Graphic Schools

Graphic Design Schools across the US offer a variety of programs in this vast subject. The subject matter of these programs usually revolves around creating web designs, multiple platforms and interfaces and learning the use of Adobe’s designing software etc.

Being such a vast field, graduates from Graphic Design Schools end up in different industries on the occupation spectrum. For instance, students can end up working as Creative Directors in big brands, Multimedia Designers, Web Designers, UX Designers, Product Developers and Production Artists and so on.

If you are interested in this field, the following guide on Graphic Design Schools would be of great use to you. It lists down details of course structure, admission requirements, top schools and career outlook for this occupational field.  

What Is Graphic Design?

Graphic Design refers to the craft of creating visual content to communicate the required message. It includes the use of iconography, typography, photography and illustration. The field of graphic design is derived from the larger visual communication and communication design field.

The ideal design created should be pleasurable, meaningful and usable, as defined by the Interaction Design Foundation. It should consider factors like symmetry and balance, flow of the elements, repetitiveness and pattern.

Top Graphic Design Schools in the US

University of Southern California

The Roski School of Art and Design offers a stellar Master of Fine Art (MFA) degree, which allows students to work closely with the school’s esteemed design faculty, as well as leading professionals in the field of design and art. The 56-unit degree involves increasing the student ability to analyze graphic design and aims to expand their knowledge about the creative process.

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The STAMPS School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan offers an amazing Graphic Design course for non-majors. This class introduces students to the basics of graphic design through lectures, team assignments and demonstrations. Students are taught the use of Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat etc.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University covers graphic design under its different degrees. For instance, the Bachelor of Design covers comprehensive subject matter on communications. This part of the degree focuses on the importance of communications and the ability to identify and communicate specific messages to a particular market segment. Students are given the chance to work with a variety of media, including posters, books, signs, websites, exhibitions and identity systems etc.

What Can You Do after Completing Graphic Design School?

After completing graphic design school, students can go for a variety of careers. Let’s take a look at some of these career options as per the information provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graphic Designers

These professionals are responsible for designing and creating graphics to meet the demands of specific commercial or promotional materials.

Art Directors

These professionals take care of the visual styles and images in magazines, product packaging, movie and television productions and newspaper layouts.

Multimedia Artists and Animators

These professionals create special effects, animation and other kinds of visual images for film, videos or computer games, movies, commercials etc.

What to Expect from a Graphic Design School?

A Graphic Design School would expose students to subjects like principles of design and color, desktop publishing, 2D and 3D design elements, digital photography, multimedia and animation and web design. The exact course structure would vary according to school and the program you are enrolled in.

How to Choose a Graphic Design School?

In order to choose a graphic design school, it is important to consider the length of the program, learning outcomes, job placements and cost of the degree. In addition to that, you must also check the admission requirements and accreditation details of the program. The ideal accrediting body for graphic design degrees should be the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Admission Requirements for a Graphic Design School

Admission requirements for graphic design schools depend on the program and institution you are applying to. For instance, if you are applying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, you will have to have a high school diploma at least. Along with that, you will need to submit a formal application, with a fee, letters of recommendation and school transcripts etc.

How long does it take to graduate from a Graphic School?

Many schools, such as the Yale University, the Florida State University, and the DeVry University are offering Graphic Design programs to students. Students can enroll in a certificate course in Digital Graphics that can be completed within 15 weeks, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design or a Bachelor in Graphics & Multimedia Design that can be completed within 3 years. Students can also enroll in a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design as well, that can be completed in 2 years.

What are the requirements to graduate from a Graphic School?

The students who are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design are required to complete 120 credits and those enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design are required to complete up to 60 credits. Students are required to study a number of modules such as Typography, Advanced Graphic Design, Creative Presentation, Design & Art Theory, Digital Studio, Interactive Editorial Design and Graphic Web Design.

How much can I make after graduating from a Graphic School?

Once individuals graduate from a Graphic Design school, they can work as Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Web Designers, Illustrators, Production Artists and Motion Graphic Designers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay of Graphic Designers was $50,370 in May 2018. The number of jobs in this field in 2016 was 266,300.