What Are the Best Graphic Communications Schools?
Are you the go-to person when friends and family need help with a YouTube video, an online scrapbook or art for a fundraising project? Do you have both artistic and computer aptitude? Perhaps you should consider a graphic communications career. Here are some schools that could get you started. Schools offering Graphic Design degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Should I Look for in a Graphic Communications School?
You might want to enroll in a school that meets the accreditation standards of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, like those below. Perhaps you're interested in national and international rankings. You'll probably want a school that provides excellent studio facilities and opportunities to showcase your work. Schools that provide real-world experiences through a co-op program or a funded research center can prepare you to obtain an actual job upon graduation. Travel abroad opportunities might expose you to intercultural aesthetics and trends. Here are some schools you could consider.
What Are Three Top Graphic Communications Schools?
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA
CMU was 37th among U.S. universities in the Academic Ranking of World Universities for 2011 (www.shanghairanking.com). U.S. News & World Report rated it fifth for graphic design and first for multimedia and visual communications programs in 2008 (www.usnews.com). You could major in communication design in the university's School of Design, where you'll be trained in both static and interactive methodologies. You'll have your own workspace and a shared studio for group work. You'll also have access to a 3-D lab, the John Reese Memorial Electronic Studio for creative digital work, photography and darkroom studios, a letterpress and bookbinding lab and the Robert Smillie Digital Imaging Lab. Your graduate work can be promoted in the school's gallery or online. Here are your degree options:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design
- Master of Design in Interaction Design
- Master of Design in Communication Planning and Information Design
- Doctor of Philosophy in Design
University of Cincinnati in OH
UC, a public university, came in 12th in U.S. News & World Report's 2008 ranking of graphic design schools.The university accepts approximately 14.4% of applicants to its undergraduate graphic design program. Your 5-year, undergraduate graphic communication program in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) requires a year of foundation studies, followed by a formal portfolio presentation with feedback from a panel. The program also encourages field and internship experience; UC has the second-largest co-operative program in the U.S. DAAP hosts the Dorothy W. and C. Lawson Jr. Reed Gallery, the Philip M. Meyers, Jr. Memorial Gallery and two student galleries. These are the online DAAPSpace Student Gallery and The 840 Gallery, an on campus space for public display. These degrees are available.
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Graphic Communication
- Master of Design
Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond
This public university ranked fourth for graduate programs in graphic design and ninth for multimedia and visual communications programs in U.S. News & World Report's 2008 evaluation. The Department of Graphic Design offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fine arts. As a student in the department, you'd be eligible to apply for a Dean's International Study Grant or an Undergraduate Research Grant. You might enjoy contemporary art exhibitions at the Anderson Gallery. The School of the Arts Visual Resource Center at the Cabell Library offers research resources. Through VCU's daVinci Center for Innovation, you might work on interdisciplinary team addressing a product development design problem. These degrees are offered:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
- Master of Fine Arts in Design and Visual Communications
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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