St. Petersburg, FL, Schools Offering Design Programs
Several schools in and around St. Petersburg offer degree programs focusing on areas of design. Programs can be found in interior design, graphic design, Web design, architecture, digital game design and interactive media. Most commonly, these types of programs award 2- or 4-year degrees, though certificates can also be earned.
Two colleges, one in and one within 40 miles of St. Petersburg, and their design programs are profiled below. Get details about specific degrees earned and common courses taken. Learn facts about each school in the table appearing in the next section.
- St. Petersburg College's main campus is located about 10 miles west of the downtown St. Petersburg area. The school offers certificate and associate degree programs in several areas of design.
- Ringling College of Art and Design has a few Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in various areas of design. The school is found approximately 35 miles south of downtown St. Petersburg.
Comparison of Schools
No matter what area of design interests you, if you are considering a certificate or degree in any related fields you should consider all factors of a school. Learn some statistics and figures regarding each school's population, tuition, acceptance rates, financial aid availability and more below.
| St. Petersburg College | Ringling College of Art and Design | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, primarily associate, public | 4-year, private not-for-profit |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 24,543* | 1,663* |
| Campus Setting | Small city | Small city |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2022-2023) | $2,682 (in-state) $9,286 (out-of-state)* | $52,826* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 72%* | 97%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 100% (open admissions)* | 69%* |
| Retention Rate (2021) | N/A | 83% for full-time students* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (for those who began their studies in 2015) | 36%* | 80%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg College (SPC) is a 4-year, public school with a student population of more than 24,000 attending nine campuses in and around the city. SPC primarily features certificate and associate degree programs, including offerings in graphic, Web and architectural design.
Digital Graphic Certificate Program
Students pursuing a digital graphic certificate take classes in typography, electronic media design and digital publishing. The program is suitable for students who already hold a degree, including those working in the field who want to update their skill set. Courses in this program can be applied toward the digital graphic design track of SPC's associate degree program in digital arts, media and interactive Web design.
Digital Media Certificate Program
This certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to create websites. Basic classes cover HTML, cascading style sheets, website software, domain names and website hosting. Advanced design courses delve into website design and navigation, marketing, graphics and animation. Classes can be applied toward an associate degree in digital media.
Associate in Science in Digital Media
In addition to general education courses and major-specific coursework, students in this program take classes related to their chosen track. Two design-related tracks are available, digital media technology and web page, digital/multimedia and information resources design.
Associate in Science in Drafting and Design Technology
Students in the drafting and design technology program take classes in architectural drawing, AutoCAD, construction drawing, codes and materials. This A.S. program requires two practicums and two separate co-op work experiences.
Associate in Science in Building Design and Construction Management
Classes for the building design and construction management student cover building codes, materials, architectural history and design. Design-related courses include architectural and construction drawing, AutoCAD and blueprints. Students complete a practicum and two co-op experiences.
Ringling College of Art and Design
Ringling College of Art and Design, a 4-year, private school, has a student population of about 1,600. The college offers several Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in design, ranging from advertising to motion design.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Art
Besides growing their graphic design skills, students in this program explore how to create game content, how players interact and what makes a game fun to play. Later in the program, classes cover character relationships, narrative and the effect of games on society and education.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Design
Successful motion design graduates can design and develop animated communication for Web, television and mobile devices. Classes revolve around graphic design, developing a creative process and working creatively with others. Utilizing software and technology used in the field, students develop real projects for real clients.
