| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine College of Art | Portland |
Our 2019 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Maine. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Maine College of Art, Portland, Maine
Maine College of Art (MECA) was founded in 1882 as part of the Portland Society of Art. The school serves around 500 degree-seeking students and 1,500 continuing studies students. The school offers BFA, MFA, MA, and Certificate programs, including 11 majors in the BFA program. Among the BFA programs is the Graphic Design Major.
During students first two years, they will take preparation courses such as Design Basics: Form & Meaning, Design Basics: Typography and Image and Elements of Graphic Design. The junior year consists of Core Studio, Design Issues & History, Advanced Letterform Design, and Design Professional Studio. The senior year includes Core Studio III, Senior Synthesis, Senior Independent Projects, and Approved Studio Electives.
Students will develop effective design strategies and study in the areas of interactivity, websites, video, narratives, publications, and information design.
Per the school, graduates will leave the program with “a working understanding of tools and technology (including, but not limited to, drawing, printing, photography, and time-based and interactive media), and their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of design.”
They will have the “ability to use design strategies to explore ideas outside the discipline,” and they will understand the business of being an artist/designer.” Students will have “developed a body of work and presented it in an exhibition, along with a written, designed process book.” In addition, students will have developed the skills needed to conduct portfolio interviews, get an internship, and freelance.