NASAD Accreditation for the Graphic Design BFA
The BFA in Studio with a concentration in Graphic Design is a professional degree accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Founded in 1944, NASAD sets national standards for art and design degrees in the United States.
A BFA is built differently from a liberal arts BA. This degree requires 76 credits of studio and design coursework, compared with 44 for the BA in Studio Art, which is what qualifies it as a professional degree under NASAD standards.
University Accreditation
High Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has been continuously accredited since 1951. SACSCOC has granted HPU Level V status, which authorizes a university to award doctoral degrees.
Admission by Portfolio Review
Students apply to the major through a faculty portfolio review after completing the foundation courses ART 1050, ART 1060, ART 1150 and ART 2350. There is no quota. Every student who meets the department’s standards is accepted.
Where Graphic Design BFA Graduates Work
Organizations that have hired Graphic Design BFA graduates include:
- New York Islanders, Floral Park, NY
- Warschawski, Baltimore, MD
- Ashley Furniture Industries, Arcadia, WI
- Lexington Home Brands, Thomasville, NC
- Crobar Creative, Greensboro, NC
- Java House, Carmel, IN
Where Graduates Study Next
Graphic Design BFA graduates have been accepted into graduate study at Syracuse University in museum exhibition design, Virginia Commonwealth University and High Point University’s M.A. in Communication and Business Leadership.
NASAD asks accredited programs to publish student achievement data. The year-by-year report is on the Graphic Design BFA program page.
Recognition for Undergraduate Research
The Council on Undergraduate Research named High Point University the recipient of its 2025 Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments, judged against CUR’s Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research.
Creative Arts Fellows
The Creative Arts Fellows Program gives design students a four-year, team-based experience with a dedicated director who provides mentoring, networking and travel.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
In U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2027 edition, High Point University was named the #1 Most Innovative Regional University in the South and ranked #3 for Best Undergraduate Teaching. The same edition ranked HPU #1 of 152 schools in the category for Earnings by Major and #5 overall. It also placed #3 for Top Private Schools in the category, and HPU ranks #17 nationally for Best First-Year Experiences.
What Graphic Design Students Say About the Program
Graphic Design at HPU is part of the David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design, and High Point University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Students in Graphic Design and related majors such as Design Studies and Studio Art describe what that preparation means for their careers.
Paxton Taylor
Graphic Design major · Founder, PAX STUDIO
“HPU has prepared me with the guidance and mentors I needed to feel confident for my future, I feel ready to take on post-grad life.”
Kaitlyn Conroy
Graphic Design major · Social Media Specialist, Margaritaville
“HPU helped me write my first resume and secure the first job I applied for.”
Avery Good
Graphic Design major · Intern, Wilson Warbirds
“Working within HPU’s Athletic Communications department allowed me to build a much stronger portfolio and experience, which helped me secure my internship last year and be asked back this year.”
Explore the Graphic Design BFA at High Point University
The Graphic Design BFA at High Point University is NASAD accredited and ends in a professional portfolio.
Curriculum & Research Careers & Student Organizations
Questions about the program? Email Mark Brown, chair of the Department of Art and Graphic Design, at [email protected].