| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nebraska – Lincoln | Lincoln |
| 2 | University of Nebraska – Omaha | Omaha |
Our 2019 rankings of the top graphic design school programs in Nebraska. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Nebraska
Founded in 1869, University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) serves 25,820 students enrolled in 150+ majors, 71 doctoral degree programs, 72 master's degree programs, and 32 graduate certificates. Programs are offered through nine colleges, including the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, which houses the School of Art, Art History & Design. Here. students can earn a BA or a BFA in Graphic Design. The school says that it is the only NASAD-accredited institution in the nation to offer a BFA or BA in Graphic Design.
Per the school, students will learn the “visual and technical language of Graphic Design, utilizing cutting-edge technology along with traditional skills in typography, composition, and drawing to create posters, packaging, books, web and interactive design, and motion graphics. Many courses focus on real-world projects.”
Other program highlights include access to 5,000 square feet of facilities including state-of-the-art classrooms, critique space, and an open lab area and the opportunity to participate in design research courses, apply for design research jobs, and receive U-Care research grants to work with the latest research. Students also have the option of applying up to nine credit hours of internship toward their major requirements, and BA students may apply up to six credit hours of internship. Past opportunities have included Swanson Russell, Hudl, University of Nebraska Athletics Department, and Nelnet, to name a few.
In addition, “graphic design students are heavily recruited to participate in the Jacht Ad Lab, a student run advertising agency run through the College of Journalism and Mass Communications,” and all students must join the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). The AIGA provides opportunities such as studio tours, portfolio reviews, design conferences, competitions, social events, guest speakers and travel to national and regional conferences.
2. University of Nebraska – Omaha, Nebraska
University of Nebraska – Omaha (UNO) was founded in 1908. The school serves more than 15,000 students enrolled in more than 200 programs of study through six colleges. The College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM) houses the School of the Arts, which offers a BA in Studio Art (BASA) with a Concentration in Graphic Design.
Per the school, the concentration “begins with a thorough introduction to the concepts, history, and practical skills that are foundational to the practice of design. Upon this base, Graphic Design students progress to resolving design issues and problems with increasingly complex projects.” Course highlights include Color & Visual Literacy, Computer Generated Imagery, Game Design as Art, Graphic Design I-III, Media Art, Papermaking, Typeface Design & Typography, and Video Art.
All students will complete a Capstone Project, either Graphic Design Studio or Professional Studio Practices, and they will have the opportunity to complete an Art Internship.