Cherry blossoms, historical landmarks, and plenty of museums fill Washington DC. It is no mystery why millions of tourists flock to the city each year, but there are other reasons to inhabit the District of Columbia. The city is also home to some of the best graphic design classes in the US.
If you are in search of an exceptional graphic design course in the DC area, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Best Graphic Design Classes in DC
If you are looking to study graphic design in Washington DC, there are several schools you can choose from. Graphic design programs usually take four years to complete, but there are also some certificate programs and one-off courses available. Discover all DC has to offer below.
Corcoran College of Art and Design
Where: Washington, DC
Course: BA of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Level: Undergraduate
Corcoran College of Art and Design offers a bachelor’s program in graphic design. You can choose to attend this program on a part-time basis and can take up to six years to complete. The program begins with design principles, and by the end, students will have a full portfolio of work. Classes include branding/identity programs, mobile apps, and web design.
The Corcoran School also offers programs in art history, studio art, and general course studies. The tuition for Corcoran College of Art and Design is $55,230 a year. This school has around 12,546 undergraduate students and over 15,626 graduate students.
American University
Where: Washington, DC
Course: BA in Graphic and Visual Communication Design
Level: Undergraduate
American University is a private non-profit university. Its BA program in graphic design includes coursework in categories including design theories and techniques. Typical classes include communication design, history of graphic design, print media, and photography.
The program also gives students the option to complete an internship while attending, allowing you to get more hands-on experience.
The school has about 8,287 undergraduate and 6,024 graduate students. The tuition is $48,459 per year.
Gallaudet University
Where: Washington, DC
Course: BA in Art and Media Design
Level: Undergraduate
Gallaudet University is a private non-profit school that offers a four-year BA in Art and Media Design. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for positions as graphic designers in print or electronic media. The program at Gallaudet includes courses in typography, illustration, digital imaging, design theory, and computer software for graphic design.
Students also use their class experiences to create a portfolio throughout the program to display their best work in a show for potential employers upon graduation.
Gallaudet is home to around 1,138 undergraduate students and 419 graduate students, making it a smaller university. The tuition is $17,038 per year.
Howard University
Where: Washington, DC
Course: Graphic Design
Level: Undergraduate
Howard University is among the best universities to get your undergraduate degree in graphic design, as it has a fully equipped design studio.
Students of Howard will acquire visual communication skills by learning how to work with digital, print, and interactive media.
They will create 2D, 3D, digital and printed art, and more. They will compile a portfolio during their time at Howard University and also have options for an internship.
The Art League
Where: Remote and DC
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Course: Digital Illustration
Level: Beginner
The Art League is a non-profit educational organization. It offers non-accredited graphic design courses in a variety of subjects divided into nine sessions. These classes are also available online.
University of the District of Columbia
Where: Washington, DC
Course: AA and BA in Graphic Design
Level: Undergraduate
The University of the District of Columbia offers both associate and bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design. The university is considered a medium-sized public university. Their graphic design program includes courses on computer illustration, typography, and publication design. Tuition costs around $30,000 a year.
Is a Graphic Design Class in DC Right for You?
If you decide to pursue graphic design, you will most likely have to apply to a four-year program. It’s best to first set your goals for studying the subject. Then, you can decide which course or program is best for your situation.
Washington DC is a great place to start or continue a career in graphic design. The city ranks higher in terms of pay than many other major cities. According to Indeed, the average monthly salary for a graphic designer in the DC area is $4,630.
Whether you want to take up graphic design as a hobby, a side business, or a career, these courses will help you become proficient. The possibilities are endless.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
