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In the heart of the American South, Georgia stands out as a hub of creativity and innovation, particularly in the field of graphic design. With its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant arts scene, it’s no wonder that students from all over the globe flock to the Peach State to hone their skills and ignite their passion for design. Among the cobblestone streets of Savannah and the bustling avenues of Atlanta, institutions like the Savannah College of Art and Design and the School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University offer world-class education that blends traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology.
Whether you’re seeking to dive into the theoretical aspects of visual communication or get hands-on experience in a studio setting, Georgia’s graphic design colleges provide a plethora of opportunities to prepare for a thriving career in this dynamic field. Join us as we explore the top graphic design colleges in Georgia, where the next generation of designers is being shaped by the best in the industry.
Graphic Design Colleges in Georgia
Savannah College of Art and Design
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a preeminent institution that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, recognized for its comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to become leaders in the creative industry. At SCAD, students embark on a journey through 30 hours of foundation studies in drawing and design, followed by 55 hours of general education that includes courses in visual culture, business fundamentals, and digital communication.
The major curriculum comprises 75 hours of specialized graphic design courses, where students delve into typography, production environments, audience behavior, and brand activation. SCAD’s approach is unique in that it intertwines artistry with storytelling, enabling students to craft compelling visual narratives that resonate in today’s digital landscape. The program is not just about learning the tools of the trade; it’s an immersive experience that fosters entrepreneurship and user-centered design, taught by industry titans from companies like Airbnb and Google. With opportunities to participate in signature events like SCADstyle and access to state-of-the-art resources, students at SCAD are groomed to join elite agencies or launch their own brands upon graduation.
The institution’s commitment to excellence is evident in its alumni, who have gone on to work with global powerhouses such as Apple, IBM, and Ralph Lauren. SCAD’s graphic design program is a beacon for aspiring designers, offering a blend of rigorous academics, practical experience, and unparalleled exposure to the industry’s best and brightest.
School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University
The School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a vibrant and dynamic institution that offers a rich and diverse graphic design program. With a focus on innovation and creativity, the program provides students with a robust foundation in visual communication and design principles. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at KSU includes a concentration in graphic communications, which emphasizes intensive work in art or design supported by a program of general studies. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are guided by faculty who are practicing artists and scholars, ensuring that the education they receive is both current and relevant.
The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to excel in various creative industries. Beyond the classroom, KSU’s School of Art and Design encourages students to engage with the community through public art projects and exhibitions at the Zuckerman Museum of Art. The Master of Arts in Art and Design (MAAD) program further explores the intersection of design and technology, offering concentrations such as Digital Animation and Museum Studies, and is delivered through a 100% online format for flexibility. This comprehensive approach to art and design education ensures that KSU graduates are not only skilled designers but also well-rounded individuals ready to make a significant impact in the ever-evolving world of graphic design.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia (UGA) offers a robust and dynamic Graphic Design program through the Lamar Dodd School of Art, designed to prepare students for the multifaceted nature of visual communication design. The program emphasizes a strong grounding in design and communication fundamentals such as typography, information hierarchy, concept development, and visual exploration. UGA’s curriculum is diverse and dynamic, reflecting the professional practice of graphic design which is equally varied and evolving. Students are encouraged to develop a broad skill set that includes design fundamentals, collaboration, understanding of audiences, and experimentation across media.
Admission to the Graphic Design Major at UGA is competitive, requiring students to undergo a portfolio review process after completing initial coursework in studio core and introductory graphic design courses. This ensures that only the most dedicated and talented students are accepted into the major. The program supports an interdisciplinary approach to design, benefiting from the wider offerings within the School of Art and the greater University, fostering an environment where students can explore and push the boundaries of traditional graphic design.
