• Schools that offer accredited graphic design programs prepare students for entry into this competitive field.Old School Building image by Stockphotoman from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers plan, create, and analyze visual solutions to a company's or individual's communication problems. Between 2008 and 2018, the employment rate is expected to grow 13 percent for graphic designers. These accredited graphic design programs prepare students for the keen competition that is expected in this field.
  
  

University of Cincinnati

• The University of Cincinnati holds its accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has a bachelor's degree program in graphic design that is designed to be completed in five years of study. The foundation in this degree program consists of three components: a liberal arts education, supervised experience in the design field for one-and-a-half years, and a 12-quarter curriculum. Required courses include digital design fundamentals, sources of modern design, design aesthetics, and history of art.
  
  University of Cincinnati
  
  2600 Clifton Avenue
  
  Cincinnati, OH 45221
  
  513-556-6000
  
  uc.edu
  
  

Art Institute of Pittsburgh

• The Art Institute of Pittsburgh holds its accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education. This school offers a graphic design program that is completed online and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. This program is designed for students who are currently in the industry and wish to enhance his or her skills, as well as for students who wish to launch his or her career in the industry. Courses in this program include digital image manipulation, history and analysis of design, packaging graphics, and concept development.
  
  Art Institute of Pittsburgh
  
  1400 Penn Avenue
  
  Pittsburgh, PA 15222
  
  877-872-8869
  
  aionline.edu
  
  

Minnesota School of Business

• The Minnesota School of Business holds its accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and offers an interactive media and graphic design program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree upon completion. This program is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study and prepares students for entry into the industry in positions such as a graphic designer or website developer and manager. Courses include applied color theory, image manipulation, and typography and composition.
  
  Minnesota School of Business
  
  3680 Pheasant Ridge Drive Northeast
  
  Blaine, MN 55449
  
  763-225-8000
  
  msbcollege.edu
  
  

Lincoln College

• Lincoln College Online holds its accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and has a graphic design program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. This program is designed to be completed in 18 months of online study and prepares students with a solid foundation of the understanding of design technology. Courses that are included as part of the curriculum for this program include fundamentals of design, branding and advertising, advanced multimedia design, and digital portfolio and career development.
  
  Lincoln College
  
  2410 Metrocentre Boulevard
  
  West Palm Beach, FL 33407
  
  800-864-1546
  
  lincolnonline.edu