| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater |
| 2 | University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond |
| 3 | Oral Roberts University | Tulsa |
| 4 | University of Tulsa | Tulsa |
| 5 | Oklahoma Christian University | Edmond |
Our 2022 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Oklahoma. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) houses the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History, which offers a BFA in Art with a Graphic Design Option and an MFA in Graphic Design. Students in both programs have access to the Visual Resource Center (3D Printing Lab), and 24/7 access to design studios and computer labs in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts.
The OSU Graphic Design BFA Program consists of 120 credit hours with both upper- and lower-division sequences. Course examples at the lower level include Graphic Design, Typography, Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, and Studio Art Digital Survey. Upper division course examples Digital Imaging, Motion Design, Interaction Design, Advanced Drawing, Marketing Design Essentials, Alternative Photography, Interaction Design Studio, Directed Study in Art, Advertising Media and Markets, Brand Marketing, Field Production, and Promotional Strategy. A Professional Internship and Portfolio Capstone are also part of the program.
Graduates of the Oklahoma State University BFA Program go on to enroll in graduate programs across the country or to positions at design studios, creative agencies, advertising agencies, marketing firms, and in-house design departments. Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Environmental Designer, Interactive Designer, UI/UX Designer, Exhibit Designer, Art Director, Motion Graphics Designer, Package Designer, Advertising Designer, Web Designer, Publications Designer, and Typographer, among others.
Recent OSU BFA graduates have been hired at the Museum of East Texas, Matchfire, the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, and Masterwork Artistry, to name a few.
The Oklahoma State University Graphic Design MFA is a three-year, sixty credit hour terminal degree. The program has three focus areas: Visual Communication, Motion Design, and Interaction Design. Students in all areas will complete 27-30 credit hours of graduate level studio courses, 9-12 hours of electives within and outside the department, a Teaching Practicum, off-campus Internship, and Thesis.
Course examples for the MFA include Graduate Seminar, Graphic Design Graduate Studio, Interaction Design Graduate Studio, Motion Design Graduate Studio, and Teaching Practicum. A Thesis and off-campus summer internship are also part of the program.
Recent Oklahoma State University graduates have been hired by Amazon.com, ConocoPhillips, Dell, Merck, Halliburton Industries, Dallas Morning News/Belo Corporation, JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Tyco, FDIC, Walmart, and Merck.
Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Established in 1890 on Christmas Day, OSU consists of a five-campus system that houses seven academic colleges, a veterinary school, an osteopathic medical school, and several centers and institutes. Serving around 26,650 students enrolled in 200 undergraduate majors and options, 79 master’s programs, and 45 doctoral programs. The programs at OSU are offered in seven academic colleges, a veterinary school, and an osteopathic medical school.
The College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) at University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) houses the School of Design (UCO Design), which has a Graphic Design Program with BFA and Minor pathways. Established in 2001 and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), UCO Design also has a 60 credit hour Art MFA with heavy Graphic Design coursework. Typography Studio, History of Graphic Design I-III, Computer Graphics Studio, Design Studio I-III, and Illustration Studio are just a few course examples for this terminal degree program.
The UCO Design BFA Program consists of 124 credit hours, with 80 devoted to the major. Students will complete Design Foundations I-IV, History of Graphic Design I-III, Computer Graphics I-IV, Illustration I-III, Character Design, Environmental Illustration, Advertising Design, Sequential Illustration, Packaging Design, Ink Tank, and Advanced Letterpress, to name a few.
To enhance the degree, students may take electives such as Bookmaking and Prototyping, Advanced Bookmaking, Design Entrepreneurship, the Design Apprenticeship and/or Study Tour in Design. Participation in the internship program is mandatory and students have the option to complete more than one work experience. During the last year of the program, students will complete the Advanced Portfolio Development course.
Graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma Graphic Design Program are prepared to pursue careers in Advertising, Web Design, Package Design, Print, and Book Design and Publishing, among others.
The University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Founded in 1890, UCO serves nearly 14,000 students enrolled in 119 undergraduate areas of study and 80 graduate programs at the main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the metro area. Programs are offered in seven colleges and through UCO Connected.
The College of Arts & Cultural Studies at Oral Roberts University (ORU) houses a Graphic Design Program that follows the guidelines established by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Leading to a BFA in Art with a Graphic Design Specialization, the program covers core areas such as Drawing, Fundamentals and Art History, Motion Design, Typography, Digital Photography, Web Design, and Graphic Design. ORU BFA students will also complete an internship, senior project, and a final portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Oral Roberts University Graphic Design Program are prepared to pursue positions in Advertising, Brand Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Book Design, Photography, Creative Direction, Public Relations, Marketing, User Experience Design, News and Magazine Layout, Animation, Web Design, and Education.
Oral Roberts University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school was founded in 1963 by Christian Televangelist Granville Oral Roberts. Serving nearly 4,800 students, ORU offers more than 125 programs in the Colleges of Arts and Cultural Studies, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Theology and Ministry.
The School of Art, Design and Art History at University of Tulsa (TU) has a Graphic Design Concentration that explores branding and advertising, typography, motion graphics and animation, book design, print and digital design, and package design. The program leads to a BFA or BA in Art, with a Studio Art Specialization.
Students in both pathways have access to internship and study abroad opportunities, workshops and studios, and state-of-the-art production facilities. Students also have opportunities to create advertising campaigns for local galleries and museums. The TU BFA and BA Programs culminate with a final project and exhibition or show.
The University of Tulsa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Chartered in 1894 as Henry Kendall College, TU serves around 4,400 students enrolled in more than 100 programs across five colleges and the Graduate School.
Oklahoma Christian University (OC) has Graphic Design programs for students interested in a professional degree such as a BFA, a technical degree such as a BS, or a 21 credit hour minor to complement any related major or program.
The Graphic Design BFA requires 126 credit hours, including 72 in the major. Students can choose specialized areas such as Gaming and Animation, Illustration and Fine Art, Photography and Videography, and Digital Art to enhance the degree. Elective options allow for additional opportunities to enhance the degree. Editing and Field Production, Audio for Media, and Advanced Media Production are just a few elective options.
The Graphic Design BS requires 126 credit hours, including a Minor such as Communication Studies, Business, Gaming and Animation, Marketing, or Writing. Course examples for the program include Advanced Graphic Design, Conceptual Illustration, Digital Imaging I-II, Typography as Visual Language, Integrated Marketing Design, Visual Storytelling, Print+Digital Delivery Design, Graphic Arts Production, and Interactive Media Design I-II.
Students in all OC Graphic Design Programs benefit from interactions with guest speakers, field trips, internship opportunities, and Capstone courses. Graphic Design students will graduate with a portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Graphic Design Programs at Oklahoma Christian University are prepared to pursue positions in Advertising and Marketing, Book Publishing, Animation, Web Design, Print Publishing, Exhibit Design, and many other areas.
Oklahoma Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Founded in 1950 as Central Christian College, OC opened with less than 100 students. Today, Oklahoma Christian University serves 2,250 students enrolled in more than 100 programs across 10 colleges and divisions.
