Graphic Design Degrees in Texas (S-Z)
Iconic images of longhorn cattle, wide open plains and cowboys riding dusty trails may first come to mind when thinking about the Lone Star state, but accredited graphic design degree programs in Texas may soon be in the picture. That’s because Texas houses some of the nation’s best accredited universities offering graphic design degrees and ranks third among states for employing graphic designers. As a result, credentialed professionals with degrees from one of these top accredited graphic design degree programs in Texas can expect to be highly marketable for competitive positions in the field. To see more graphic design degree programs, visit Graphic Design Degrees in Texas (A-R).
Sam Houston State University
College of Fine Arts & Mass Communication
Sam Houston State University operates from a historical perspective that education should motivate graduates to achieve meaningful careers that also benefit their communities. Programs are constructed around rigorous instruction with support from internships, research activities, service learning and volunteering to make content come alive. The university holds the “Doctoral Research University” classification bestowed by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. Its academic excellence is also noted in publications such as Forbes and U.S. News & World Report.
B. F. A. in Art in Graphic Design
This 120-credit program showcases how to visually present information to communicate effectively and persuade viewers to delve deeper into the message. Students complete requirements in general education classes, core and foundational art courses, and specialized graphic design studies. Content for the major covers illustration, typography, packaging, corporate design, motion graphics, production tools, computer technology and website development. For experiential development, students create and maintain a design portfolio of their work. The portfolio becomes part of a graphic design senior exhibition where students network with professional designers who review and critique their designs. Outcomes for graduates include landing competitive positions as in-house graphic artists, freelancers or web designers.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contacts
Department of Art
Sam Houston State University
Box 2089
Huntsville, Texas 77341
Charlotte Drumm
Graphic Design Adviser
(936) 294-4311 (department)
art_cmd@shsu.edu
Program Page: https://www.shsu.edu/academics/art/degrees/graphic-design.html
Curriculum:http://www.shsu.edu/academics/art/degrees/graphic-design.html
Schreiner University
Cailloux School of Professional Studies
As a private liberal arts institution, Schreiner offers an individualized educational experience that prepares students for success in 21st-century careers. Learning opportunities are extended through community partnerships with professional, civic, religious and volunteer groups that allow students to put theory into practice. For those in graphic design, these connections facilitate real-world experiences in domestic and international locations to work with clients and see first-hand how traditional art merges with modern mass communication techniques to convey important ideas. The program also participates in the student-led American Institute of Graphic Arts, which offers networking, career development and leadership opportunities.
B.F.A. in Communication Design/Graphic Design
Whether evaluating a communication design problem, analyzing a marketing approach or using creative programs to communicate media information, graduates with Schreiner’s graphic design degree will be prepared to launch successful professional careers. Many have gone on to become advertising designers, animators, illustrators, package designers and web-design specialists. The curriculum builds on a broad-based set of skills and knowledge necessary for professionals to communicate ideas across print and electronic media. Besides completing core university requirements, students earn credits in art history, drawing and illustration, two- and three-dimensional design, color theory, visual and computer arts, typography, printmaking, web design, computer graphics, electronic media and production. Other degree requirements include participation in a professional internship and writing a senior thesis. The thesis is accompanied by a work portfolio that is presented for review at a senior exhibition event.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contacts
Graphic Design Program
Cailloux Hall 204
Schriener University
2100 Memorial Blvd.
Kerrville, Texas 78028
Dr. David C. Smith, Dean
(830) 792-7398
dcsmith@schreiner.edu
Overview: http://www.schreiner.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/graphic-design/index.aspx
Major: http://www.schreiner.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/graphic-design/major.aspx
Texas Christian University
College of Fine Arts, School of Art
Located in the dynamic Fort Worth area, Texas Christian University opens doors for graduates who earn degrees in over 130 areas of study. Students are immersed in education that expands the intellect while instilling values that lead to ethical leadership in global careers. Regard for TCU’s programs has risen steadily in recent years. The school ranks at No. 76 among national universities on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list for 2015 and at No. 45 for best colleges in the South according to Forbes.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
TCU’s graphic design degree spans 123 credits covering general education courses, art foundations and focused studies in the major. Foundational art instruction gives students a solid perspective of art history, design theory and the basic skills necessary for visual and technical proficiency in the craft. Focused studies delve more deeply into specific content critical for successful implementation of graphic design programs. Topics cover typography, web design, interactive media, advertising, branding, packaging, corporate identity and editorial management. For practical experience, students complete a creative internship to apply skills in national or international settings. This experience helps students to complete their capstone courses, which involve writing a thesis based on innovative, research-based solutions to marketing problems and creating a competitive work portfolio. Graduates from this program enjoy a 90% placement rate with employers at home and abroad.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Contacts
Graphic Design Program
Texas Christian University
TCU Box 298000
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
Lewis Glaser
Graphic Design Coordinator
(817) 257-7643
L.Glaser@tcu.edu
B.F.A. Degree: http://www.art.tcu.edu/graphic_design_bfa.html
Program Overview: http://www.art.tcu.edu/graphic_design.html
The University of Houston
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, School of Art
The vibrant city of Houston offers degree candidates a chance to lift off into soaring careers on a global scale at the University of Houston. Programs across all majors rely on academic rigor and hands-on partnerships with national and international organizations to provide graduates with the expertise and skills expected in graphic design jobs. The Carnegie Foundation ranks the school as a tier one research facility among universities, and UH regularly appears on Forbes and U.S. News & World Report lists among the best regional and national schools. Additionally, UH’s Fine Arts programs, which include graphic design, rank competitively at No. 114 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 listings.
