Best Graphic Design Programs in Hawaii

Today’s graphic designer has his hands full. He has to be more creative, more computer savvy, and more competitive than ever before—and it doesn’t stop there. Companies also expect applicants to be multi-talented, educated, and experienced. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobseekers in this field are expected to face keen competition, so graphic designers with both web design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.

To meet the high demand for top-tier graphic designers, colleges and universities across the country have added comprehensive graphic design programs to their list of majors or they have completely reworked existing programs to bring them into the 21st century. As a result, it’s safe to say that the U.S. is now home to some of the best graphic design programs in the world. They can be found from Maryland to New Mexico to Washington State. Some can even be found in beautiful Hawaii!

Hawaii is home to thousands of artists and designers. Several reports estimate that the number of artists and designers living here is nearly 8,000, while other estimates are near 10,000. What’s certain is, around 500 of the island’s artists and designers are graphic designers, and hundreds are freelancers working for multiple companies or independent contractors working for one company. Many of Hawaii’s top graphic designers trained at a popular school that makes regular appearances on the most respected “best schools” lists. These lists are published by organizations such as the Princeton Review, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) made the list of best schools based on factors such as faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, financial resources, student selectivity, number of program offerings, and peer assessment. UHM offers a B. F. A. in Graphic Design and Electronic Arts. It also offers an M. F. A. in Studio Art with a Concentration in Electronic Arts, and a B. A. with a Concentration in Digital Cinema, Computer Animation or Critical Studies.

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Other Hawaii schools that didn’t make the list, but offer quality design programs include Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, Honolulu Community College, and Hawaii Pacific University of Honolulu.

More Programs to Consider: