer, you will certainly require a good portfolio of your work which provides the necessary information about your potential in front of an employer. But if you want a college experience along with strong portfolio and ready-made connections with the industry, then you should consider getting a BA or BFA in the field of graphic design. Graphic design programs can easily be found in art schools along with departments within big universities.
Also, see – 10 Best Free Graphic Design Software & Best Graphic Design Magazines
The following list has graphic design programs of different types along with places to get best graphic design education and learning the skills you will require to start your design career.
1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Considered as Harvard of art schools, RISD is quite popular and has famous alumni which include founders of Airbnb, actor James Franco and fashion designers like Jill Stuart. If you go to this school, you can easily get hold off well-funded programs and best faculty in various disciplines.
This school has remained as the top school when it comes to graphic design. Along with being a highly competitive school, it has strong establishment and famous graphic design program. Graphic design remains the best undergraduate departments at this school which has about 165 students. These students get a degree of BFA.
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Degree offered: BFA in Graphic Design
2. Parsons School of Design
Parson school is one of the well-recognized school along with the best faculty. It remains to be at the top of best program ranking in field of graphic design. It is recognized for their interdisciplinary focus on technical knowledge along with functional design. Its four-year BFA program in Communication Design has obtained top alumni working in Google, Facebook, and New York Magazine. It also created a good number of entrepreneurs along with best freelancers.
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Degree offered: BFA in Communication Design
3. The Pratt Institute
This institute is the most prestigious program located in Brooklyn, New York. The school has invested in “poetic pragmatism” philosophy where artistic vision is coupled with practical skills. Its faculty has working professionals in the various field who also teach part-time. This institute offers BFA degree in Communications Design which is an interdisciplinary program with a focus on advertising, graphic design and illustration out of which the students have to pick one.
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Degree offered: BFA in Communication Design
4. Art Center College of Design
The undergraduate program in Graphic Design of this school provides extensive training in old as well as new media. It creates well-rounded practitioners with special skills in areas of graphic design. This school supports experimental approach. It offers a good return-on-investment along with alumni getting higher salaries in comparison with graduates from other institutions. Its alumni work various companies like Nike and NASA.
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Degree offered: BFA in Graphic Design
5. Carnegie Mellon School of Design
This school may surprise you as this university is quite known for its engineering program. This school provides an innovative approach when it comes to the study of graphic design. In place of a BFA degree, this school offers BDes – a Bachelor in Design. It also provides interdisciplinary degree which attracts students who have many interests. It provides a cutting edge and firm foundation for a career in design.
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Degree offered: BDes – Bachelors in Design