Art and Design Department Rank Among Top 10 Graphic Design Programs in Pennsylvania for 2022

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University's Department of Art and Design was ranked fourth in Animation Career Review’s 2022 Top 10 Graphic Design School Programs in Pennsylvania. The 2022 list is Animation Career Review’s eighth annual ranking compilation for graphic design. More than 700 schools with graphic design and animation programs were considered in preparation for this year's rankings.

KU was one of only two Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institutions recognized (Millersville).

The KU communication design and animated arts programs have the largest number of majors within the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Kutztown University. Formerly known as the Applied Digital Arts program, the program has changed its name to Animated Arts for the beginning of the 2022–2023 academic year. The department attracts students from across the eastern United States as well as from places as far away as China, India, Japan, Iran, Kenya and Germany.

Accomplished faculty ensure that students get a consistent, guided and mentored design education. KU's Bachelor of Fine Arts is the preferred degree program stipulated by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program is both Middle States and NASAD accredited.

All Kutztown University communication design and animated arts undergraduate students can enhance their degrees and acquire work experience through internships at more than 30 participating advertising agencies, design studios and media firms. The coursework explores the foundation arts, creative process, communication and art and design theories, art history and the production process to refine students’ skills and allow them to embark on a journey to discover the power behind communication design and animation.

KU offers the first and only Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in communication design degree within the State System. Students become empowered to evoke meaningful change, develop their strengths and celebrate the future of design – all through individual development and visual expression.

The graduate program encourages students to work one-on-one with faculty to develop their own design voice – whether it's graphic design, interactive design, advertising design, illustration or education. Students are encouraged to think innovatively and use an in-depth investigation to solve design problems and formulate creative expression. The program promotes a well-rounded education through the study of design history, contemporary topics, typography, emerging media and the exploration of personal and professional goals. Students ultimately create an original capstone graduate research project exploring their creative path to professional or academic aspirations.

The criteria used for the animation rankings include academic reputation, admission selectivity, depth and breadth of the program faculty, value as it relates to tuition and indebtedness, graduation rate, geographic location and employment data.

For more information about the Department of Art and Design, please visit their website or contact traylor@kutztown.edu for assistance.