Florida Colleges: A Guide to Graphic Design Programs

Graphic design and illustration are powerful tools for visual communication in today’s digital and interdisciplinary world. Graphic designers play a key role in our everyday lives, making communication visible. The field is an enterprising and artistic profession, and graphic design can be used to inform, educate, entertain, and persuade. It can help businesses to connect with their customers and build their brands and be used to promote social causes and raise awareness of important issues.

Overview of Graphic Design Programs in Florida

Florida boasts a diverse range of colleges and universities offering graphic design programs, catering to various interests and career aspirations. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving field of visual communication. Whether your aspirations lean toward the tactile realm of print or the dynamic landscape of multimedia, the curriculum equips you with mastery over the latest software and tools essential for every modern graphic designer.

Here is a list of Florida schools that offer graphic design programs:

Barry University, Miami Shores
- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design
Flagler College, St. Augustine

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- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee
- Programs Available: BS Graphic Design
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton
- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design, MFA Visual Art- Graphic Design
Florida International University, Miami
- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design
Florida Southern College, Lakeland
- Programs available: BA Graphic Design, BFA Graphic Design
Florida State University, Tallahassee

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- Programs available: BFA Studio Art Focus in Digital Media (formerly BFA Graphic Design), BA Studio Art Focus in Digital Media (formerly BFA Graphic Design), MFA Studio Art- Design, Electronic Media and Printmaking Options
Florida Technical College, DeLand, Kissimmee
- Programs available: Web Site and Graphic Design
Full Sail University, Winter Park
- Programs available: Bachelor's in Graphic Design
Indian River State College, Fort Pierce
- Programs: BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science) Digital Media, Concentration Graphic Design and Visual Communication
Jacksonville University, Jacksonville
- Programs: BFA Art, Graphic Design concentration
Lynn University, Boca Raton

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- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design; BFA Graphic Design, Advertising Concentration, MFA Graphic & Web Design, Web & Graphic Design Certificate (Online)
New World School of the Arts, Miami
- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale
- Programs available: BA Art - Graphic Design Track
Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach
- Programs available: BA Graphic Arts, Graphic Design
Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola
- Programs available: BA Visual Arts - Graphic Design Concentration, MA Graphic Design, MFA Graphic Design
Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota
- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design
University of Central Florida, Orlando
- Programs: BFA Art Emerging Media - Graphic Design Specialization
University of Florida, Gainesville
- Programs available: BFA Graphic Design, MFA Graphic Design
University of Miami, Coral Gables
- Programs: BFA Graphic Design/Multimedia, MFA Graphic Design/Multimedia
University of North Florida, Jacksonville
- Programs: BFA Graphic Design & Digital Media
University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
- Programs: BA Graphic Design

Program Types and Specializations

Florida colleges offer various graphic design degree programs, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The BFA in Graphic Design is a specialized degree primarily in one studio art discipline. Each program type caters to different educational goals and career paths. Some programs also offer specializations, such as:

Advertising
Digital Media
Web Design
Multimedia
Illustration

Curriculum and Coursework

Graphic design programs in Florida typically cover a wide range of topics, including:

Design Principles: The principles of layout, typography, color theory, and digital tools.
Visual Communication: Working with visual and textual content.
Digital Media: Mastering the latest software and tools essential for every modern graphic designer.
Traditional Art Techniques: Traditional fine art training with modern digital techniques. Arts such as drawing, painting, etc. Design courses and illustration courses.
Branding: Corporate branding, digital design, and print media.
Motion Graphics: Animated graphics and videos.
UI/UX Design: Interfaces that are easy to use and navigate.

Students in the Graphic Design program are trained by experienced faculty to master the use of traditional and innovative design tools and techniques.

Unique Program Features

Some Florida colleges offer unique program features that set them apart:

Collaboration with Other Departments: UWF’s program blends traditional fine art training with modern digital techniques in a collaborative, hands-on environment. One distinctive feature of the program is its collaboration with UWF’s College of Health.
Access to Specialized Labs: Students have access to the Anatomage Lab, a state-of-the-art, interactive anatomy learning tool that enhances their understanding of the human body. Through the Anatomage Table, students study musculature, skeletal systems, vasculature, and organs in 3D.
Experiential Learning Programs: An additional feature is the Graphic Design Experiential Learning and Professional Development Program in Exhibition and Event Graphics, known as The TAG Team.
Portfolio Review: Before beginning 3/4000 studio coursework, students must successfully submit and pass the sophomore portfolio review. Talent-based scholarships for students intending to pursue a graphic design degree are available through the submission of a portfolio for review.
Real-world projects: In digital studios filled with the tools pros use, you’ll learn the essentials-drawing, design theory, branding, and more-while taking on real projects that let your creativity shine.

