School and Ranking Information
Two of the four schools located in or near Phoenix, AZ, that have multimedia and computer graphics design programs are for-profit institutions. Based on ranking, school type and student population, the following university is considered a top school in the Phoenix area for studies in multimedia and computer graphics design:
- Winner: Arizona State University, located about eight miles from Phoenix in Tempe, AZ, is the largest school by enrollment and the only public 4-year university in the area that offers degree programs in multimedia and computer graphics design. Students can choose from two bachelor's degree programs and two graduate programs in related areas such as visual communications and design.
School Info Chart
| Category | Arizona State University - Tempe |
|---|---|
| Ranking | #121 (tie) Best National Universities (2022)* |
| Location | Tempe, Arizona |
| School Type | 4-year, public |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | Undergrad: $11,348 (in state); $29,438 (out-of-state)** |
| Multimedia and Computer Graphics Design Degrees Offered | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral |
| Multimedia and Computer Graphics Design Degrees Awarded (all levels) in 2020-2021 | 67** |
| Most Popular Multimedia and Computer Graphics Design Degree in 2020-2021 | Bachelor's** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 Entering Class | 66%** |
| Noteworthy | The university's graduate fine arts programs ranked #15 among national universities (2020)* |
Sources: *U.S. News and World Report; **NCES College Navigator
Arizona State University
- International studio opportunities offered in the master's degree program
- Hands-on training opportunities in computer graphics and multimedia design offered on state-of-the-art equipment
- Students can join a Graphic Design Student Association
Arizona State University (ASU) consists of four campuses in the greater Phoenix area and offers over 250 degree programs. ASU is the largest university in the U.S. by student enrollment, with nearly 49,000 served on the main campus alone. ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers more than 45 undergraduate degrees and 70 graduate degrees. The institute consists of six schools focusing on subjects like theatre and film, design, arts, media and engineering, dance, music. The School of Design offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
In the Bachelor of Science in Design in Visual Communication Design program, students develop knowledge and skills to creatively and effectively communicate ideas through an understanding of significant software, techniques and theories of design. Courses may include subjects like design awareness, design experience and computer modeling. The interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies program covers design from a historical, managerial or educational perspective. The program includes courses from three categories: communication for design, design history and general design. A concentration in design management is offered.
The specialized, research-driven Master of Science in Design in Visual Communication Design program requires a bachelor's degree in design or a related field like engineering or architecture and at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must complete a thesis or research project and will take courses such as media editing, digital modeling and research methods. The interdisciplinary Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Design, Environment and the Arts program requires 54 semester hours for students with a master's degree and 84 hours for those accepted with a bachelor's degree. Core doctorate courses include research methods, current research in design, current research in history, theory and criticism.
