We recently talked about the best HBCU schools for African American students to study design (You can read about it here.) What about the best Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), though? HSIs were initially created in 1986 and still use the title Hispanic Serving Institutions. However, we will be using Hispanic/Latinx to better speak to current identities. Currently, Hispanic/Latinx individuals make up 18.5% of our nation’s population but continue to be severely underrepresented in the private and public sectors. Like African Americans, they are denied opportunities and must overcome several systemic barriers in order to establish themselves professionally. Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions play a vital role in making this happen. 

To provide you with a brief overview, Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions or HSIs are colleges or universities with a Hispanic/Latinx student body composed entirely of Spanish-speaking students. This includes part-time and full-time students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs. 

Like HBCUs, HSIs have been essential to the advancement of the Hispanic/Latinx population of our country. Research suggests that these institutions make up only 6% of the colleges in the United States. However, they enroll nearly 50% of college-going Hispanic/Latinx students! Moreover, Hispanic/Latinx students that attend HSIs tend to outperform their peers in various academic disciplines. Despite the limited resources these colleges have, they are more likely to develop Hispanic/Latinx talent, setting them up for success. 

Which Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions should aspiring designers consider, though? To answer this question, DesignExplorr has compiled a list of the best Hispanic/Latinx Serving Institutions (HSI) to study design. 

Our Process: How Did We Come Up With This List?

Like the HBCU colleges, we compiled another list of colleges by conducting research based on the following characteristics:

• The number of different types of design majors the school offers
• The number of design degrees they offer: Associates, Bachelors, and Masters
• Student chapter affiliations (AIGA, IDSA, ASID, AIA)

Now, let’s get started on the top HSI schools for you to study design:

1. California State University

California State University has 23 campuses and eight off-center campuses, making it the most populous four-year university in the country. The university is known for its excellent teaching and for preparing graduates for the job market. At this college, you can earn an undergrad and a graduate degree in the field of design. The list below shows the degrees you can study:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture 
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Architecture
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography
  • Art Media and Design
  • Communication Design
  • Interior Design
  • Graphic Communication
• Graduate
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Architecture
  • Instructional Design

2. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, is also known as Cal Poly Pomona and is one of the most popular colleges in the Western part of the country. 

Cal Poly Pomona is one of the best schools in California for studying architecture and is ranked high for its affordability. From this college, you can receive an undergraduate and a graduate degree in design. The following is a list of degrees you can earn:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Visual Communication Design
• Graduate
  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  •  Interior Architecture

3. Fullerton College

California’s oldest community college, Fullerton College, gives students the chance to study abroad in other countries and invests in students wanting to learn about a different culture. The best part of this community college is its partnership with Disneyland which enables students to receive career training through this program. Fullerton College has a four-year college on campus as well as a community college and offers degrees in the following design fields:

• Undergraduate
  • Advertising and Graphic Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography 
• Certificates
  • Architectural CAD Technology 
  • Advertising and Graphic Design 
  • Illustration
  • Digital Arts
  • Interior Design 

4. San Jose State University

San Jose State University is another school that our research shows is affordable and offers students a good return on investment. Using research and practice conducted by highly qualified faculty, SJSU provides award-winning education and practical experience. At San Jose University, you can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in design. Here are the degrees that are offered:

• Undergraduate
  • Animation/Illustration
  • Photography
  • Digital Media 
  • Design Studies
  • Graphic Design 
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Design
• Graduate
  • Digital Media 
  • Photography

Research suggests that these HSIs make up only 6% of the colleges in the United States — but they enroll nearly 50% of college-going Hispanic/Latinx students.

5. Maricopa County Community Colleges

A unique characteristic of Maricopa County Community Colleges is its ten campuses located throughout the county. By providing education and enrichment programs for its students, Maricopa Community College enhances the quality of life of its residents. Your undergraduate degrees can be transferred to a four-year degree, and you can also step into the design field by earning a certificate. Here is a list of the colleges’ degrees and certifications:

• Undergraduate
  • Architectural Technology
  • Animation and Time-Based Media
  • Drafting and Design Technology 
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Web Design/Development
• Certificates
  • Adobe Foundations 
  • Animation
  • Architectural Technology
  • Digital Arts
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design 
  • Illustration
  • Interior Design 
  • Visual Communication
  • Web Design

6. Pasadena City College

Pasadena City College is another great community college that gives you experience working in the workforce and earns you a degree that can be transferred to a four-year institution. As a community college, the college seeks to provide a learning environment that inspires student success within the San Gabriel Valley community.

