Students have more than one option for a degree in graphic design when attending the Art Institute of Seattle. The school offers both two- and four-year degrees and produces well-rounded graduates. Students are required to take courses on a variety of topics, including illustration, web design and typography. Also required are general education classes such as environmental science and English composition. The Art Institute is located on Seattle's waterfront, conveniently close to restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
The Department of Art at Oregon State University offers a rigorous curriculum to committed students who are accepted into the competitive program. Students learn critical theory and basic typography, and focus on technical skills. In their final year, seniors are required to develop a comprehensive portfolio and thesis with both visual and written components and participate in a design show. Most of the program's courses take place in the center of OSU's main campus, exposing students to the exciting diversity of a large research institution.
The graphic design program at Boston University centers on the idea that graphic designers play a vital role in communicating information in our current era. As one of the departments in BU's College of Fine Arts, interested students are required to take prerequisites such as drawing, print-making and art history. Design students continue taking classes within the college, but outline their own curriculum. Boston provides ample opportunity for personal and social growth, ensuring each student receives a well-rounded, personalized education.
At Ohio University, all students interested in a major in graphic design enter the School of Art as general art majors. In their sophomore year, after completing prerequisites and putting together a portfolio, they apply to specific areas of study. The graphic design program requires students take art history, studio foundations and typography in addition to spending extensive hours in the campus studios studying and practicing any number of art forms. OU has been consistently ranked as one of the best values for university education in the country and is the oldest public university in Ohio.