Best 10 Graphics and Design Schools in the USA

Graphic design is the creation and design of logos or other representational art intended for communication. much of the development takes place in a computer, instead of by hand. Although this creates new ways for graphic design, basic principles are the same. The new areas include website design and templates, online advertising and design with flash. With growth comes a higher profile for schools that offer graphic design programs.

Rhode Island School of Design

US News and World Report ranked the Rhode Island School of Design (RIDS, for its acronym in English) as the number one in the nation for graphic design. RISD offers two options for students: A two-year course for students and one three years for people with other qualifications. The program has 13 full-time teachers and a number of part-time teachers. Rhode Island School of Design 2 College St. Providence, RI 02903 401-454-6300 www.risd.edu

Cranbrook Academy of Art

US News and World Report ranks the Cranbrook Academy of Art as the second school of graphic design (in a tie) in the country. The academy focuses exclusively on the art and specifically offers a Department of Graphic Design 2D. Within the department, studies are open 24 hours a day and education focuses on learning through creativity. Guest artists work with students of graphic design. Cranbrook Academy of Art Box 39221 801 Woodward Ave. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303 248-645-3300 www.cranbrookart.edu

Yale

US News and World Report ranks Yale University as the second school of graphic design (in a tie) in the country. Students of graphic design at the Yale School of Art focuses on a combination of basic methodology and representation through studio work. The school accepts up to ten students each year and has 38 faculty members. Yale 1156 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06520 203-432-2600 art.yale.edu

Community College of Virginia

US News and World Report ranks the University of the Commonwealth of Virginia as the fourth graphic design school in the country. Besides playing creativity and communication issues, the college program covers history, theory and knowledge of current affairs. The Graphic Design Department has 12 full-time professors and several adjunct professors. Community College of Virginia School of the Arts 325 North Harrison St. Richmond, VA 23284 866-534-3201 www.vcu.edu

Carniege Mellon University

US News and World Report ranks Carniege Mellon University as number five of graphic design in the nation. The university has five schools: Architecture, Art, Design, Drama and Music. Graphic design students studying in the Department of Design. The school emphasizes learning to communicate through design. Carniege Mellon University 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-268-2349 www.cfa.cmu.edu

Maryland Institute College of Art

US News and World Report ranked the Maryland Institute College of Art (in a tie) as the sixth graphic design school in the nation. The Institute encourages students of graphic design to focus on the interdisciplinary aspects of graphic design, public art seeking to use political, social, cultural, commercial and technological purposes. Maryland Institute College of Art 1300 Mount Royal Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217 410-225-2256 www.mica.edu

School of Visual Arts

US News and World Report ranked the School of Visual Arts as the number six (in a tie) of the graphic design schools in the nation. The school emphasizes all aspects of the visual arts, with a focus on specific individual departments, such as graphic design areas. School of Visual Arts 209 E. 23rd St. New York, NY 10010 212-592-2100 www.schoolofvisualarts.edu

California Institute of the Arts

US News and World Report ranked the California Institute of Arts as the eighth graphic design school in the country. The program of the Institute of Graphic Design focuses on practical skills and conceptual skills. Students stay in community residential studies and studies are open 24 hours a day. California Institute of the Arts 24700 McBean Parkway Valencia, CA 91355 661-255-1050 calarts.edu

Pratt Institute

US News and World Report ranked the Pratt Institute as the ninth graphic design school in the country. The graphic design students are part of the school of art and design, which has 10 departments. Pratt Institute 200 Willoughby Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-636-3600 www.pratt.edu

California College of the Arts

US News and World Report ranked the California College of the Arts at number 10 graphic design schools in the nation. The school has a large and Media Lab focuses on the use of digital technology in graphic design. California College of the Arts 1111 Eighth St. San Francisco, CA 94107 415-703-9523 www.cca.edu