Syracuse University

Graphic Design Degrees Offered at Syracuse University

Syracuse University appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Best Visual Communications Degree Programs.

Syracuse University offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Graphic Design. This degree provides knowledge in skills in specific areas, such as typography, movement, visual hierarchy, and more. Students may also learn how to create multimedia, interactive solutions, photos, videos, and websites. The following courses are featured in the graphic design degree program: Type and Image Multimedia, Typographic Design, Motion Graphics and User Experience, Introduction to Photography for Multimedia, and Graphic Design Problems. Some students may choose a minor to go along with their bachelor’s in graphic design. The various minors frequently chosen are art photography, animation and visual effects, communications photography, and visual culture.

Another related degree program to consider at Syracuse University is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Communications Design, which educates students about the creative process, the history of design, how to manage projects, and more. The following courses are frequently studied by students in this program: Introduction to Design Thinking, Design Skills and Processes, Design Project Management, Communication Design Problems, Design Research, and Drafting for Designers. Minors for this program are animation and visual effects, computer gaming, and visual culture.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Computer Art and Animation is another program correlated with graphic design. In this program, students learn computer animation in 3D, how to create electronic objects, how to use coding to create art, and more. The following course options are recommended for the computer art and animation program: Experimental Animation, Advanced 3D Animation and Visual Effects, Previz and Character Development for Animation, and History of Animation. Students in this program often consider pursuing minors in animation and visual effects, computer gaming, computer science, and visual culture.

Additionally, Syracuse University offers a 36-credit, Master of Art (M.A.) in Advertising for individuals that have already completed a bachelor’s degree. This program offers a focus in graphic design and multimedia production. Most students complete this degree within one year; the program begins in July and finishes the following June. Upon graduation, students will have completed an advertising campaign capstone that involves developing marketing communications campaigns for actual clients in the real world.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that was established in 1870 and is located in Syracuse, New York. It is a large college with a population of 15,226, and its campus is spread over 721 acres. The graduation rate is currently 83 percent for undergraduate students.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Syracuse University ranked 54th for best universities in the nation, 27th for best colleges for veterans, 11th for best study abroad programs, 71st for best value schools, and 72nd for most innovative schools. On Niche, it ranked 9th for best Greek life in the United States, and 22nd for best college athletics in America.

This school consists of 300 various student organizations, and it has a high percentage of students involved in Greek life. Syracuse University is known for its bright, orange color and unique opportunities for studying abroad. Students at this university have plenty of options when it comes to choosing an area of study from the 200 majors and 100 minors being offered. In addition, there are 18 degrees offered fully online for individuals unable to commute to the campus and looking for convenience and flexibility.

Syracuse University Accreditation Details

Syracuse University has received its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which can be found in Philadelphia. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a regional accrediting agency that provides accreditation to colleges and universities in its region. This agency is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

In order for Syracuse University to be able to maintain its accreditation, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education requires a self-study of the academic programs and the functional operations every eight years. This self-study examination is important because it determines the college’s strengths and weaknesses as well as ensuring that it meets the standard educational requirements.

Syracuse University Application Requirements

Enrolling at Syracuse University is considered competitive with a 47 percent acceptance rate. Students are required to have their undergraduate applications completed and turned in by January 1st, and the early decision applications must be turned in by November 15th.

The undergraduate application can be accessed online and the fee to submit is $75. Average SAT scores for prospective Syracuse University students are between 1160 and 1350, and the average ACT scores are between 25 and 30. In addition to standardized test scores, individuals must submit their transcripts along with two academic recommendations.

To apply to the M.A. in Advertising program, the application fee is $45. Applicants must submit a resume, a personally written essay, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and an online video interview. The deadline to apply to this specific program is January 15th, which will result in a decision around March 1st.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For the 2019-2020 school year, the undergraduate tuition cost at Syracuse University is around $52,210. The average cost of housing and meals is $15,910, and miscellaneous fees are calculated to be around $1,639. By adding up the tuition, meals, and fees, the total cost to attend Syracuse University per year, not including book expenses or transportation, is $69,759.

The M.A. in Advertising has a total tuition cost, including technology and health fees, of $61,018. This tuition cost does not include books, supplies, transportation, or housing.

Students are given different financial aid options if they have difficulty paying for their education. The various financial assistance options are scholarships, federal and state grants, student loans, work-study programs, and awards. Also, to simplify the process, the federal government allows prospective students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a quick and easy process that can be accessed online, and it determines if a person may or may not receive financial assistance and the amount.

The scholarships that are rewarded by Syracuse University are usually based on the student’s academic credentials, standardized tests, class rank, leadership or community involvement, and more. This college also offers the Syracuse University Grant, which is awarded to students based on their financial needs and information submitted.

For graduate program financial assistance, Syracuse University offers an assistantship. Over 1,200 students are placed in an assistantship program each year, which requires them to work as teaching assistants or research assistants. Most students are only able to work around 20 hours a week, and the department determines the salary. There are also university fellowships available that will provide graduate students with a stipend and a scholarship covering their full tuition.

Read more about Syracuse University and these programs at the Newhouse School website.