USM Art and Design Program Ranked in Top 50 in the Country by GDUSA Magazine

Tue, 05/16/2023 - 11:20am | By: Ashley Lankford

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is proud to announce that the Graphic Design Program has been selected as one of the Top 50 Design Schools in the Nation by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA).

GDUSA is a magazine that is considered an authority in the graphic design industry and has been in print for nearly 60 years. This honor is coveted by schools and programs of all sizes.

Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, praises the graphic design program for this outstanding achievement.

“This recognition highlights something we already know here at Southern Miss, namely that our graphic design faculty and students are among the best in the Nation. By combining a strong foundation in art with additional coursework focusing on the communication and professional design elements specific to graphic design, our students emerge well-prepared for careers in graphic design or for further education in visual art and graphic design.”

John Lawler, associate professor and graphic design area coordinator, is proud of the graphic design program here at USM.

"As faculty, we strive to foster a culture that encourages exploration of both form and function throughout all levels of the program. Our students really embrace the rigor of the program with a sense of pride and a determination to be the best,” said Lawler. “Ultimately, the students are who make this program successful. I am continuously amazed by the level of professionalism and talent displayed on a daily basis from our students.”

Associate Professor of Design Jacob Cotton echoed Lawler’s sentiments about this incredible achievement and discussed the implications this honor has for potential students.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to have maintained our status as one of the top 50 design programs in the country. This honor is a result of our students’ high level of work ethic and professionalism along with our extremely active faculty. High school students commonly look to the bigger art schools believing that those are the pinnacle for an art and design education,” Cotton stated. “So, it is important to highlight that not only do we offer that same high quality, but we offer it here in Mississippi and at a reasonable cost."

Learn more about the USM Art and Design program.