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Career and School Info for Graphic Designers in Texas



  School and Career Overview

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Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:

Schools Concentrating On Graphic Designers

  • Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Richland College, San Antonio College, HCC, and Northwest Vista College.

Fastest Response From Schools

  • Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

  • Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider UTEP, Texas A&M, University of Houston, and Lamar University.
  • Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Wade College.
  • Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider UTEP, HCC, University of the Incarnate Word, and Cedar Valley.
  • Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Lee College, Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, and University of the Incarnate Word.

School Setting

  • Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of SMU, TCU, Texas A&M Commerce, and HCC.
  • Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Hardin - Simmons, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, TCU, and Lubbock Christian.

Excellence

  • SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at SMU, The University of Texas, Texas A&M, and TCU.
  • % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Hardin - Simmons, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, The University of Texas, and Texas A&M Commerce.
  • Class Size: For small class sizes, look at SMU, TSTC West Texas, Hardin - Simmons, and TCU.

 

Read Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Spotlight Texas Schools Related to This Career

The Art Institutes

  • Locations: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio
  • Programs: 19 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Diploma, Master

ITT Technical Institute

  • Locations: Arlington, Austin, Houston, Richardson, San Antonio, Webster
  • Programs: 8 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

International Academy of Design and Technology

  • Locations: San Antonio
  • Programs: 7 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

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Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career

University of Phoenix Online

  • Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Bachelor

AIU Online

  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

International Academy of Design & Technology Online

  • Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
  • Degrees: Associate, Bachelor

Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State

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Texas State University • San Marcos, TX
Studying Communication Design (completion in 2009)

• 5/4/2011

"I feel that I learned some aspects of design VERY well, while other aspects were almost nonexistent. My degree is a print based degree, which is really such a small percentage of what designers should be able to competently produce."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesYes, I believe that my school offer some good training. However, they need to improve the student to teacher ratio as well as open more available classes to accommodate the number of students who work and go to school.
Program Reputation9Biggest college of graphic design in Texas. We contribute graduates to a major tri city area of Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
Program Quality7The QUALITY of instruction is good. The resources are amazing, but the TECHNICAL training is almost nonexistent.
Instruction5I didn't learn AS MUCH as I wanted, plus there was basically no job preparation help. The relevance to the real world work force seemed antique and out of touch.
How Difficult9Graphic design requires very long hours of work. Oftentimes, this work is on a tight schedule which must be met. Graphic design plays with a lot more math and co-ordinate systems than people think.
Hands-On vs. BookishI feel that there was a good deal of teacher and hands on training, but not enough book training and exercises. To really drill the information that the computer programs we use requires, we need more technical training. (Such as different design systems, like web design or multimedia modeling, etc.)
Schedule Flexibility1There was a HORRIBLY unbalanced ratio of teachers to students, so many classes were moved, canceled, or added to because the professors' inability to teach at a certain time. I was held back at least a year by my university's inefficiencies while the price went up.
Academic Facilities10At my university there is an excellent number of services such as computer labs that stay open late, as well as currently updated media. We always had the latest software and newest models of Mac workstations, as well as many other tools that contribute to graphic design.
Social Life10Texas State has a lot of pride and I found that my colleagues were very hopeful and independent like myself. The people who were in my degree field were passionate about their work, and there were plenty of student associations to commune with.
Placement Services1Got no training or help finding a job. We were completely left on our own to do this. Not even our job counselor was involved in contacting firms and companies.
Alumni Network5I have no physical or long distance contact with my alumni association. I have only been contacted by them once.

American Intercontinental University • Houston, TX
Studying Visual Communications (completion in 2006)

