Graphic Design Schools

Graphic Design is a form of visual communication. It is a process by which visual information is given form and structure, so as to communicate a message. This is often done through the arrangement of typography and graphic elements and can take many forms, from printed documents to 3D design. A graphic designer can incorporate the use of photography, illustration, iconography, and branding, but is not limited to these devices.

Graphic design is expressed in numerous devices and media, the most common being:

Print – magazines, newspapers, posters, periodicals, business collateral materials, print advertisements
Interactive design – web sites and software user interfaces
Film, videos, CDs, DVDs - title design, motion graphics, promotional materials
Identity systems, environmental graphic design including signage, wayfinding, and retail environments
Products, packaging, point-of-purchase displays

Graphic Design Program

The Graphic Design Program is currently offering a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, and a Foundations in Graphic Design Online Award of Completion. Class offerings for a master's degree has just begun. Our program emphasizes conceptual development, strategic thinking, technique, and presentation within an environment that stimulates innovation. Students develop finely tuned skills in the areas of typography, print mediums, packaging, branding and identity, web design and motion graphics.

Graphic Design Degrees

Associate of Arts in Graphic Design
The Associate of Arts in Graphic Design program specializes in typography, packaging, identity, print and computer technology emphasizing conceptual development, strategic thinking, mastery of technique and verbal presentation within an environment that stimulates innovation. Students develop skills in the areas of typography, print mediums, packaging, branding and identity, web design and motion graphics. The Associate of Arts in Graphic Design requires completion of 66 semester units.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Academy of Art students learn the skills that are in demand, from the best in the industry. The Graphic Design program emphasizes conceptual development, strategic thinking, mastery of technique and verbal presentation within an environment that stimulates innovation. Students develop finely tuned skills in the areas of typography, print mediums, packaging, branding and identity, web design and motion graphics. Final portfolios demonstrate the total integration of message and content as well as the highest standards of graphic design.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts requires completion of 132 semester units. Students who already have a bachelor's degree can enroll in our streamlined Second Degree Program that is 66 units without requiring any Liberal Arts or Art electives.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program emphasizes conceptual development, strategic thinking, mastery of technique and verbal presentation within an environment that stimulates innovation. Students develop finely tuned skills in the areas of typography, print mediums, packaging, branding and identity, web design and motion graphics. Final portfolios demonstrate the total integration of message and content as well as the highest standards of graphic design.
Online Award of Completion in Graphic Design
The Foundations in Graphic Design Online Award of Completion is a personal enrichment program, designed for students interested in acquiring a basis of knowledge and skills necessary to the graphic design profession. Students develop real industry skills which can be used to enhance a current career path, or which can become a firm foundation for further study in the field of graphic design. The Online Award of Completion requires completion of eight undergraduate courses in Graphic Design (prefix GR). Successful completion of these courses can also be credited toward a degree at the Academy of Art University; degree seeking students must satisfy existing degree requirements. (Please note: The Online Award of Completion requires all courses must be taken online.)

Academy of Art University Online »

Graphic Design

Graphic design is an exciting and rewarding career that combines technical knowledge with artistic expression. The Graphic Design program provides students with essential skills and training for an entry-level position in graphic design, publications and the developing area of multimedia, 3D animation and web design. Upon completion, the student will have gained a working and hands-on knowledge of graphic design, desktop publishing, web design, and multimedia authoring. Some of the occupations available to the graduate of this program include computer graphic artist, graphic designer, illustrator, interface designer, web designer/developer, production artist, and desktop publisher. Completion of this associate-level degree program provides graduates with the knowledge and opportunities in mid-level positions or beyond.

The Graphic Design program is offered at the following Western Career College campuses:

Associate Degree Graphic Design and Multimedia

Westwood's Graphic Design and Multimedia Program prepares students for entry-level jobs in the graphic design and multimedia industry. As in most graphic art schools, students will learn to create effective designs which communicate visually in both print and multimedia environments.

Graphic Design and Multimedia Program
Not all graphic design schools are the same. Many students will learn that merely attending technical schools for multimedia might not be enough to succeed if they don't have the right aptitudes or interests. Many successful graphic design and multimedia professionals who graduate from graphic design colleges have characteristics such as:

Visually-oriented
Comfortable with technology and computers
A creative, conceptual thinker
Detail-oriented
Comfortable in a team environment
Multi-tasker
Motivated by achievement
Able to use deductive reasoning to assess problems and create solutions
Enjoy working at a computer a large portion of the day
Interested in all aspects of visual communications, from advertising to package design

If any of these characteristics fit you, start your career at a graphic design college now. For more information on Westwood's Graphic Design and Multimedia Program, click on one of the links below.

The Graphic Design program is offered at the following Westwood College campuses: