<p>I'm interested in majoring in Graphic Design. Problem? Graphic Designing is a personal aspiration, and I've self-taught myself enough to know that's what I intend on doing. I don't have much of a artistic background other than that, and most of the works I've created are digital based. </p>
<p>I've been looking into schools that do NOT require portfolio. So far, I've found Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Academy of Arts University (AAU). There are a few standard universities that have art programs, but require a portfolio. </p>
<p>I know my shots are slim for any prestigious art school, but I'm keeping my opportunities open. Can anyone recommend any other universities with a accredited program in graphic design that do NOT require portfolios?</p>
<p>My advice - find a National Portfolio Day in your area and bring your self-created graphic design for review - let the experts tell you if you're ready for primetime or not and take any advice to polish what you have. Don't discount the top art schools for yourself only because you haven't had any formal art education.</p>
<p>James Madison University, Virginia Tech, there are others. What usually happens in these schools, (and most Art schools, too,I think) is the first year is heavy duty foundations - traditional studio classes. Bear in mind that even if you really really want to do graphic design, you will most likely be required to demonstrate significant ability in the classic arts, especially drawing - in order to progress in the program. I assume that somewhere there is a program that focuses on the graphic/computer design aspects, but I would wonder whether it is accredited. Some here question the value of the accreditation, but it is a factor, in my mind.</p>
<p>Towson U supposedly has a good GD program (I heard this from a friend who chairs a GD dept at a major art college so my reference is a good one). They are still under the radar, but have put lots of resources into their arts related programs.</p>
<p>Check out University of Cincinnati. It has a number of highly ranked design programs that don't require portfolios. The catch: you generally need a strong academic record of at least a 3.5 or so plus 1200+ SAT (M and CR). If your SATs are stronger, you can have lessor GPA. Stronger GPA can result in lessor SATs. They also have a fabulous coop program that has world connections because they were the first coop school in the US. They also have fabulous facitlies in the DAAP school and student center. Seriously, check them out.</p>
<p>Drexel is also known for its university-wide coop program where you work for 6-18 months and graduate in 4-5 years. I believe you have to go to school in the summer, though. Not 100% sure about this. At least in my husband's (high tech) company, Drexel has a good reputation for producing high-quality, work-ready graduates.</p>
<p>Another school that doesn't require a portfolio is Washington University in St. Louis. (If you do submit one, you are automatically considered for one of their College of Art scholarships.) They're selective with their admissions, art major or not.</p>
<p>Wow, okay. Thank you for all the responses. I've listed all schools named to look into and have considered all comments and advice. Every bit helps!</p>
<p>To MattsMomFL, I know you told me to not discount any top art schools. But at this point, I can't help but do so. As I noted before, I don't have an artistic background, and from the portfolio requirements I've glanced out. I've been more determined to knock out any schools that require one. Some require drawings from life, drawings by traditional media and require a variety of different classic media. For the schools that don't have strict portfolio requirements, I wouldn't even know where to begin. I couldn't possibly have a portfolio to present with just photography and digitally created graphics.</p>
<p>Even if I started now, what qualifies as portfolio worthy?</p>
<p>To creekdweller, I understand that the first year is building the foundations, but I thought, being as it is foundation, the classes were built to strengthen weaknesses and better the strengths? Correct me if I'm wrong. I am willing to attend those classes. So don't get me wrong, I don't intend to push those traditional studio foundations out! But being able to present those foundations in a portfolio as of now, I don't have much faith in.</p>
<p>Another one I remember my D aplied to - Penn State. Not sure how the program ranks, but instead of a portfolio, they had the applicants design and submit a poster conveying a message about a current social issue, along with an essay about the poster. I thought this was a novel and refreshing concept. BUT Penn State has some very lofty academic standards for admission. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Ironic that you mention Penn State, creekdweller. I was just looking into Penn State last night. I've even begun the process of designing a poster for the "Design Problem" as well. So I am considering Penn State.</p>
<p>I figure even if Penn State doesn't work out, if I do the poster, it's something that I can present to potential schools, and show them what I'm capable of.</p>
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I couldn't possibly have a portfolio to present with just photography and digitally created graphics.
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<p>Go to a NPD. This is all my daughter's portfolio consists of (photog and digital media), and she had positive feedback from Pratt, Ringling, CCA, SFIA, Corcoran, KCAI, RIT and Chicago (forget their call letters for the moment). She also received a grant to attend Ringling's pre-college program...RISD was the only school that told her without drawing, she was a no-go...</p>
<p>Try George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. They have a very good program (I work with a number of people who graduated from there), and consider applicants from a wide range of experience levels. Good luck!</p>
<p>"You are required to submit a CD or DVD of your creative work with a maximum of 12 images of drawings, paintings, photographs, or other visual materials or a website, animation, computer game, or other media. Briefly explain the context within which you created the work."</p>
<p>But don't sell your work short. Do what some of the others on this thread have advised and go to a National Portfolio Day - that's what they're for and you may be pleasantly surprised. Here's hoping you are!</p>
<p>Some that we found when my daughter was looking were American University, Marist, Lehigh Univeristy, Syracuse University (Newhouse School of Communication), they all assured us that the student would learn everything they needed at those schools so a portfolio was not required. Good luck!</p>
<p>//To MattsMomFL, I know you told me to not discount any top art schools. But at this point, I can't help but do so. As I noted before, I don't have an artistic background, and from the portfolio requirements I've glanced out. I've been more determined to knock out any schools that require one.//</p>
<p>Consider attending a local community college and taking foundation-level courses to build a portfolio that can be submitted to a major art college or university program. At the same time you can take English 101, Math 101, and other liberal arts classes that are transferable.</p>
<p>Apply to the University of Cincinnati- it is rated top ten internationally, and will give you a PAID co op every other quarter. It also requires no portfolio</p>