• 7/31/2011

"Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my school. I would have liked to have experienced the social side of college; however, I cannot complain because I was extremely prepared for my career when I left American Intercontinental University."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would recommend American Intercontinental University to anyone wanting to pursue graphic design as a career. At the same time, I would also let them know that the social aspect that many look forward to in their college years will not be available at AIU.
Program Reputation4Many people do not know that American Intercontinental University offers a BA in Visual Communications. Most people in Texas opt to attend the Art Institute for graphic design because of its superb reputation.
Program Quality10I believe that American Intercontinental University has adequately prepared me for a career in graphic design. The visual communications program touches on more than just the field of graphic design, and I do believe that I can use the skills that I was taught in other areas of visual communications should I want to seek another job.
Instruction10The career preparation within the field of visual communications was outstanding. I have always been into graphic design; however, my training has prepared me to tackle endeavors such as desktop publishing, videography, and web design as well.
How Difficult7For someone who was only a graphic designer prior to entering my program of study, it was slightly difficult to wrap my mind around things such as animation, videography, and coding for web design. I was fortunate that the program allowed for hands-on experience as well as tutoring in order to help me overcome some of the challenges to things that I was not as experienced in.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe program at American Intercontinental University was very hands-on. For a field such as visual communications, hands-on experience must be utilized more than book learning.
Schedule Flexibility10I found that American Intercontinental University was extremely flexible with regards to scheduling. Evening classes allowed me to work in a lower level graphic design position while in school to receive my BA in Visual Communications.
Academic Facilities10Both the classrooms and computer labs at American Intercontinental University were conducive to the needs of the field of visual communication. In class and when in the lab, we worked with top of the line computers, printers, and video equipment.
Social Life1American Continental doesn't have any athletics and had very view organizations to become involved in. The social activities that they did have from time to time were during the day; therefore, evening school students were not apart of those activities.
Placement Services1I did not receive any job placement or career services from American Intercontinental University. I used Career Builder to find and apply for jobs.
Alumni Network1I have updated my information with American Intercontinental University; however, I have not received any communication regarding alumni networking or support. I am not sure if there are any alumni activities within visual communications at AIU.

Art Institute Of Houston • Houston, TX
Studying Visual Communications (completion in 1985)

• 7/28/2011

"I loved AIH and would do it all over again."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesIf someone came to me and wanted advice on where to take Graphic Design, I'd send them directly to AIH.
Program Reputation10About 95% of the coworkers I had in my career went to AIH. They always produced the best designers, in my humble opinion.
Program Quality10I feel that the Art Institute of Houston gave me a fantastic education - before computers were even used in my field. It was worth every penny that I paid in student loans.
Instruction10Again, the caliber of instructors was fantastic. They were very professional and honest when discussing what the 'real world' was going to be like.
How Difficult10The program was difficult but rewarding. I stayed up all hours making my artwork as perfect as possible.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe school was mainly hands on. We also went on many field trips to paint or sketch various statues and architecture. Awesome.
Schedule Flexibility5I went to school for 4 hours a day 5 days a week. It was either in the morning or the afternoon, so I was able to work part time somewhere else.
Academic Facilities10AIH has moved since I attended, however all of the student resources were superb.
Social Life10I loved attending each quarter's Portfolio Reviews, as well as Alumni Reunions.
Placement Services10When I utilized their services, they were very good.
Alumni Network7I'm not too involved with the school at this point, but if I was, I know I'd enjoy networking with them.

Texas State University • San Marcos, TX
Studying Communication Design (completion in 2010)

• 7/26/2011

"I enjoyed my time at Texas State and I think my education in my specific program was well worth the time, money, and effort. However I think there were better schools, which I got accepted into, but I was unable to pay for out of state tuition. I was living in Texas at the time and had to attend an in-state school."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI think it's a decent program, but I think it depends on a person's living arrangements and talent. I believe there are better programs with advisors that better prepare students for pursuing a career after college.
Program Reputation6Many of the students have been published in communication arts and print magazine and have won competitions. This has helped establish the school's CommDes program. The adjunct faculty has also helped, but as for their specific ranking, I'm unsure.
Program Quality7Texas State's CommDes department has a variety of talented artists and designers, for example Marc Burkhardt and Melissa Grimes. The only negative thing I have to say is that they don't prepare you for the job field after college.
Instruction5I don't think Texas State prepares it's students enough once they graduate and try to pursue jobs. Internships are not mandatory to graduate, and I believe they should be. I think there are some amazing professors to learn from, but the best and most experienced instructors are only part-time.
How Difficult7I believe that the studio courses were more challenging than the design courses I was required to take. I think there is a lack of variety in courses and assignments. Web Design experience, for example, is a huge factor in getting a job and Texas State's web design classes aren't challenging and don't give you enough instruction.
Hands-On vs. BookishThe Communication Design program is very hands-on which I think was the best part of the program. The only book learning that was involved was for the art history courses.
Schedule Flexibility4Throughout my four years in school there weren't enough classes or open seats to match the students. There is no options for online classes and there are very few night courses. During my last year in school, from 2009-2010, the class availability was so low that students began petitioning for the department to hire more professors and create more classes.
Academic Facilities6The art building at Texas State is a fairly new building and has great work spaces and new computer labs with updated Adobe suite software. But unfortunately it is still not big enough for the growing program. Most of the professors are part-time/adjunct which means the availability of classes is low. As for academic advisors, there is only one advisor for the art department which meant that many students could go a whole year without being able to make an appointment.
Social Life7My school had a lot of spirit even though our athletic teams were poor. Texas State is known for it's Greek organizations, volunteer work, and the weekly gatherings at the river for tubing. Texas is known for it's colleges and Texas State is trying to get on par with the top schools, like the University of Texas and Texas A&M. I was involved in a lot of student organizations which helped me meet people and get through school. I was involved in Student AIGA and CASA (Ceramic Arts Student Association) which were great outlets when I was stressed about school.
Placement Services4Internships are not mandatory and if you choose to pursue an internship you are generally on your own, which I think is the poorest part of the program. Students can request advice and recommendations from faculty, but there is not a specific person or department in the art program to assist in job placement.
Alumni Network2The alumni network/support is almost nonexistent. The department doesn't keep up with it's alumni or give it's students the knowledge or opportunities to make contact with alumni. Individual professors take it upon themselves to keep in touch and network with graduated students and professionals.

