BGSU named top design school for third straight year

Graphic Design USA again recognizes quality of University’s graphic design program in 2025 list

For the third consecutive year, the graphic design program at Bowling Green State University received top honors from a leading industry publication.

Graphic Design USA tabbed BGSU among its top design schools for 2025, recognition of the program’s consistent ability to provide its students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for meaningful careers in the field.

Through innovative classroom experiences, a guided internship and an engaged alumni network, BGSU graduates gain critical knowledge and make connections while they are still undergraduates.

BGSU was one of just three public universities in Ohio to make the list.

“Helping students develop their curiosity and their creativity in the right way is an important aspect of our program, as our students find themselves in many different types of positions after graduation,” Graphic Design Chair and Professor Jenn Stucker said. “Graphic designer is one of maybe 30 or more titles that our students might hold. Ultimately, we’re trying to empower the students to know they can make change and be impactful through their creative ideas.”

Earlier this year, Graphic Design USA also named two BGSU students to their 2025 students to watch list.

As part of the BGSU School of Art, the graphic design program at BGSU has seen significant expansions to experiential learning opportunities for students.

The School of Art received an anonymous $5 million donation in 2024 – among the largest gifts to benefit the arts in University history – which will establish the RING Center for Experiential Learning in Art and Design.

In addition to completing an internship as part of their degree program, graphic design students at BGSU have a particularly engaged alumni network with whom they connect during portfolio reviews.

In a yearly tradition that dates back nearly 20 years, BGSU juniors and seniors also meet with professionals in their field to evaluate and enhance their portfolios, which often leads to meaningful feedback.

“What’s amazing is that network is predominantly made of alumni who know the program and the quality we want to see coming out of the program,” Stucker said. “Consistently, students will be nervous about the portfolio review, but it ends up being an overwhelmingly positive experience where they leave talking about how much better, more confident and capable they feel after getting that feedback.

"Additionally, our alums tell us how impressed they are by the quality of the students and their work and often wish they could come back.”

On August 1-2, the program also will play host to Curious Minds: BGSU GD Regroup, a creative gathering for alumni to extend experiential learning beyond graduation, refresh art and design skills through creative acts and fundraise for a study abroad scholarship for students.

Stucker said a third straight year of being honored by Graphic Design USA was a welcome recognition of the program’s ability to serve its students.

“I think this demonstrates the quality of the students we have here as well as our amazing alumni network,” Stucker said. “Recognition is not the reason we do what we do, but it’s nice to be affirmed.”