Design Courses in USA: A Complete Guide on Top Universities & Programs

Design courses in the USA span a wide range of fields, from fine arts to engineering, including courses like graphic design, product design, fashion design, and architecture. These programs prepare you for diverse job roles such as digital product designer, design strategist, creative director, and art director.

Enrolment in design courses has seen a 40% increase, reflecting the growing demand for design professionals across industries like entertainment and manufacturing. Studying design in the US allows you to attend top schools like Stanford University, which not only offer world-class education but also provide access to industry connections. 

This blog will cover the best universities and colleges in the US for design courses, enabling your dream of studying in the US.

Design Courses in USA: Overview

Design courses in the USA typically range from 2 to 4 years, offering both bachelor's and master's degrees, like BA, MA, and BFA. These programs equip students with creativity, technical design, problem-solving skills, and innovation, preparing them for careers as graphic designers, interior designers, and fashion designers. 

Here’s an overview of design courses in the USA.

Next, let’s discuss why you should pursue design courses in the USA.

Why Pursue a Design Course in USA?

Design courses in the US provide opportunities to study at top schools like the University of Pennsylvania, known for its strong design programs. Students gain access to valuable industry connections, internships, and hands-on experiences.

Additionally, scholarships like Fulbright offer financial support, making it an even more attractive option. 

Here’s why you should consider studying design courses in the USA.

• Top Universities: The US is home to some of the best design schools globally, like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), known for its latest design programs.
• Industry Connections: US design programs offer strong industry ties, providing students with networking opportunities, internships, and access to major design firms like IDEO and Pentagram.
• Diverse Specializations: Whether you're interested in graphic design, fashion, or UX/UI, US schools offer specialized courses in a wide range of design fields.
• High Job Demand: Design graduates are in high demand, with the graphic design industry alone in the US projected to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030.
• Access to Scholarships: Scholarships like the Inlaks and other merit-based awards provide financial support to international students, making education more affordable.
• Practical Experience: US universities offer internships and co-op programs with top companies like Apple, Google, and Nike. This allows students to gain hands-on experience before graduating.

After understanding the reasons to study design courses in the USA, let’s explore the top universities offering these programs.

Top Universities for Studying Design Courses in USA

Top universities help you choose the right school based on your study goals and career aspirations. For example, pursuing an MA in Design from Cornell University prepares you for roles like design director or creative lead in top design firms. 

Here are the top universities offering design courses in the USA.

Apart from top universities, there are several popular universities offering diverse programs tailored to your needs. Let’s check them out.

Popular Universities for Design Courses in USA

Popular universities provide great alternatives if your chosen institution doesn’t offer a design course that fits your needs. For example, the University at Buffalo offers unique programs like the MS in Materials Design and Innovation, focusing on the intersection of design and technology. 

Below are some popular universities offering design courses in the USA.

Now that you’ve seen some popular universities offering design courses in the USA, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria for admission.

Eligibility Criteria for Design Courses in USA

Knowing the eligibility criteria can reduce errors by up to 30% by preventing last-minute hurdles. Eligibility requires you to fulfill academic criteria, such as a high school diploma for bachelor’s courses and a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s programs. Tests like the GRE may be required for master’s degrees related to engineering. 

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS and TOEFL. Once approved, you can apply for a student visa for the US.

Here are the eligibility criteria required for design courses in the USA.

Next, let’s discuss the application process for design courses in the USA.

Application Process for Design Courses in USA

Student enrollment in design courses has grown by 40% in the past few years, leading to a more competitive admission process. Typically, you need to apply through an online portal and submit documents such as a portfolio of your work. If accepted, you will have to apply for a student visa to study in the US.

Here are the steps involved in the application process.

• Step 1: Submit Your Application: Start by completing and submitting your application to the university. This will include your personal information, academic history, and any necessary forms or essays.
• Step 2: Provide Required Documents: If required, submit the following documents:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose (if needed)
  • Resume or CV (if needed)
  • Portfolio
• Step 3: Attend an Interview: Some universities, such as Harvard, may request an interview as part of their selection process. Be ready to discuss your academic journey, motivations, and career aspirations.
• Step 4: Monitor Application Status: Keep track of your application status on the university’s portal and respond quickly to any additional document requests.
• Step 5: Apply for a Student Visa: Once accepted, apply for an F-1 student visa by providing:
  • A copy of your acceptance letter
  • Completed visa application form (DS-160)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Visa application fee of $535 (INR 46.1K)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • SEVIS fee payment confirmation

After exploring the application process, let's take a look at the core subjects and specializations you will be studying in design courses.

Curriculum Details for Design Courses in USA

Design is a broad field that encompasses areas like fine arts, architecture, and graphic design. In your studies, you'll cover core subjects such as visual communication, and you can specialize in areas like interior design or product design. This prepares you for roles like design consultant or creative director. 

Alongside coursework, you’ll have access to internships and co-op programs, giving you valuable industry experience. 

Here is the curriculum for design courses in the USA.

Now, let’s check out how much it costs to study design courses in USA.

Cost of Pursuing Design Courses in USA

A student in USA typically requires around $12,000 - $14,400 (INR 10.3L - INR 12.4L) annually for living expenses. This includes costs like housing , food, and health insurance, which are separate from your tuition fees, which come around $9,718 - $73,260 (INR 8.3L - INR 63L).

Here is the cost of living in the USA for design courses in USA.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Students can apply for financial aid, such as scholarships, to reduce the cost of living in the USA for Indian students. Let’s explore the details.

Design Courses in USA: Scholarships for Students

Annually, over 1.7 million scholarships are granted in the U.S., totaling $46 billion in financial aid to help offset the growing cost of college, which has grown by 161% since 2001. These include both internal scholarships of universities and external ones.

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are awarded to university students from the institution’s own funds. For design courses, you can apply for the School of Civil Engineering Scholarship at Purdue University, which provides a varying amount to cover tuition fees.

Here are some internal scholarships for students. 

Students can also apply for financial aid provided by the government and other external agencies. Let’s explore these options in detail.

External Scholarships

Apart from university scholarships, students can explore external ones, typically offered by the government. Indian applicants can apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, which covers the cost of studying design courses in USA.

Here are some external scholarship options.

Now, let's explore popular job opportunities available after completing design courses in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Design Courses in USA

Design graduates have diverse job opportunities, spanning both arts and technology fields. For example, a technical role like a graphic designer earns an average salary of $61,836 (INR 53.1L), while a fashion designer earns around $71,069 (INR 61.1L).

Here are the potential job roles after design courses in USA.

Source: Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Next, let’s explore the top recruiters hiring graduates after design courses in USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates After Design Courses in USA 

Design graduates are in high demand across industries, ranging from Information technology to fashion and architecture. Companies like Apple and Tesla are hiring for roles such as UI/UX designer and interior designer.

Here are some top recruiters.

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

After exploring top recruiters, let’s understand how upGrad helps you in planning your study abroad journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Design Courses in USA?

Pursuing a design course abroad can be challenging due to the long and complex application processes and financial planning. upGrad simplifies the process by offering expert support, making your journey smoother.

upGrad offers personalized guidance, helping you make confident decisions. They assist with visa paperwork, scholarships, and provide targeted IELTS/TOEFL preparation. Additionally, career counseling and resume reviews ensure continuous success.

Begin your journey to study in the US. Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts to receive personalized guidance on admission requirements, fees, and the application process for a successful experience!