Art Institute Of Houston • Houston, TX
Studying Web Design And Interactive Media (completion in 2011)

• 10/1/2011

"I learned a lot from this school but wished I had learned more. I needed more details about my degree plan and this is why I am a graphic designer and not a web designer."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI think a university would be cheaper. It also provides more practice, so I would advise against my school if you are a complete beginner in your field like I was.
Program Reputation7The impression is that creative designers come from this school. However, they are often lacking in technical proficiency and social skills.
Program Quality7I learned a lot, but a lot of it was redundant. The things I wanted to know more about were not concentrated on.
Instruction7I think there were areas that could have been more concentrated on. I am lacking in a few areas which is why I am mostly a Graphic Designer and not a Web Designer like I went to school for.
How Difficult8The teachers don't encourage you to do your own tutorials, but they should because they aren't teaching thoroughly enough.
Hands-On vs. BookishMostly the professors would teach you something before referring you to the books. They always provided e-books, though.
Schedule Flexibility10There are summer and winter classes. The school offers online and evening classes as well.
Academic Facilities10The equipment was state of the art. The advisors and professors were always available and helpful.
Social Life5This school is more career oriented so school activities were limited. There were clubs and organizations to join, however.
Placement Services9I always had someone available to help me with job placement while attending. Also, upon graduation, I was helped with interviews and job leads.
Alumni Network6I didn't hear a lot from the school after graduation. Mostly, I contacted them for job placement assistance.

Rice University • Houston, TX
Studying English (completion in 2000)

• 9/29/2011

"Overall, my experience was positive. I learned a great deal about English literature. Granted, it doesn't have much to do with what I am doing today, but that's not because of any deficiency with Rice--just where I was going in my interests."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?maybeI would recommend Rice for a good liberal arts education generally. I didn't take any course related to graphic design, since I am mostly self-taught or taught on the job, so I can't evaluate whether they are good for this type of field specifically. But, I don't think of college as vocational training, but as life training. So much of what we do we can learn on the job.
Program Reputation8It is a small but well-regarded program. It is better known and respected as an undergraduate institution than a grad school, though.
Program Quality10Rice has an excellent English department, but it has little to do with what I do now for a living. Still, it was a great program with top-notch professors.
Instruction7The instructors are some of the best in the nation. The only qualm I had is that there isn't much mentoring related to actually getting a job in the field.
How Difficult8Getting a Master's degree should be difficult. I did like the emphasis on original scholarship, though.
Hands-On vs. BookishThis is to be expected. The study of English Literature needs to be book-oriented.
Schedule Flexibility6This was not really a big concern for me, as I was a full-time student. I never remember having a problem.
Academic Facilities9Everything at Rice is top-notch. The only exception is the library, which could be more comprehensive.
Social Life3While Valhalla is a fine bar, otherwise, grad students are not much a part of the life of the university. In contrast, the undergraduate life seems quite wonderful.
Placement Services3This is where they fall down on the job. They don't really work hard enough to place students in the marketplace.
Alumni Network10The Rice University name gets a lot of business in Texas. Outside of Texas, it has less ability to pull in potential clients.

