Best Graphic Design Schools in Michigan || The Art Career Project

Deciding on the right college or university for students entering the graphic design field is an important milestone. With more than 50 schools in Michigan that offer accredited design programs and degrees, pciking the one that matches your needs and interests can be overwhelming. There is no definitive guide to deciding which school is right for your needs, but a great way to start is by researching school rankings and guides online to help you narrow down your choices.

Best Graphic Design Programs in Michigan for 2019

Top 10 Graphic Design Programs in Michigan

School rankings are based on data published by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), a system of surveys conducted annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Key factors include a commitment to high academic standards, return on investment, faculty ratings, and long-term employment statistics that track graduate success.

Cranbrook Academy of Art
College for Creative Studies
Michigan State University
Madonna University
Central Michigan University
Calvin College
Andrews University
Ferris State University
Oakland University
Lawrence Technological University

Our Rankings

Graphic design is the merger of images, space, and typography combined to communicate a purposeful message to an audience of consumers. Graphic designers’ work is used strategically by publishers, governments, and health care professionals among other professionals. Graphic designers work in-house or as freelancers to understand a company’s vision and translate it to visual media. Because graphic designers use their artistic and technical skills equally, the best college courses for graphic design connect practical and theoretical concepts. Below, we’ve listed colleges that have a proven history of excellence and that continue to offer the very best in art and design programming.

Cranbrook Academy of Art

Cranbrook Academy of Art offers a top-notch Graphic Design program as a part of their 2D Design Department. With a focus on experimental design, the program provides in-depth courses on writing, criticism, production, and digital arts.

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College for Creative Studies

College for Creative Studies is proud to provide a Communication Design program that is one of the top programs in the nation. The program courses provide students with useful skills surrounding print, motion, and interactive design.

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Michigan State University

The Graphic Design program at Michigan State University puts an emphasis on creative problem solving and also offers multiple concentration programs aimed at the many possibilities involved in the graphic design field. Graduates of this program work as web designers, media managers, art directors, and more.

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Madonna University

The Graphic Design program at Madonna University takes students down a path that includes individualized guidance from some of the leading artists and designers in the country. In this program, students learn the latest design trends and work on real-world projects for a variety of clients.

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Central Michigan University

From the amazing faculty to the rigorous courses offered, the Graphic Design program from Central Michigan University is one of the leading programs in the United States. The curriculum includes classes regarding design history, design theory, and dives into current issues surrounding contemporary design.

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Calvin College

With courses involving the combination of art, business, and technology, the Graphic Design program from Calvin College prepares students for the ever-changing world of graphic design. In this program, students also have the ability to take courses in marketing, consumer behavior, public relations, and more.

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Andrews University

Andrews University is happy to offer a Graphic Design program that takes students down a path that involves many facets of the design world. Faculty in this program help students develop the right tools and mindset to excel in a wide variety of graphic design professions.

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Ferris State University

Ferris State University is proud to offer one of the leading graphic design programs in the United States. As a part of the College of Business, this Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design allows students to gain the knowledge and experience needed to solve design problems in this business-driven world.

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Oakland University

The Graphic Design Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakland University creates the next generation of visual storytellers for our visually-driven world. From working on real-world projects to the constructive culture, this program takes students down a knowledgable path of visual excellence.

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Lawrence Technological University

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program from Lawrence Technological University provides students with comprehensive experience in the ever-growing field of graphic design. From print media to interactive design, students are taught a wide variety of design skills.

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Michigan Employment & Jobs Outlook

Graduating with a graphic design degree in hand places students in front of companies who are willing to pay for their specialized and accredited skillset. While there is fierce competition for these positions, those students with degrees or diplomas, and strong portfolios will net the most employment success. According to the employment trend reports published at Careerinfonet.org, the outlook for graphic design jobs in Michigan is favorable. With newly created positions generating 8% growth from year to year until 2020, Michigan can expect 230 new job openings per year.