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

Selecting a post-secondary institution that offers the right graphic design program for you is an important first step in your higher education. With 50 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania offering graphic design programs, choosing the institution that best fits your needs can be a daunting task. While there is no right or wrong way to choose a college or universtiy, many people start by evaluating school rankings and guides to help narrow down the selection.

Best Graphic Design Programs in Pennsylvania for 2019

Top 10 Graphic Design Programs in Pennsylvania

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.

The University of the Arts
Temple University – Tyler School of Art
Drexel University
Pennsylvania State University
Saint Vincent College
Marywood University
La Roche College
Mercyhurst University
Moore College of Art & Design
California University of Pennsylvania

Our Rankings

Graphic designers are professionally accredited individuals who use their artistic and computer skills to create print and digital messages. Also called commercial artists, graphic designers work in virtually every industry, including marketing, public service, technology, and fashion. These professionals are an integral part of the creative team and develop material across a wide range of products and platforms. Successful graphic designers are innovative problem solvers and strong communicators who can meet tight client deadlines. Listed below are California colleges that have a high standard of academic excellence.

The University of the Arts

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Temple University – Tyler School of Art

From developing design concepts to working with typography, the Graphic and Interactive Design program at Temple University – Tyler School of Art is one of the top programs in the nation. The school puts a strong emphasis on creative intelligence and skill, and the school is also known for being extremely competitive.

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Drexel University

With rigorous courses revolved around the creative use of word and image, the Drexel University Graphic Design program is a leading design school in the nation. The faculty help students develop an expansive portfolio, which includes projects relating to posters, ads, website design, motion graphics, and much more.

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Pennsylvania State University

The Graphic Design program at Pennsylvania State University offers a diverse range of courses that provide visual solutions for today’s complex and pressing problems. The program focuses on developing strategies and tactical approaches to solve the needs of a wide range of businesses.

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Saint Vincent College

The Studio Arts major offered by Saint Vincent College is seen as one of the top graphic design programs in the entire country. The program puts a strong emphasis on studio courses that involve various mediums such as drawing, ceramics, painting, and design.

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Marywood University

As a part of the Art Department at Marywood University, the Graphic Design program introduces students to a variety of design principles. Courses regarding publishing and advertising to typography and package design, faculty teach students to develop conceptually while focusing on technical skills and professionalism.

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La Roche College

The Graphic Design major offered by LaRoche University is a structured program that fully engages students in design thinking, design voice, an innovative design implementation. In addition, LaRoche is known for being one of only two colleges in the area to be fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

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Mercyhurst University

The Graphic Design degree is a Bachelor of Fine Arts program from Mercyhurst University. With the use of state-of-the-art iMac computers, Adobe editing software, GoPro equipment, and much more, students are given the tools and technologically advanced devices needed to produce innovative works of art for the graphic design industry.

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Moore College of Art & Design

The Graphic Design program offered by Moore College of Art & Design prepares students for a wide range of graphic design professions. With innovative workshops, constructive critiques, studio tours, and mentorship experiences, faculty help students thrive in the ever-changing graphic design industry.

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California University of Pennsylvania

With a focus on providing a solid foundation of visual and conceptual thinking, the Graphic Design program from the California University of Pennsylvania is seen as one of the top program offerings in the United States. Instead of only focusing on producing works of art, faculty focus on teaching students how and why a designer creates.

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Pennsylvania Employment & Jobs Outlook

Graduating as an accredited graphic designer indicates to employers that you have a highly technical skillset that is valuable across many industries. Due to the many talented individuals who are attracted to a career in graphic design, there is often strong competition for available jobs. Employment trend data released by Careerinfonet.org indicates that the employment outlook for graphic designers is promising. In Pennsylvania, job opportunities for graphic designers are expected to increase by 330 new jobs per year – that’s 4% growth – from now until 2020 due to the positive job market in the state.