Art Institute Of Houston • Houston, TX
Studying Interactive Media Design (completion in 2009)

• 10/12/2011

"It was experience that I would always remember. The classes were very small and a very imitate setting. I am proud to say I went to AI."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI feel the small courses were a big plus and help with what you need to earn the degree. The program was very up-to-date for the most part, keeping up with the most recent versions of Adobe software.
Program Reputation9Lots of people often talk about the Art Institute given that it's a more private school. Only draw back was lots of talk and of my experience that the school was very expensive.
Program Quality8The program was well structured and had a lot of design-related classes. I did like that we focus on group projects as it relates to real world design careers.
Instruction8The design courses were taught very well. Other classes had new teachers who were too inexperienced for teaching at a college level.
How Difficult7Some courses were tough, others were not. One thing I like is having from real world clients brought in as a project for students. In one class we had to create a and design a marketing plan for a local jewelry store.
Hands-On vs. BookishVery hands-on projects took you from the basics in the first couple weeks of the course. Then after that you would take your skills and complete projects and have group discussions.
Schedule Flexibility10Classes were very flexible, but some teachers were very hard on tardiness. Classes were in a block schedule. I even heard later on they added weekend courses, though I never took them due to conflicts with work.
Academic Facilities7The resources were basic: small library, computers, etc. Most of the classes required books you were required to buy. One plus was that the culinary program at the school provide great food for free or very cheap.
Social Life6I didn't join many activities other then some events hosted at the Art Institute on school grounds. There was no sports team at the AI so that was ruled out.
Placement ServicesThe school had great help and offered a specific class for building design resumes. They also provide demo interviews and help with internship placement. They send a weekly list of job leads from clients seeking designers from the Art Institute of Houston.
Alumni Network9I feel successful now that I've completed a great degree. I also like the career development staff at the Art Institute - they sent me job leads on a continual basis even after graduating.

Lone Star College • Houston, TX
Studying Multimedia Design (completion in 2002)

• 12/2/2011

"The school provided a somewhat comprehensive curriculum at a time of this field's infancy when it was only offered at schools charging 4 times as much. It introduced me to graphic design and the wonders of Photoshop."

Ratings are on a 1-10 scale

CharacteristicRatingComment
Would Recommend?yesI would recommend it as a starting point. If you have talent and creativity, it may be enough. I suggest then transferring to a 4-year college, if you want a high-paying job.
Program Reputation4I don't believe they are well known for it, although I hear the program has gotten way better with their own wing and actual degrees. It's a lot cheaper than AI, so I would go again if I had it to do again, and then transfer to a 4-year school.
Program Quality5It was a new program at the time, so there were kinks to be ironed out in the curriculum. When I attended, it was a struggle trying to use the better equipment, because of limitations in how many versus class size.
Instruction4Most of the teachers were adjunct staff, and while they had job experience, most did not teach very well. Sometimes it was just as good to learn trial and error, because the teachers were just following the book.
How Difficult2While we did have a good amount of work, most of our class was spent working on our projects. There were not a lot of lectures. What we didn't spend time on in class could be made up with creativity on our projects. Compared to pre-med or the sciences, it's a cakewalk.
Hands-On vs. BookishAlthough a lot of the learning was done from the book, especially with teachers that just followed it, it's your trial and error that was your real learning experience.
Schedule Flexibility9This is where the program shined. In your graphics class, as long as you were there when assignments were given and due and you turned in good work, you could miss days and just do your work in the labs, which were open from 8am - 10pm, M - F, and 10am - 4pm on Saturdays.
Academic Facilities6We moved around a lot, but we always seemed to have adequate accommodations. The equipment was standard for the industry.
Social Life6It being a 2-year college with no sports teams didn't provide much in the way of school camaraderie. Interacting with students of all ages was a good experience, although I don't keep in touch with any of them.
Placement Services2I went to the career counseling office myself and submitted my resume. I did receive one job, scanning maps; I guess that's kind of graphics work.
Alumni Network2I only got a certificate, so that may be telling. I never received any correspondence from them. It is only a 2-year college.
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