Academy of Art University

The School of Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University is founded on one core belief: strong designers are developed through hands-on practice, critical thinking, and a profound understanding of design fundamentals. Our program emphasizes typography, visual systems, layout, branding, UI/UX, and digital design.

Our curriculum is structured to reflect how design works in the real world. Students learn how to think conceptually, communicate visually, and execute work with clarity and intention. Courses are taught by working professionals who understand both the craft and the industry’s expectations, guiding students in building thoughtful, professional portfolios.

As part of the School of Brand Communications, graphic design students collaborate with peers across advertising, interaction design, UI/UX, and communications. These interdisciplinary experiences mirror professional studio environments and often include real-world projects with industry partners such as CBS, NBC, Adobe, and Apple.

Students are introduced to emerging tools, including AI, as part of a broader design process. AI is positioned to support ideation and exploration, introduced after students have developed a strong foundation in design thinking and execution.

Whether students are pursuing a degree or taking individual courses, the program is designed to prepare them for professional practice, with a clear focus on craft, strategy, and portfolio development. academyart.edu

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Academy of Art University’s School of Graphic Design is an immersive, dynamic environment that will help you maximize your unique creative potential. We teach traditional, foundational skills infused with cutting-edge technology and the spirit of constant innovation. Along the way, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the transformative power of design, build an exceptional portfolio, and position yourself for incredible opportunities at top-tier companies, agencies, and design studios.

Our curriculum mirrors the real world; we explore communication design, branding, typography, and much more. Our instructors are industry professionals who know the value of practical experience and the importance of having a professional-quality portfolio coming out of school.

As a student in graphic design, you’ll also be part of the School of Brand Communications, which includes the Schools of Advertising, Interaction & UI/UX, and Communications & Media Technologies. You’ll have access to a wide range of classes and exciting intra-school collaborations.

We believe that AI will be a driving force in the future of design, a vision reflected in our 17 AI-infused design classes. You’ll learn to use tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Adobe Firefly for rapid prototyping and concepting. We even offer the world’s first MA degree in AI Design.

Whether you’re pursuing a full degree, brushing up on existing skills, or just exploring design one class at a time, you’ll benefit from our extensive business network and alumni connections that can lead to internships and jobs. Join us at the Academy and design your future.

academyart.edu/art-degree/graphic-design

Creative Comment: What AI Can and Cannot Do

We Want To Hear From You!

GDUSA Digital Magazine: April 2026

FEATURE Highlight

Traditional and innovative design knowledge seamlessly merge in the School of Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University. Immerse yourself in a dynamic education empowering you to reveal your creativity and gain a deep understanding of the transformative power of design. Master proper design skills and develop an exceptional portfolio, paving the way for greater opportunities to showcase your talent at top-tier companies, agencies, and design studios.

Our curriculum explores real-world applications, including communication design, branding, typography, and more. Our instructors are industry professionals who ensure you will have real-world practical experience and leave with an outstanding portfolio.

As a student in the School of Graphic Design, you are also part of a larger community, the School of Brand Communications, which includes the School of Advertising, the School of Interaction & UI/UX, and the School of Communications & Media Technologies. Being a part of this collective group means you have access to numerous classes and collaborations with students from various disciplines.

Stay ahead with our AI for Designers course, where you’ll learn to leverage tools like Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Adobe Firefly for cutting-edge creativity. Dive into social media, mobile interfaces, streaming content, and more, preparing for the evolving design landscape.

Benefit from our extensive business network and alumni connections, helping to build your portfolio and opening doors to internships and jobs. If you’re ready to unlock your creative potential, we’re here to help you shape your unique design vision. Join us for a transformative educational journey in graphic design.

Contact: academyart.edu/art-degree/graphic-design

The Academy of Art University’s Graphic Design program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-evolving world of graphic design. Students learn how to conceptualize, design, and produce visual solutions for a variety of media, including print, web, and interactive platforms. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, with a focus on practical, real-world projects. Students have access to stateof-the-art facilities and resources and gain experience using industry-standard software. In addition to traditional graphic design courses, students can explore how their knowledge applies in related fields such as advertising, branding, and illustration. The program also includes courses in design history and theory, which provide students with a deep understanding of the broader context of graphic design. The faculty at the Academy of Art University are skillful professionals in the industry and provide real-world experience in the classroom. They provide students with personalized guidance and feedback, helping them to develop their own unique style and approach to the art. The Academy of Art University’s Graphic Design program prepares graduates for a variety of careers, by providing a BFA, MA and MFA degrees. Graduates leave the program with a strong portfolio and the confidence to succeed in the competitive world of graphic design.

Contact: academyart.edu/get-info/graphic-design

Academy of Ar University is America’s largest private accredited art and design university. Founded in 1929, the Academy offers a unique hands-on learning environment in courses taught by professionals who actually make their living doing what they teach. Located at the intersection of art and commerce, the Graphic Design program integrates practice, theory, and inquiry while refining and encouraging innovation, critical thinking, visual literacy, and conceptual problem solving. Students learn to influence marketing strategies, raise awareness of critical issues, and facilitate cultural change. Academy of Art University offers a BFA and MFA in Graphic Design as well as an AA degree and Certificate program.

