<p>Several people have asked about how to choose design programs. When my d began this process (graphic design), we knew very little about art programs and received little help from her school. Some research showed us there are various routes to take and one isn't necessarily better than another - it all depends on what the student wants. Some prefer a broad undergrad program, with the expectation of going to grad school. Others want a more specialized undergrad experience which would lead to a job upon graduation. Here are a few sites we read that helped us along the way.</p>
<p>We began by reading about NASAD, which is the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
<a href="http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=index%5B/url%5D">http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=index</a></p>
<p>The NASAD website pointed us to the AIGA (the professional association for design)site which had several helpful publications. This was a great place to start learning the difference between BFA programs (art schools & universities) and BA programs (usually at LACs but also at some universities).</p>
<p>AIGA link - "Making choices about the study of graphic design."
<a href="http://www.aiga.org/resources/content/6/2/7/documents/NASAD_student_brochure.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.aiga.org/resources/content/6/2/7/documents/NASAD_student_brochure.pdf</a></p>
<p>AIGA link - "How to select a design school" (notice on the right side of the page other sites relating to graphic design)
<a href="http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm?contentalias=selectschool%5B/url%5D">http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm?contentalias=selectschool</a></p>
<p>Finding lists of schools by major was easy using The National Portfolio Day Association site. Be sure to check for overlapping majors like graphic design/communication design/advertising design, etc. It also has a list of upcoming portfolio days where students can have their artwork evaluated.
<a href="http://www.npda.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.npda.org/</a></p>