Choosing an Art/Design School

Selecting an Art and Design College

Do you like to tell a story, solve a problem, relay information or convey a message? Perhaps a career in art and design is for you. Are you looking to broaden your horizons, learn about a different culture and travel to exciting places? Perhaps you should consider attending an art and design college in the United States.

What Should You Look For in an Art and Design College?

Length and Type of Program

Are you interested in a four-year degree, or receiving a certificate or a two-year Associate's degree? Are you considering a program that offers a concentration or emphasis instead of a degree program? Should you attend an art and design school, or enroll in a program offered by a major university? Do you want a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts), a BA (Bachelor of Arts), or a BS (Bachelor of Science)? These are important decisions, as programs can differ greatly.

Size and Enrollment

The number of students enrolled in a school can greatly affect the learning environment. Do you want to attend a university with thousands and thousands of students, or are you looking for a school with a smaller student body? It completely depends on your preferences. A large school may offer a greater variety of student clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities. On the other hand, a smaller school may also offer clubs and student organizations—just not as many. At a smaller school you may get to know almost all your classmates and be on a first-name basis with your instructors.

Faculty

And speaking of instructors, you'll also want to research the teaching faculty. How many are dedicated to teaching in the program? What are their professional qualifications? Are instructors full-time faculty or adjunct faculty who hold down jobs outside the classroom and what is the balance between the two? And remember that the faculty-to-student ratio is just as important as school size. Often these ratios are better at smaller schools.

Curriculum

Explore college websites to find out the courses you will need to take to graduate with your desired degree. Look at the number of art and design classes required to earn a degree, and when students can start taking those classes. Can you begin your core classes as a freshman or sophomore, or do you need to wait until you're an upperclassman? And also explore whether they offer information especially for international students.

Facilities and Technology

You will spend a lot of time working on your projects, either drawing or painting by hand or working on the computer. Therefore, it's just as important to explore the school's classrooms, studios and equipment. Be sure you find out what studio facilities are available and when students have access to them. Will you have to pay a fee to use the labs, or are the fees included in your tuition? Are the labs properly maintained? Are there enough computers, printers, scanners and other equipment to support the students using them? Is the equipment and software state-of-the-art and up-to-date?

Some programs do not provide computers for students' use, but instead require students to purchase their own laptop and software. If that is the case, does the school provide equipment recommendations, discounts, or technical assistance? Does financial aid cover the purchase of equipment? How does the school address upgrades to equipment and software? Does the school provide peripherals such as printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc. for student use?

Internships

It's important that programs offer opportunities for study outside the classroom. Ask whether the school provides internships or work-study opportunities for students. Are internships required, and if not, will you receive credit for participation? Does the program promote opportunities for freelance work or membership in professional organizations, and does it encourage participation in design competitions?

Alumni and Graduates

Successful program graduates enjoy a fulfilling career. Ask the alumni office about program graduates. Where and for whom do they work? Do graduates return to the school to speak to students? Do graduates serve as mentors for current students? Do they hire other grads from their alma mater as interns or full-time designers?

Accreditation

If you're considering a particular school, find out which accrediting institution has accredited the programs that interest you. An accrediting institution is an organization that examines each instructional program offered by a university to determine its merit. If the accrediting institution's set standards are met, the accrediting institution approves the school's right to grant degrees in that subject area.

Student Visa

If you decide to study in the United States, you will need to enter the country on a non-immigrant visa. You should receive a "Certificate of Eligibility" (form I-20 or DS-2019) from with your admission letter. It's important to take the Certificate of Eligibility with you when you apply for your F-1 or J-1 (non-immigrant) visa.
Attending an art and design school can be a rewarding experience. Attending such a school in the United States will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Editorial provided by Pamela Patton, Editor at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University.