| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu |
| 2 | Brigham Young University | Laie |
Our 2019 rankings of the top graphic design school programs in Hawaii. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
Founded in 1907 and serving more than 17,500 students, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) is the largest and oldest of the 10 University of Hawaii campuses. The school offers more than 300 degrees and programs through nine degree-granting colleges and nine degree-granting schools. The College of Arts and Humanities offers a BFA in Art with a Specialization in Graphic Design.
Students in the BFA program have the unique option to cross media boundaries. Digital imaging, drawing, electronic arts, painting, photography, and printmaking are just a few. In addition, qualified students may opt to construct an individualized inter-media plan of study with faculty guidance and approval. Other program highlights include access to the Department’s three-story facility with painting studios, photography and computer labs (a Macintosh equipped for graphic design and digital imaging, PCs for electronic arts), and fully equipped printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, and glass facilities.
In addition, the school says that the “UH Art Gallery is a prominent feature of the Department’s programs. Six or seven major exhibitions are presented each year, many of which have received national recognition. Visiting artist programs supplement the regular course offerings.”
Graduates are prepared to seek positions in the field or apply to the MFA Program, which allows students to apply to one of the available media specializations (Electronic Arts, Printmaking, Photography, etc.) and take electives in more than one medium. Students are always encouraged to investigate new genres.
2. Brigham Young University – Hawaii, Laie, Hawaii
Established in 1955, Brigham Young University – Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii) serves 2,500 students from more than 70 countries. The Department of Visual Arts and Communication offers BA and BFA degrees in Art with an Emphasis in Graphic Design, a BA in Communication and Media Studies, Visual Arts and Communication Minors, and a Multimedia Communication Certificate. The Graphic Design BA and BFA programs highlight courses such as Branding, Digital Tools, Fundamentals of Web Design & Technology, Motion Graphics, Packaging Design, Publication Design, Typography, and Web for Designers.
Both programs offer internship opportunities and students in the BFA program will complete nine hours of the following: Artist Portfolio Production (3), BFA Thesis Research (3), and BFA Thesis Studio (Design) (3). The Visual Arts and Communication Minors, as well as the Multimedia Communication Certificate consist of 15 credits each, including six hours of require courses and nine hours of electives. Sample courses for the programs include Cross-Platform Message Design, Digital Tools, Experience in Visual Arts, Introduction to Film, and Multimedia Production.
Graduates of the programs offered through the Department of Visual Arts at BYU-Hawaii are prepared to seek positions in areas such as advertising, consulting, journalism, marketing, public relations, publishing, and many others.