Regardless of where you are in your college career, you can expect to earn a high-quality return on your investment. Below are the degrees you can obtain at Pasadena City College within the design field:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture 
  • Animation
  • Graphic Design
  • Web Design 
  • Industrial Design 
  • Interior Design 
  • Product Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Photography 
• Certificates
  • Design Technolgy 
  • Photography
  • Interior Design
  • Industrial Design

7. University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Tier One institution, ranked for its research centers, outstanding faculty, and diverse cultural environment. As a result, college students are empowered to become the best version of themselves while learning, discovering, leading, and participating. The following is a list of the design programs the university offers:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture 
  • Interior Design
  • Industrial design
  • Graphic Design 
  • Photography
• Graduate
  • Architecture
  • Industrial design

Top Three Honorable HSI Colleges

As part of our continuing efforts to provide you with the best options for choosing a school for your design career, DesignExplorr introduces you to three more colleges for the underrepresented population.

1. Dallas County Community District

As in Tennessee, Dallas County Community District offers a Dallas County Promise program to students. The program was launched in 2017, and it is based on the Tennessee program for high school seniors getting ready to go to college. No matter their GPA or income, students can take advantage of Dallas County Promise’s two-year free tuition program. This will be an excellent start to gaining a degree within the design field, and you can get an associate’s degree from  DCCD below:

• Undergraduate
  • Architecture
  • Digital Art and Design 
  • Digital Media Technology
  • Fashion
  • Game Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography

2. Mt. San Antonio College

Mount San Antonio College is a highly regarded community college offering outstanding student services and a top-of-the-line education.  To support student’s educational needs and prepare them for their careers, the college provides the best technology, over 25 free programs, and affordable tuition. The degrees you can receive at Mt. SAC are listed below:

• Undergraduate
  • Animation
  • Architectural Design
  • Architectural Technology
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography

3. El Paso Community College

El Paso Community College’s mission is to meet the educational needs of students, improve their quality of life, and prepare them for the workplace or transfer to four-year schools. In recognition of the challenges many students face while at college, the school strives for equality by providing opportunities and support for underrepresented students to achieve success and reach their career goals. El Paso Community College offers the following design degrees:

• Undergraduate
  • Advertising Graphics and Design 
  • Architecture
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Fashion Technology: Design
  • Fashion Technology: Illustration
  • Interior Design
  • Personal Design

Are You Still Struggling to Find the Right College for Your Design Career Path?

There are over 5,300 colleges in the United States, making it difficult to choose a school. Finding the right college for you takes time and dedication, which is why we have compiled this list of HSI colleges to help you with your search. These colleges have been fundamental for paving the way forward for young Hispanic/Latinx students, allowing them to achieve more, and providing them the support they need to carve out a professional career. 

Subscribe to the designExplorr email list to stay informed of the latest news!

Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have always played a vital role in supporting first-generation Black students and those from moderate to low-income households. They have produced plenty of prominent leaders, entertainers, and high achievers since 1837.

Attending an HBCU school offers several unique advantages to African Americans. It enables them to overcome systematic barriers and pursue a college education in a stable and nurturing environment. Today, these schools account for only 3% of the colleges and universities in the United States. However, they produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates.

Which are the best HBCU schools to study design, though? To answer this question, DesignExplorr researched the design programs offered by HBCU schools. Here’s what we found:

Our Process: How Did We Come Up With This List?

To prepare our list of best HBCU schools for design, we focused on the following aspects:

• Does the college offer an undergraduate and/or graduate program?
• How many design majors does the school offer?
• What about student chapter affiliations? Is the school affiliated with organizations, such as AIGA, IDSA, AIA, IDS/ASID, etc.?
• Does the school offer scholarship programs for design students?

We recommend visiting the college’s official website for more information about their degrees and programs. It is also essential to consider other factors such as location, ranking and cost when selecting a college. By doing so, you will decide whether the school is the best fit for your career goals.

Now, let’s get started on the top HBCU schools for you to study design:

1. Bowie State University

As one of the oldest HBCUs in the U.S., Bowie State University is an affordable college in the Baltimore-Washington area. As a result of the school’s location, students can take advantage of opportunities and make new connections to develop as designers.

Bowie State University set the stage for being part of the design community and having professors currently working within the design community. As these professors still work within their field, students can gain insight into what’s going on and what to expect after graduation.

