Graphic Design Schools in Cincinnati OH

Looking to kickstart your career in graphic design?

Explore the top Graphic Design Schools in Cincinnati OH that offer industry-oriented programs to hone your skills.

This guide covers leading institutions, curriculum highlights, and unique features to help you find the perfect fit for your creative journey.

Cincinnati State – Graphic Design Program

Cincinnati State offers a Graphic Design program that prepares you with the skills and knowledge essential for a career in design. This curriculum covers traditional and computer-based techniques using industry-standard software, ensuring you gain the practical skills required in the field.

• Two-dimensional art and design: Emphasizes both traditional art forms and modern digital techniques.
• Brand and motion design: Learn skills like brand identity creation and motion graphics.
• Advanced technology training: Get hands-on experience with 3D modeling, rendering, and animation.
• Flexible scheduling: Courses are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., allowing you to create a schedule that works for you.
• Industry-standard software: Training includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, and web languages like HTML and Flash.

The program also includes a portfolio review process to ensure you are market-ready upon completion. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3 percent job growth for graphic designers through 2031, making this an excellent field to enter.

With co-op opportunities, Cincinnati State helps you gain real-world experience and build professional networks. Learn more about the program on their official page.

Art Academy of Cincinnati – Associate of Science in Graphic Design

The Art Academy of Cincinnati offers an Associate of Science in Graphic Design, designed to build your skills over two years. This program mixes liberal arts and studio courses to build confidence and competence in graphic design.

• Liberal arts and studio combination: Develop a well-rounded skill set, blending creative and theoretical knowledge.
• Integrated learning: Classes with Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) students provide a rich experience.
• Career options: Graduates can become art directors, graphic designers, marketing managers, and more.
• Seamless transition to further study: Easily transition to the BFA in Design program for advanced learning.

The Art Academy places a strong emphasis on social impact and community engagement, encouraging students to use their skills for positive change. You can find more details on their program page.

Xavier University – Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

Xavier University’s Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design focuses on providing a comprehensive education in graphic design from a fine arts perspective. Students build dynamic portfolios and gain real-world experience through mentoring and internships.

• Fine arts foundation: Learn techniques and aesthetics of graphic design.
• Real-world experiences: Portfolio reviews, internships, and mentorships enhance competitiveness.
• Local collaboration: Benefit from Cincinnati’s robust art and business communities, providing internship opportunities with local firms.

Courses include 2D Design, Web Design, and Advanced Typography, among others. The program’s strong career support and a 99% employment rate make it an excellent choice for aspiring graphic designers. Explore more about the program at Xavier here.

The Art Academy of Cincinnati – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design, with a Focus on Graphic Design

The Art Academy of Cincinnati also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design, focusing on Graphic Design. This curriculum incorporates studio practices with liberal arts experiences, helping you develop creative problem-solving skills for various visual communication challenges.

• Trans-disciplinary approach: Combines studio work and liberal arts to prepare for contemporary design.
• Real-world projects: Work on projects in brand identity, environmental design, interactive design, and more.
• Critical skills development: Emphasizes new thinking models, design strategies, and problem-solving for diverse audiences.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Access to computer labs, Adobe Creative Suite software, Wacom Cintiq tablets, and large-format digital printers.

The program equips you with skills in ideation, concept development, and strategic rationale presentation, preparing you for careers as art directors, digital designers, and more. For more information, visit their official site.

By selecting one of these Graphic Design Schools in Cincinnati OH, you’ll be on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in graphic design. Each school offers unique strengths, making them excellent choices for aspiring designers.

Great Oaks – Web and Graphic Design Certification Program

Great Oaks offers a robust Web and Graphic Design Certification program in Cincinnati, OH, aimed at equipping students with essential skills for thriving in the design industry. This certification program focuses on using Adobe Creative Suite to develop proficiency in various aspects of web and graphic design.

• Flexible learning schedule: Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
• Comprehensive curriculum: The program covers design basics, typography, color theory, and layout principles.
• Hands-on software training: Get practical experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Flash.
• Portfolio development: Create portfolio-ready pieces to showcase your skills to potential employers.

The certification runs for 130 hours and is offered at the Scarlet Oaks Career Campus. Two start dates are available: August 7, 2023, to December 20, 2023, and January 8, 2024, to June 3, 2024. Tuition is $2100, with potential additional certification costs. For more information and to register, visit the Great Oaks Web and Graphic Design Certification Program.

Mount St. Joseph University – Graphic Design Program

Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati focuses on developing your skills in research, typography, and the intricacies of visual communication. The program aims to create experts in impactful visual communication methods and entails collaboration with charitable clients.

• Real-world experience: Engages students in projects with non-profit organizations.
• Variety of formats: Learn to create brochures, posters, exhibits, and information graphics.
• Brand identity focus: Offers courses such as Brand Identity Design that cover research, insight, and strategy.

Students benefit from working on comprehensive degree projects that prepare them for professional careers in visual arts and design. Expect to gain proficiency in software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. To explore the program further, visit the Mount St. Joseph University Graphic Design Program.

UC Blue Ash College – Applied Graphic Communication

UC Blue Ash College’s Applied Graphic Communication program in Cincinnati provides essential foundational skills suitable for further study or immediate employment in design support roles. The program covers both print and web-based media, ensuring versatility.

• Creative problem-solving: Encourages research and experimentation for robust design solutions.
• Wide range of media formats: Learn to design advertisements, brochures, magazines, web pages, and multimedia.
• Personalized attention: Small class sizes and dedicated faculty offer quality education.

Students are well-prepared for entry-level design positions, such as electronic file formatting, image manipulation, and web design. Graduates can also pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design at UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. Learn more at the UC Blue Ash College Applied Graphic Communication Program.

How to Choose the Right Graphic Design School in Cincinnati

Selecting the best graphic design school in Cincinnati is a crucial decision that can shape the course of your career. Here are some essential factors to consider:

1. Curriculum: Ensure the school offers an up-to-date curriculum covering both traditional and modern graphical techniques.
2. Faculty expertise: Look for schools with experienced faculty members who have extensive industry knowledge.
3. Facilities: Check if the school provides well-equipped studios and labs with industry-standard software.
4. Internship opportunities: Choose schools with strong industry connections that offer plenty of internship and real-world practice opportunities.
5. Alumni success: Inquire about the career successes of past graduates to gauge the school’s effectiveness.
6. Extracurricular activities: Participate in workshops, lectures, and student organizations to enrich your educational journey.

By meticulously evaluating these elements, you can find the graphic design school in Cincinnati that best aligns with your career aspirations and preferences.

Final Thoughts on Cincinnati’s Top Graphic Design Schools

Cincinnati boasts several excellent choices for pursuing a career in graphic design. Whether you are interested in a certificate program, an associate degree, or a comprehensive bachelor’s degree, each institution offers unique strengths to prepare you for success in the dynamic field of graphic design. Explore these programs to find the one that best fits your career goals and personal preferences.