B. F. A. in Graphic Design
The diverse curriculum of this 120-credit degree presents a variety of design methods and technologies for aspiring graphic designers to use in professional settings. The outcome leads to graduates with the competencies and work ethic to become industry leaders. Graduates use their skills to create promotional, interactive, print, motion and web designs for mass communication tasks. The plan of study builds on UH general education requirements, studies in the major and courses specific to graphic design. Students keep a portfolio of work from classes in art fundamentals, drawing, graphic rendering, design principles, color theory, digital fabrication and other studio art courses. Portfolios are presented and reviewed during junior and senior years. This B.F.A. establishes a foundation for pursuing entry-level career positions or further studies in the field.
M. F. A. in Studio Art with a Concentration in Graphic Design
Candidates can specialize in graphic design with this research-oriented degree. Its theoretical approach advances graphic design to the next level by exploring how social, cultural, historical, and technological perspectives influence the craft. The degree is meant to be finished in three years though candidates can take five to complete the requirements. It encompasses 60 credit-hours of study divided between art history, related arts, concentration courses in graphic design and a culminating graduate seminar. Candidates also take an oral exam and write a thesis that is based on their work and presented in an exhibition format. Graduates with this degree often go on to work as researchers, educators or executives within the graphic design industry.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contacts
The University of Houston
4800 Calhoun Rd.
Houston, Texas 77204
Undergraduate:
(713) 743-3670
admissions@uh.edu
B.F.A: http://www.uh.edu/class/art/undergraduate-programs/Graphic%20Design/
Dr. Jessica Locheed, Graduate Adviser
jalocheed@uh.edu
(713) 743-2830
M.F.A Overview: http://www.uh.edu/class/art/Graduate-Programs/MFA%20in%20Studio%20Art/
M.F.A. Graphic Design: http://www.uh.edu/class/art/Graduate-Programs/MFA%20in%20Studio%20Art/Graphic%20Communications/Course%20requirements/
University of Texas at Arlington
College of Liberal Arts
Located in North Texas, UT at Arlington provides cutting-edge educational opportunities to more than 48,000 students from over 120 countries. With a goal to graduate leaders of the future across global industries, UTA offers rigorous instruction integrated with experiential learning to prepare graduates for the modern workforce. The school ranks fifth in U.S. News & World Report listings for undergraduate diversity and is a best choice for schools in the western region according to The Princeton Review.
B. F. A. in Art in Visual Communication Design
Referred to as a visual communication degree, UTA’s graphic design program expands basic curriculum to include web and mobile application designs, illustration, packaging concepts and gaming. Focus is placed on elements of graphic design that are becoming more complex with the advent of technology and prepares students to find solutions by using trending design methods alongside traditional ones. After completing general education and foundational art classes, students study principles of typography, layout, publications, advertising, sustainable design, interactive and visual design, electronic design, gaming, mobile applications and emerging studio technologies. The degree culminates with an art internship and portfolio review. Graduates carry their UTA experiences and expertise into regional, national and international job placements in top design agencies and studios.
Master of Fine Arts with Concentration in Film & Video Art, Intermedia Studio or Visual Communication
This M.F.A. can be concentrated in Film & Video Art, Intermedia Studio, or Visual Communication. Each of these concentrations emphasizes unique aspects of graphic design and mass communication. Candidates complete 60 credits over three years with basic studies covering advanced theory, trending research in the field, and critical analysis to solve design problems. Meanwhile, studies in each concentration hone in on specialized material such as digital programming for Film & Video Art, technology trends for Intermedia Studio, and sustainable design practices for Visual Communication. Degree outcomes are designed to provide marketable skills that advance graduates into leadership career positions. To see more Visual Communication degree programs, visit Top 20 Best Visual Communications Degree Programs.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Contacts
University of Texas at Arlington
Art & Art History Department
502 South Cooper Street, #335
Box 19089
Arlington, Texas 76019
(817) 272- 2891
art-arthistory@uta.edu
Degree programs: https://www.uta.edu/academics/programs
Film & Video Art: http://www.uta.edu/art/index.php/mfa/film_video_art/
Intermedia Studio: http://www.uta.edu/art/index.php/mfa/intermedia_studio/
Visual Communication:http://www.uta.edu/art/index.php/mfa/visual_communication/
University of Texas-Pan American
College of Arts and Humanities, Art Department
The University of Texas-Pan American has historically geared its programs to serve the diverse Hispanic population surrounding the Rio Grande Valley. To that end, UTPA has conferred more than 64,779 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees since 1927. Today, the school continues to provide affordable higher-education opportunities with studies in more than 55 cutting-edge career fields such as graphic design for students from all backgrounds. Forbes ranks UTPA at No. 127 for top universities in the South.
B.F.A. Studio, Specialization in Graphic Design
A strong foundation in visual language, analytical decision-making and use of multiple graphic design approaches allows students earning this degree to develop personal design esthetics to guide their careers. The 121-credit program requires completion of core university classes and specialized studies emphasizing art history, drawing and illustration, typography and printmaking, design and production, styles and contemporary art, visual communication and interactive design. Students are also responsible for keeping a work portfolio and presenting it for review at a senior exhibition. Graduates with this B.F.A. possess the contemporary technology skills necessary to be leaders in the graphic design field.
Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contacts
The University of Texas-Pan American
1201 W University Drive
Edinburg, Texas 78539
Susan Fitzsimmons, Art Department Chair
(956) 665-3481
fitzsimmonssg@utpa.edu
B.F.A.: http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/daa_home/coah_home/art_home_2011/bachelor_of_fine_arts/programs/graphic_design
For creative individuals who enjoy technology and art, these graphic design programs offer dynamic possibilities for world-wide careers. If communicating innovative, meaningful ideas to vast audiences through multimedia formats sounds appealing, then accredited graphic design degree programs in Texas may be a worthwhile consideration.