As an undergraduate student at Bowie State University, you can major in Visual Communication & Digital Media Arts. The degrees you can concentrate on in this major include:

• Advertising Design
• Animation and Motion Graphics
• Art
• Digital Media Arts
• Fashion Design
• Visual Communications
• Digital Media Arts

If you would like more information on Bowie State University’s design program, contact Jennifer White-Johnson.

2. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Florida A&M)

This college’s mission is to provide students with an affordable, high-quality education. Florida A&M provides students with a chance to get their bachelor’s degree without paying excessive fees. Students can earn a Bachelor’s degree in the following areas:

• Architecture
• Architectural Studies
• Graphic Design
• Visual Arts

Contact Walter L. Smith for more information on the Architect program. For more information on Graphic Design, you can view more on the Florida A&M website.

3. Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College’s two-year programs can open the doors to your career path within the design industry. Choosing a community college is also a good idea since you will most likely take the same introductory courses that you might take at a four-year college. Ultimately, it will save you more money starting this way.

Through the Art program, you can learn the foundations of design to continue your studies at a university. In the Career and Technical programs, you can study:

• Animation & Stimulation Design
• Graphic Design
• Clothing & Fashion Design
• Architectural Engineering
• Engineering
• Drafting
• Design

Read the Art department page to learn more about the program.

4. Howard University

Howard University is a well-known HBCU and a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). In the art department, you will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Howard University offers a wide range of career options in the design industry.

The undergraduate program offers degrees in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Photography. Howard University’s undergraduate program provides unique degrees related to design:

• Sculpture
• Electronic Studios
• Ceramics
• Painting

Several graduate degree programs are available at Howard University, including:

• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design

On Howard University’s website, you can find more information about the degrees.

HBCUs enable African Americans to overcome systematic barriers and pursue a college education in a stable and nurturing environment.

5. Lawson State Community College

Lawson State Community College offers technical degrees and two-year degrees that transfer to a four-year college. Among the school’s college transferable degrees are Architecture, Interior Architecture, Art, and Graphic Design. In addition, you can earn a technical degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design.

You can learn more about transferable degrees here, and more about the technical degree here.

6. Norfolk State University

Another college you might like to consider for receiving a Bachelor’s or Master’s in design is Norfolk State University. At Norfolk State University, the undergraduate program offers Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Architectural Drafting degrees. The school offers a degree in Visual Studies as part of its graduate program.

You can find more information about the degrees on Norfolk State University’s website.

7. Morgan State University

Morgan State University is another excellent school affiliated with both AIGA, the professional association for design and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Within the design field, the college offers undergraduate and graduate programs. You can earn a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Environmental Design and an Interior Design degree.

Three options are available for earning a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree. These include Graphic Design, Illustration, and Multimedia Studio. In addition, students can earn degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture through the master’s program.

You can find out more about their programs on Morgan State University’s website.

Top 3 Honorable HBCU Mentions:

Surprise! You thought you were only getting seven! However, DesignExplorr did not want to exclude these colleges due to their academic history, reputation, and value of their programs.

1. Mississippi Valley State University

Another NASAD College, Mississippi Valley State University offers three options in their undergraduate program. You can receive bachelor’s degrees in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, 2-Dimensional Design, and Graphic design.

For more information about Mississippi Valley State University’s Bachelor’s degree in Arts, contact Edward Morse. You can learn more about Computer-Aided Drafting and Design on the Engineering Technology page.

2. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University has four options in its undergraduate program. You can receive bachelor’s degrees in:

• Civil Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Graphic Design Technology
• Landscape Architecture
• Visual Arts in Design

You can find more information about the degrees on North Carolina A&T University’s website.

3. University District of Columbia

At this school, non-degree courses are also offered along with a community college. University District of Columbia has two options in its undergraduate program, which are Architecture and Art. In addition, the community college offers two associate’s degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology and Graphic Design.

On the University District of Columbia website, you can find more information about the degrees. You can find more information on the community college here.

There You Go! The Top HBCU Schools to Study Design

Here are the top seven Historical Black Colleges and Universities for you to study design. Studying design at an HBCU provides you the opportunity to receive a more culturally relevant design education. It helps you connect with your roots and grow professionally within a safe and nurturing environment. You also get more access to new opportunities without having to compete with your white counterparts.

Besides the schools we just discussed, there’s another list you can view for your liking, which showcases more HBCU schools. Annually, the Animation Career Review evaluates graphic design programs and ranks them, and you can visit their website to learn more.

Did you find this article on HBCU schools valuable? Comment below and let us know! Also, subscribe to DesignExplorr’s email list to stay up-to-date on the latest news!