Graphic Design Schools in Virginia Beach
Students looking to enter a career in the field of graphic design should consider enrolling in a degree program, which can provide essential skills and knowledge. In the Virginia Beach area, two schools offer programs related to graphic design, and students can choose from either an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree.
- Located about 14 miles from Virginia Beach, Norfolk State University offers graphic design degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
- Tidewater Community College, located nearly 15.5 miles from Virginia Beach, also offers a pair of graphic design programs, both of which award associate's degrees.
Comparison of Schools
The following table contains a side-by-side comparison of these two schools and examines important facts, like enrollment numbers, tuition charges and acceptance rates, to help students choose the school that best suits their needs.
| Norfolk State University | Tidewater Community College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, public | 2-year, public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 5,458 | 16,797 |
| Campus Setting | Midsize city | Midsize city |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $9,622 (in-state) $20,790 (out-of-state) | $5,561 (in-state) $11,564 (out-of-state) |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 92% | 63% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 89% | Open Admissions |
| Retention Rate for Full-Time Students (2020-2021) | 66% | 57% |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate | 37% (for students who began studies Fall 2015) | 26% (for students who began studies Fall 2018) |
Source: NCES College Navigator
Norfolk State University
Located in the center of the culture-rich Hampton Roads region of Virginia Beach, the Norfolk State University fine arts department offers two degree options for students looking for careers in graphic design. Founded in 1935, Norfolk State in Virginia beach is proud to be one of the largest predominantly black colleges in the U.S.
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and Graphic Design
This bachelor's degree program has, in recent years, expanded its curriculum beyond traditional artistic mediums to include relevant technologies in graphic design. The school's gallery has become an art hub in the region, allowing students to engage fully with artists and visual art professionals.
Master of Arts/Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies
The Master of Arts is a 33-credit graduate program that gives student the freedom to pursue graphic arts as part of their general curriculum and thesis. An additional 27 credits in graduate seminars and thesis preparation can culminate in a Master of Fine Arts.
Tidewater Community College
Located just 11 miles from Virginia Beach in the city of Norfolk, the Tidewater Community College serves nearly 19,100 students with various two-year, certificate and diploma programs. Their graphic design program has two specialization options.
Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design - Advertising Design Emphasis
This 65-66 credit course teaches student graphic design as it relates to the field of advertising. In addition to general artistic instruction in drawing, typography, and art history, graphic design students will also study communication design and computer graphics. The program is rounded out with an approved graphic design elective and a broad range of general electives covering natural science, math, and health.
Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design - Multimedia Emphasis
This 65-credit program closely mirror the graphic design emphasis in the fundamentals of art technology. The multimedia emphasis takes student graphic design courses deeper into computer-based skills, with additional emphasis on interactive design, video techniques and a motion graphics course.
