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Graphic Design Schools in Manchester NH

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Not in Manchester? Check out our lists of Graphic Design Schools in Nashua and across New Hampshire.

Interested in launching a creative career?

Discover the top Graphic Design Schools in Manchester, NH that offer programs to build your skills and industry knowledge.

This guide highlights the best schools, from comprehensive bachelor’s degrees to flexible certificate programs, ensuring you find a path that suits your needs and aspirations perfectly.

Southern New Hampshire University – Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts tailored to provide you with essential tools and support. Known for its affordable online tuition rates, SNHU’s curriculum merges artistic interests with practical web design skills, covering comprehensive graphic design courses and four recently updated web-design-specific courses. These courses include social media design and digital campaign creation, fostering both artistic creativity and technical skills.

Key features of SNHU’s program include:

  • Experienced faculty: Learn from award-winning creatives who utilize cutting-edge technology.
  • Transfer-friendly: SNHU allows the transfer of up to 90 credits, reducing tuition costs by up to 75%.
  • Flexibility: Study at your own pace with access to course materials 24/7, suitable for both full-time and part-time students.
  • Career focus: Prepare for various roles like graphic designers, UX designers, and logo developers, supported by a strong network of alumni and industry connections.

SNHU’s program also offers a concentration in User Experience Design, addressing the growing demand for UX professionals. The faculty prioritize developing strong critical thinking skills and hands-on technical proficiency. This prepares you for a competitive marketplace and positions you for a projected 16% job growth in web development and digital design roles through 2032.

Manchester Community College – Graphic Design

Manchester Community College (MCC) provides a robust Graphic Design program with options for an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and a certificate. The A.A.S degree offers a comprehensive education, while the certificate is a quicker route for acquiring specific graphic design skills. Experienced faculty provide valuable industry insights and practical knowledge in areas like design fundamentals, typography, digital imaging, web design, and portfolio development.

Benefits of choosing MCC include:

  • Hands-on experience: Projects and internships emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Business integration: Courses in business and marketing give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
  • Affordability and flexibility: With varied scheduling options, including day, evening, and online classes, MCC caters to diverse student needs.

While MCC may have limitations in specialized art resources, it offers great value by integrating business-oriented courses that enhance employability. It’s an excellent starting point for students or those looking to quickly upskill in graphic design.

University of New Hampshire Manchester – Graphic Design Minor

The University of New Hampshire Manchester offers a Graphic Design minor aimed at enhancing your creative and critical thinking skills. This program is designed to teach you how to apply technical skills to transform ideas into various media forms, emphasizing visual communication to meet specific needs. The minor is a great complement to various disciplines, such as professional communication, marketing, and digital media.

Courses in the UNH Manchester Graphic Design minor include:

  • Introduction to Drawing or Digital Photography
  • Fundamentals of Design
  • Digital Illustration
  • Media and Strategic Communication
  • Advanced Digital Illustration

Program Highlights:

  • Grade requirements: Maintain a minimum grade of C- in all minor courses and a 2.0 GPA.
  • Upper-level coursework: The program requires two upper-level courses.
  • Diverse skills: Combines creative and strategic thinking beyond software skills.

UNH Manchester’s minor prepares you for careers in web development, marketing strategy, special effects, animation, graphic design, and more. It emphasizes training students as problem solvers who can devise design solutions for various challenges.

Saint Anselm College – Graphic Design Program

Saint Anselm College offers a major and minor in Graphic Design as part of its Fine Arts Department, focusing on the creative and persuasive use of text and images for effective communication. The program emphasizes developing fluency in typography, style, and visual design using industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite.

Core courses in Saint Anselm’s Graphic Design program include:

  • 2D & 3D Foundations
  • Graphic Design I and II
  • Digital Art & Imaging
  • Typography and Design
  • Visual Communication
  • Digital Photography
  • Art & Design for the Web
  • Animation
  • Motion Art & Design

Key attributes of the program:

  • Comprehensive integration: Combines traditional and digital design principles.
  • Problem-solving and design processes: Trains you to craft visual user experiences (UX) and interfaces (UI).
  • Holistic education: Integrates technology, creative thinking, and real-world application.

If you prefer a minor, the program includes five courses totaling 20 credit hours, introducing essential tools, techniques, and concepts. Saint Anselm College’s Graphic Design program prepares you for roles in art direction, digital design, multimedia production, and more.

Explore these excellent Graphic Design Schools in Manchester NH to kickstart your creative career and find the best fit for your needs and goals.

Keene State College – Art Major with Graphic Design Option

Consider Keene State College, where an Art Major with a Graphic Design option provides a robust education tailored to equip you with conceptual, aesthetic, technical, and collaborative skills. The program offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art with options in graphic design or studio art, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with various specializations. Additionally, there is a studio art minor available.

What You Will Learn

  • Wide Range of Courses: You will take courses in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Graphic Design.
  • Applied Learning: Learn to transform communication concepts into effective visual language using images and typography.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Focus on printed and electronic communication, website design, illustration, corporate logos and identity systems, posters, publications, animation, and mobile media applications.

Unique Attributes

  • Small Class Sizes: Allows for personalized attention and guidance from faculty.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from working artists and designers who bring real-world insights into the classroom.
  • Location: The rural campus offers an inspiring environment with proximity to cultural hubs like Manchester, Boston, and New York City.

This program also includes an Arts Management specialization, ideal if you seek leadership roles in arts organizations’ business aspects.

For designers looking for an interdisciplinary approach, Keene State College provides practical experience and prepares you for careers in advertising, web design, animation, and visual arts.

Franklin Pierce University – Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design

Franklin Pierce University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design that equips you with hands-on experience using the latest digital tools and design processes in media arts.

Program Structure

  • Foundational Courses: Start with Introduction to Digital Media Design and Digital Design Foundations.
  • Specialized Areas: Move into User Experience and Interface Design, Social Media, and Mobile Design.
  • Elective Courses: Personalize your education with electives that align with your interests.

By the fourth year, you will engage in advanced coursework and hands-on projects, culminating in a Digital Media Design Portfolio course to showcase your skills.

Why Choose Franklin Pierce?

  • Experiential Learning: Opportunities abound with resources like the Marlin Fitzwater Center for Communication and production facilities within the Pierce Media Group.
  • Design Thinking Focus: Learn about design thinking, human-centered design, and concept development, vital skills for the industry.
  • Career Preparedness: Graduates are prepared for careers in UX/UI design, graphic and web design, data visualization, and digital marketing.

Explore more about the Digital Media Design program at Franklin Pierce University to see how it can prepare you for diverse roles like mobile and app design, motion graphics, and digital content management.

Choosing the Best Graphic Design School for You

Choosing the right graphic design school is a critical step in shaping your creative career. Here are some essential considerations to guide your decision:

  1. Curriculum Quality
  2. Facilities
  3. Faculty Expertise
  4. Internship Opportunities
  5. Career Support Services
  6. Cost and Financial Aid
  7. Location
  8. Flexibility

Wrapping Up Your Graphic Design School Hunt

Selecting the right Graphic Design School in Manchester, NH can significantly influence your future career. We encourage you to explore your options further, visit campuses, and talk to alumni. Each institution offers unique strengths that cater to different preferences and professional goals. Consider these factors carefully to make a choice that aligns with your aspirations and sets you on the path to success in the dynamic field of graphic design.