As with any other type of education, choosing between schools for graphic design is serious business. But that doesn’t mean that it has to be difficult or dull!
The top graphic design schools will be open books, allowing you to learn as much about them and what they offer as you would like to know. With a little extra effort, you can go beyond the surface and really dig into the pros and cons of attending your short-listed choices. Find out how to simplify your choice with these Graphic Design Tips!
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE TOP GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL?
If you really want to know what particular colleges or schools for graphic design can offer, start by evaluating the curriculum and learning more about the individual graphic design courses that are offered. Consider how each of these will support your career goals — yes, a motion graphics class might be a lot of fun, but is it really necessary for someone with a focus on print design?
Don’t get us wrong, we’re by no means saying to discount a school simply because the curriculum offers some graphic design courses that are less than essential for your needs. Instead, we encourage you to find a school that offers the highest number of courses you feel will be beneficial to your long-term goals for your career in graphic design.
GET TO KNOW THE FACULTY AND STAFF
Next, make an effort to learn more about the people who will be teaching the graphic design courses you want to take. How many instructors are there in the graphic design program? Are they all full-time staff, or are some part-time or as-needed instructors? Look for industry experience as well — the best colleges for graphic design will make an effort to employ teachers who have substantial industry experience.
Your first graphic design courses will likely include your fundamentals, and it’s very important that you be exposed to a variety of ideas and information from credible and experienced sources. A solid graphic design education is built on the knowledge of the program instructors and how they share this information with their students. Ask questions about the faculty at any colleges for graphic design that you are considering attending in the future.
Is everything looking good so far? Great! You’re on your way toward picking and attending the top graphic design school of your dreams.
EXPLORE CAREER OPTIONS AND GRADUATE SUCCESS
Look into the careers of past graduates of the programs you are interested in. Ask if you could speak to any former students and get their impressions of the program and their overall experience while attending the school. See if you can find any portfolios or bodies of student work from their time in the program. Is there any improvement over time?
DO THEY OFFER A CAREER DEVELOPMENT COURSE?
Also make sure to clarify what the school’s policy is on career assistance. Some schools will help students complete their resumes and a small portfolio, and others will also help students connect with potential employers before or shortly after graduation.
THE RECAP: PICKING THE TOP GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL
What makes a school one of the best colleges for graphic design varies from one student to the next. Because everyone is different and no two people have exactly the same goals, there are bound to be some differences of opinion!
A high-quality curriculum, experienced full-time faculty, and successful graduates are all things to look for when considering schools for graphic design.
START YOUR CAREER WITH US
Here at F.I.R.S.T. Institute, we strive every day to be of service to our students and provide them with the very best that we can offer — from a faculty made up of experienced industry professionals to a broad spectrum of courses and a dedicated Career Development department, we do all we can to ensure that our students receive the best possible educational opportunities.
If you’d like to know more about our programs, please give us a call or send us an email! Staff members are standing by to answer any questions you might have.