Graduates of the UGA Graphic Design program secure positions in a variety of creative roles, from boutique design studios focusing on motion, experience, or branding design, to in-house creative departments for museums, apparel brands, and digital companies. Alumni have held positions at prestigious firms and companies such as CNN & Turner Broadcasting, IBM Design, and Saatchi & Saatchi, NYC. The program’s aim is not just to educate students but to prepare them for creative lives and professions that make a significant impact in the world of visual communication design.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University’s Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Graphic Design that is as diverse as it is comprehensive. The program is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of graphic design principles through problem-solving and creative application. Students begin their journey as general art majors, taking foundational courses that lay the groundwork for their design education. As sophomores, they apply for a concentration in graphic design with a portfolio, marking the start of their specialized training.
The curriculum at Georgia State University is designed to meld the practical aspects of applied design with personal exploration, social consciousness, and individual goals. Students learn historical knowledge, get to know about contemporary cultural issues, study conceptualization and research philosophical ideas, and along with media experimentation, all of this is fundamental to the graphic design curriculum at the university. The business side of graphic design and the practical aspects of the profession are also key elements of the program, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the realities of the industry.
Internships with local, regional, national, and international firms are an integral part of the program, providing students with real-world experience and a firm footing for their careers once they graduate. The faculty at Georgia State University includes permanent members as well as a diverse and rotating staff of guest instructors, each a prominent member of the professional design field. This provides an important bridge between the academic program and the professional community.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including Introduction to Graphic Design, Typography, Print and Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Design for Education, Graphic Design in Popular Culture, Internship in Graphic Design, Motion Graphic Design and Social Media, Corporate Identity Design, Graphic Design for Advertisements, Professional Practices in Graphic Design, and Specialized Applications of Graphic Design. This extensive curriculum ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also culturally aware and conceptually thoughtful, making them highly sought after in the design industry.
Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is a comprehensive program that prepares students for the diverse and innovative world of visual communication. Located on the Statesboro Campus, the program offers 124 credit hours of in-depth study, combining critical and visual thinking to solve complex design challenges across commercial, cultural, global, and social contexts. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity and equip students with the necessary skills to produce compelling designs that capture attention and communicate effectively.
Students at Georgia Southern University work with professional software and printing methods, gaining proficiency in creating identity and branding systems, publications, motion sequences, advertising, retail products, architectural signage, information structures, and websites. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, encouraging students to engage with real-world projects and develop a portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity.
The university’s resources are extensive, including Mac computer labs, a photography studio with green screens, SLR digital cameras, plotters and printers, laser cutters and engravers, 3D printers, and the full Adobe suite. This access to industry-standard tools and technologies ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the graphic design profession.
In addition to the BFA, Georgia Southern also offers a minor in Graphic Communication on the Statesboro Campus, allowing students to learn the full scope of the design and production process. This comprehensive education makes graduates of the program uniquely marketable and ready to pursue careers as creative services managers, marketing directors, UI/UX designers, multimedia artists, set designers, web designers, brand specialists, creative directors, exhibition designers, product designers, and fashion designers.
With a focus on professional opportunities and practical experience, Georgia Southern University’s graphic design program stands out as a nurturing ground for aspiring designers who wish to make a significant impact in today’s creative society.
Ending Notes
In conclusion, Georgia’s graphic design colleges are more than just educational institutions; they are incubators for creativity and innovation. Each college offers a unique blend of theory and practice, ensuring that students are not only well-versed in the latest design techniques but also prepared to think critically and push the boundaries of visual communication. From the historic charm of Savannah to the bustling metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia provides an inspiring backdrop for students to learn, create, and grow into the designers of tomorrow.
As the graphic design landscape continues to evolve, the graduates of these esteemed Georgia colleges will undoubtedly be at the forefront, shaping the future of the industry with their fresh perspectives and groundbreaking work. Whether you aspire to be a brand strategist, a digital artist, or an entrepreneur, the graphic design programs in Georgia offer a solid foundation to build a vibrant and fulfilling career. Embark on your journey in the Peach State, where your creativity knows no bounds and every design tells a story.
