School of Graphic Design

Academy of Art University’s Graphic Design program prepares students for cutting edge careers in design studios, advertising agencies, and in-house studios at leading companies. Communications Arts, GDUSA, and Graphis have all recognized our award-winning students. Students thrive under the mentorship of industry-leading faculty. Our curriculum is always aligned with current design trends and expectations, encompassing traditional and digital design expertise, including the latest in software applications and AI integration. Students gain experience in diverse areas such as graphic design, advertising and marketing, UI/UX, and new media technologies, with a focus on digital, print, social media, and packaging design.

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Degrees

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The School of Graphic Design’s degree programs provide a solid foundation in art and design principles across various media, including print, traditional, digital, interactive, product, and emerging technologies. You will develop problem-solving skills to create critical and thoughtful messages, interfaces, and public spaces. Our curriculum guides you through the nuanced skill development required to excel in typography, print, packaging, branding, user experience, and motion graphics. Our faculty—composed of nationally recognized professionals—will challenge you to reach your creative potential.

School of Brand Communications

The Graphic Design program at the Academy of Art University is a vital part of the School of Brand Communications, which also includes the School of Advertising, the School of Interaction & UI/UX Design, and the School of Communications and Media Technologies. Together, these programs reflect the intersection of art, communication, and technology, preparing students to be at the forefront of industry movements. As today’s young creatives lead communication design and social change, our program enables them to spearhead shifts driven by various platforms like Figma and YouTube and innovations in AI. With the rapid growth in digital technology, companies face a critical shortage of creative digital talent. Our program aims to fill this gap and propel our students into leadership roles within corporate and entrepreneurial environments. This integrated approach ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel across various creative and technological fields, enabling them to lead the charge in innovation and social change.

By providing students access to industry expertise, expanding their toolkits, and
fostering a strategic perspective, we open limitless possibilities for their future. Academy of Art University, deeply rooted in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, embodies a unique fusion of culture and technology, creating an ideal environment for nurturing creativity and innovation. We are excited to help shape the minds of future artists who will, in turn, shape a brighter future for all.

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Allied Skills

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Advertising expand_more
Step into the future of advertising at Academy of Art University. Our facilities and dynamic online platforms are tailored to equip you with the skills for a successful advertising career, blending traditional methodologies with advanced AI technologies. Whether onsite or online, our environment promotes a hands-on learning experience that mirrors a real-world advertising studio.
Interaction & UI/UX Design expand_more
Interaction & UI/UX Design will help you gain a comprehensive skill set in contemporary interaction, user experience, and user interface design that will prepare you for careers in many industries, including, the tech industry—one of the most vibrant, multifaceted, and expansive industries in the world.
Communications & Media Technologies expand_more
Learn how to tell stories that inform, entertain, and engage on every multimedia communications platform. Our curriculum moves beyond training for traditional jobs in broadcasting to drive students towards a world of online digital content. We provide a hands-on approach with a dual emphasis on interpersonal and mass communication, and a focus on skills that are immediately employable. You will produce your own content, including online series, music videos, podcasts, broadcast productions, and motion graphics.

Online Graphic Design Program

As a student taking up your online graphic design degree at Academy of Art University, you will be given the same level of access to resources as your on-site counterparts are, including having the same professional instructors. Enjoy our custom-designed curriculum featuring exclusive learning content and modules created from the ground up by in-house industry experts.

Immerse yourself in engaging online coursework that includes original instructional videos, audio-enhanced slideshows, digital documentation, interviews with field experts, and much more. Submit your works and get constructive feedback from peers and instructors alike through our Learning Management System (LMS), so you can improve your craft more efficiently.

Be part of our vibrant, creative community. Earn your online graphic design degree at your own pace, on your own time.

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Student Work

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Careers

Academy of Art University is renowned for preparing students to pursue successful careers in graphic design. The School of Graphic Design proudly produces alumni who secure jobs at leading design studios, marketing and advertising agencies, and in-house teams at top brand and tech companies. Our students graduate not only ready to enter the workforce but also prepared to excel in their careers and elevate the standards within the vibrant design community.

  • Graphic Designer
  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Brand Designer
  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • User Interface (UI) Designer
  • Web Designer
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Visual Designer

Companies That Have Hired Our Students

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Black and white logo displaying the text "Academy of Art University" next to a round, detailed emblem featuring an artist's palette and tools, set against a plain background.
Logos of three brands: Walmart, Honda, and Elixir, appear in black and white on a white background. Walmart features its starburst symbol; Honda shows stylized text; Elixir uses bold lettering.
Black text logo of Academy of Art University, featuring a stylized "A" within a circular emblem next to the university's name.
Five black logos on a white background featuring stylized text: "Publicis," "Mother" on a plaid background, "hatch," and "VOLUME INC" with vertical spacing.
Five logos in a row, each representing a company: AE, Intel, GS&P, Ubisoft, and Tesla. Each logo is distinct, appearing as black silhouettes against a white background.
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The industry insight and thesis development at the MFA program set me up for a successful career in graphic design.

The faculty helped me develop my formal and conceptual skills , and also the practical skills like presenting to groups, critiquing work, and writing a design proposal.
Quotation marks are stylized with a gradient transitioning from red at the top to blue at the bottom, set against a white background.

Johnny Selman

MFA Graphic Design / Founder, Selman Design

READ MORE SUCCESS STORIES
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