The University of West Florida's (UWF) Graphic Design Program

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media is a stand-alone degree designed to prepare students for careers in the evolving field of visual communication. UWF’s program blends traditional fine art training with modern digital techniques in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Curriculum Highlights and Distinctive Features

Interdisciplinary Approach: One distinctive feature of the program is its collaboration with UWF’s College of Health.
Anatomage Lab: Students have access to the Anatomage Lab, a state-of-the-art, interactive anatomy learning tool that enhances their understanding of the human body. Through the Anatomage Table, students study musculature, skeletal systems, vasculature, and organs in 3D.
Graphic Design Experiential Learning and Professional Development Program: Known as The TAG Team.
Delivery Methods: UWF offers classes through various delivery methods, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Though UWF makes every effort to provide on-campus classes in face-to-face programs, there is a possibility that some classes will have limited availability and may be offered online only.
The program offers a specialization in illustration, providing a balanced curriculum that integrates traditional fine art techniques with advanced digital practices.
The Minor in Graphic Design offers students the opportunity to have exposure to concepts, vocabulary, and methods of the discipline of graphic design.

University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg Graphic Arts Program

The Graphic Arts Program at USF St. Petersburg is based out of the USF campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. Graphic designers make communication visible. They create messages that both reflect and respond to the diversity of our global culture. Graphic design is an enterprising and artistic profession. Students in the Graphic Design program are trained by experienced faculty to master the use of traditional and innovative design tools and techniques.

USF, St. Petersburg campus is located at Harbor Hall. The Graphic Arts Program encourages students to use more illustrative solutions in their graphic arts courses. The program embraces a diverse cultural audience.

Florida Southern College’s Graphic Design Program

Florida Southern’s comprehensive graphic design program blends rigorous studio practice with the foundational principles of a liberal arts education. Whether your aspirations lean toward the tactile realm of print or the dynamic landscape of multimedia, our curriculum equips you with mastery over the latest software and tools essential for every modern graphic designer. Talent-based scholarships for students intending to pursue a graphic design degree are available through the submission of a portfolio for review.

Flagler College's Graphic Design Program

Flagler’s Graphic Design program blends classical skills with today’s tech. In digital studios filled with the tools pros use, you’ll learn the essentials-drawing, design theory, branding, and more-while taking on real projects that let your creativity shine. Got a creative spark? Flagler’s Graphic Design program is where big ideas are turned into reality. Here, you’ll dive into hands-on projects that mix classic design skills with today’s digital tools in studios where your ideas come to life-picture learning in small classes where professors know your name and push you to make bold choices. And with St. Augustine as your backdrop, you’ll find inspiration everywhere you look. Choose from a major, minor, or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design. Tuition at Flagler College is below the national average.

Career Paths for Graphic Design Graduates

A graphic design degree can lead to a variety of career paths, including:

Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts for a variety of media, such as advertisements for print, TV and digital media.
Web Designer: Design and create websites.
Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual identity of a company or organization.
Brand Designer: Brand designers create visual identities for businesses and organizations. A brand designer ensures that all visual elements of a brand are consistent and cohesive, helping to create a strong and recognizable brand.
Creative Director: Creative directors oversee the creative vision of a project or campaign. They work with a team of designers, writers, and other creative professionals to develop and implement a creative strategy that achieves the desired results.
Editorial Designer: Editorial designers design magazines, newspapers and other print publications. They are responsible for the overall look and feel of a publication, and they must ensure that the design is both visually appealing and informative.
Environmental Graphic Designer: Environmental graphic designers design signage and other visual elements for public spaces.
Fashion Designer: Fashion designers design clothing and footwear.
Game Designer: Game designers create video games. They are responsible for the overall design of a game, including the gameplay, storyline, and characters.
Illustrator: Create illustrations for books, magazines, websites, and other media.
Marketing Specialist: Marketing specialists create marketing campaigns for print, web and social media. They work with clients to understand their marketing goals, and then create visuals that communicate the desired message.
Multimedia Artist: Create animation and special effects for television, film, and video games.
Instructional Designer: Instructional designers develop educational materials for schools, training programs, and colleges and universities.
Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers create animated graphics and videos. They use computer software to create animations that are visually appealing and engaging.
Package Designer: Package designers design packaging for products and goods. They must create packaging that is both functional and visually appealing.
Product Developer: Product developers design new products.
UI/UX Designer: UI/UX designers design user interfaces that are easy to use and navigate.

Essential Skills for Graphic Designers

To succeed in the field of graphic design, students need to develop a range of skills, including:

Technical Skills: Mastery over the latest software and tools essential for every modern graphic designer.
Creative Skills: Visual communication, conceptualization, and problem-solving.
Communication Skills: Effectively conveying ideas and collaborating with clients and team members.
Branding and Marketing: Understanding how to create visual identities for businesses and organizations.
Typography: Knowledge of typefaces and their effective use in design.
Layout and Composition: Arranging visual elements in a visually appealing and organized manner.
Color Theory: Understanding the principles of color and its impact on design.

Noteworthy Professionals in the Field

VP, Creative Director - JR began his career working out of the BBDO offices, in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, building campaigns for Visa, Pioneer Electronics, Mitsubishi, and California Lottery. His creative talents added to long-running campaigns like QSR Jack in the Box and Red Bull. His work has been recognized by D&AD, the London International Awards, the Emmys, and the Effies. He has over 25 years of experience in the creative and entertainment industry.Miguel E. is a graphic designer and entrepreneur with expertise in corporate branding, digital design, and print media.

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