Contact: www.academyart.edu

Academy of Art University, founded in 1929, is America’s largest private accredited art and design university. The school offers a unique professional environment in classes taught by working professionals, and there are 30 distinct areas of study to choose from both online and on campus. Students are challenged to reach their full potential in an atmosphere of support and deep collaboration, and the institution strives to instill in its students the highest ethical standards of personal and professional integrity. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. Located at the intersection of art and commerce, the Graphic Design program integrates practice, theory and inquiry while refining and encouraging innovation, critical thinking, visual literacy, and conceptual problem solving. Students learn to influence marketing strategies, raise awareness of critical issues, and facilitate cultural change. The Academy of Art University offers a BFA and MFA in Graphic Design as well as an AA degree and Certificate program.

Contact: www.academyart.edu/gdusa

Academy of Art University, founded in 1929, is America’s largest private accredited art and design university. The school offers a unique professional environment in classes taught by working professionals, and there are 30 distinct areas of study to choose from both online and on campus. Students are challenged to reach their full potential in an atmosphere of support and deep collaboration, and the institution strives to instill in its students the highest ethical standards of personal and professional integrity. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. Located at the intersection of art and commerce, the Graphic Design program integrates practice, theory and inquiry while refining and encouraging innovation, critical thinking, visual literacy, and conceptual problem solving. Students learn to influence marketing strategies, raise awareness of critical issues, and facilitate cultural change. The Academy of Art University offers a BFA and MFA in Graphic Design as well as an AA degree and Certificate program.

Contact:  www.academyart.edu

Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design university in the nation. Founded in 1929, the school and San Francisco have grown up together and served as mutual sources of inspiration and talent. Academy of Art University offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, B. Arch, MA, MFA and M. Arch degree programs in numerous areas of study, as well as continuing art education and pre-college programs for high school students. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. What makes the School of Graphic Design special is its emphasis on portfolio development. From the very first class, students are encouraged to create an exceptional portfolio that demonstrates skills in traditional drawing and painting as well as a well-rounded education in typography, print and editorial design, branding, information design, web design and packaging.

www.academyart.edu

Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design university in the nation. Founded in 1929, the school and San Francisco have grown up together and served as mutual sources of inspiration and talent. Academy of Art University offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, B. Arch, MA, MFA and M. Arch degree programs in numerous areas of study, as well as continuing art education and pre-college programs for high school students. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. What makes the School of Graphic Design special is its emphasis on portfolio development. From the very first class, students are encouraged to create an exceptional portfolio that demonstrates skills in traditional drawing and painting as well as a well-rounded education in typography, print and editorial design, branding, information design, web design and packaging.

www.academyart.edu

With more than 18,000 students, Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design university in the nation. Founded in 1929, the school and San Francisco have grown up together and served as mutual sources of inspiration and talent. Academy of Art University offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, B. Arch, MA, MFA and M. Arch degree programs in numerous areas of study, as well as continuing art education and pre-college programs for high school students. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. What makes the School of Graphic Design special is its emphasis on portfolio development. From the very first class, students are encouraged to create an exceptional portfolio that demonstrates skills in traditional drawing and painting as well as a well-rounded education in typography, print and editorial design, branding, information design, web design and packaging.

www.academyart.edu

With more than 16,000 students, Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design university in the nation. Founded in 1929, the school and San Francisco have grown up together and served as mutual sources of inspiration and talent. Academy of Art University offers accredited AA, BA, BS, BFA, B. Arch, MA, MFA and M. Arch degree programs in more than 30 areas of study, as well as continuing art education for personal enrichment and pre-college programs for high school students. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. What makes the School of Graphic Design special is its emphasis on portfolio development. From the very first class, students are trained and encouraged to create an exceptional portfolio that demonstrates their skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as their well-rounded education in typography, print and editorial design, branding, information design, web design, and packaging. Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WSCUC, NASAD, CIDA (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD) and NAAB (B. Arch, M. Arch). Contact

With more than 18,000 students, Academy of Art University is the largest accredited private art and design university in the nation. Founded in 1929, the school and San Francisco have grown up together and served as mutual sources of inspiration and talent. Academy of Art University offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, B. Arch, MA, MFA and M. Arch degree programs in numerous areas of study, as well as continuing art education and pre-college programs for high school students. Flexible online degree programs are available in most areas of study, including graphic design. What makes the School of Graphic Design special is its emphasis on portfolio development. From the very first class, students are encouraged to create an exceptional portfolio that demonstrates their skill in traditional drawing and painting as well as their well-rounded education in typography, print and editorial design, branding, information design, web design and packaging. Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC, NASAD, CIDA (BFA-IAD, MFA-IAD) and NAAB (B. Arch, M. Arch).

www.academyart.edu