Graphic Design Colleges in Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University

• Located in the state capital of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution with more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Students spend the first two years of the college's Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design program completing foundation courses in drawing, design fundamentals, art history, typography and imaging. During your sophomore year, you submit a portfolio for review to gain entry into upper-level design courses. Those admitted take classes in printing and visual narratives and complete two senior projects. A second portfolio is also required between the junior and senior years to remain in the program. You must have a laptop computer. Approximately 69 percent of freshmen and 65 percent of continuing students receive some type of financial aid while studying at Virginia Commonwealth, according to the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges." The university also grants a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design.

  Virginia Commonwealth University
  Box 842527
  Richmond, VA 23284
  800-841-3638
  vcu.edu

Marymount University

• Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, Marymount University is a private institution in Arlington. The college's Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design allows students to specialize in visual communications and web design. Both programs require you to take classes in Adobe software programs, desktop publishing, typography, illustration, digital imaging, drawing and the history of art. You prepare a portfolio for review during your senior year and participate in a one-semester internship. Graphic design majors produce graphics and designs for publication in the university's literary magazine and student-run newspaper. You must have a laptop computer by your sophomore year. Around 93 percent of freshmen and 84 percent of continuing students benefit from some type of financial aid while studying at Marymount, according to the "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges."

  Marymount University
  2807 North Glebe Road
  Arlington, VA 22207
  703-284-1500
  marymount.edu

Norfolk State University

• Home to more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Norfolk State University is a public college located on a 134-acre campus. The college offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts and graphic design. Students complete courses in communications, drawing, computer applications, ceramics, life drawing, painting, printmaking, typography and art history. You undergo informal portfolio reviews annually and a culminating senior portfolio assessment by a faculty panel prior to graduation. You are required to remain active in the arts by entering competitions, attending gallery openings, visiting museums and attending lectures and workshops from visiting artists. In addition to federal and state financial aid, the university offers work-study and paid, cooperative work placements for students.

  Norfolk State University
  700 Park Ave.
  Norfolk, VA 23504
  757-823-8396
  nsu.edu