Best Design Schools

The global landscape of design education is shaped by numerous institutions recognized for their innovative approaches, diverse program offerings, and commitment to excellence. BusinessWeek’s global survey of the top 60 design schools in the world provides an insightful overview of some of the most prestigious institutions dedicated to shaping the future of design, innovation, and creativity. Among these institutions are notable design schools that have achieved recognition not only for their academic programs but also for their emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches, sustainability, technological innovation, and forward-thinking design practices. Some of these celebrated institutions include the Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) in the United States, Parsons The New School for Design, Umeå Institute of Design in Sweden, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Art and Design Helsinki in Finland, among others. These institutions represent the forefront of design education and exemplify the dynamic nature of creative thinking across industries.

The Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI) in the United States is considered one of the top design and innovation schools globally. BGI has established itself as a leader in the intersection of design, business, and sustainability, offering unique graduate programs that align with the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. The institute offers an MBA in Sustainable Business and certificates in Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship & Intrapreneurship. These programs emphasize a design-led, strategic approach to creating sustainable business solutions while fostering innovative thinking. BGI’s commitment to combining business acumen with sustainability is crucial in addressing global issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, and economic disruption. Its emphasis on practical learning, leadership development, and interdisciplinary approaches has positioned BGI as an institution that bridges the gap between traditional design principles and the complex needs of modern economies and industries. Located at 284 Madrona Way NE, Suite 124, Bainbridge Island, WA, BGI’s reputation continues to grow as students across the globe recognize its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Another prominent institution that has consistently made waves in the global design education scene is Parsons The New School for Design, also located in the United States. Parsons is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious art and design schools, offering a comprehensive and diverse array of programs spread across five academic schools: The School of Design Strategies, The School of Art, Media, and Technology, The School of Art and Design History and Theory, The School of Constructed Environments, and The School of Fashion. Parsons is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), which further underscores its standing and influence within the design education community. Parsons’ multidisciplinary approach emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and innovation, offering programs that span various creative disciplines and fields. This approach allows students to engage in a variety of design practices, including design strategies, visual culture, art education, media studies, and sustainability, among other areas. The diversity of its programs ensures that students have access to world-class instruction, research opportunities, and practical experience, all within a global context. Parsons’ emphasis on developing students' creative, entrepreneurial, and technical skills allows its graduates to lead in industries ranging from fashion to technology, media, architecture, and design research.

Similarly, the Umeå Institute of Design in Sweden has garnered significant attention as one of the top design schools in the world. Umeå Institute of Design offers Master’s programs that specialize in industrial design fields such as Interaction Design, Transportation Design, and Advanced Product Design. This specialization allows students to focus on critical areas of design that intersect with user experience, technological development, and innovation. Umeå’s reputation as the only design school in Sweden offering specialized Master’s programs highlights its role as a leader in European design education. Its international reputation is based on its dedication to fostering creative exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological experimentation. Umeå Institute of Design provides students with a dynamic academic environment that supports exploration in interaction design, innovation, and the design of everyday products and technologies, allowing students to engage with emerging trends and concepts in the design field.

The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is another institution that holds significant global recognition within the realm of design education. RIT’s School of Design offers a range of internationally recognized degree programs in graphic design, interior design, industrial design, and new media design and imaging. RIT’s reputation is solidified by its integration of cutting-edge technology with design education. RIT has also been named one of America’s “Most Wired Campuses” by The Princeton Review, emphasizing its commitment to technological innovation and modern learning environments. The institution combines creative exploration with technological expertise, ensuring that students are equipped with both foundational design knowledge and practical technological skills. RIT’s design programs focus on producing graduates who can navigate the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world while fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Finland’s University of Art and Design Helsinki (now part of Aalto University) is another standout institution recognized in BusinessWeek’s survey. This institution offers a wide variety of degree programs, including Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Arts degrees, in addition to being organized into six dynamic schools: the School of Motion Picture, Television and Production Design, the Media Lab, the School of Design, the School of Art Education, the School of Visual Culture, and the Helsinki School of Art and Media Pori. The University of Art and Design Helsinki is celebrated for its interdisciplinary approach to art and design education, combining technological innovation, creative exploration, and critical research. Its comprehensive structure allows students to explore diverse fields of study while integrating theory and practice, enabling them to prepare for careers across industries such as design research, media production, environmental design, and user experience. Finland has long been a hub for innovative design and education, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki continues to lead this tradition with its unique approach to multidisciplinary study and practical application.

Other noteworthy design schools highlighted in the global survey include Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in England and two distinguished institutions in India: the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Technology’s Industrial Design Centre in Mumbai. Central Saint Martins is a globally celebrated institution offering undergraduate and short courses in foundation studies, acting, ceramic design, and other creative disciplines. It is well-known for producing graduates who shape the arts, fashion, and design industries globally. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Design and the Indian Institute of Technology’s Industrial Design Centre underscore the global influence of Indian design education. Both institutions are celebrated for their emphasis on multidisciplinary learning, innovation, and collaborative approaches to design challenges.

The BusinessWeek survey highlights not just individual schools but trends in design education, emphasizing technological advancement, sustainability, and interdisciplinary study as central themes. Institutions like BGI, Parsons, Umeå, RIT, and Helsinki represent the forward-thinking approach necessary to equip students with the creative problem-solving skills and adaptability needed for a rapidly changing global design economy. These schools represent opportunities for aspiring designers to build innovative careers in industries that demand interdisciplinary exploration, technological fluency, and creativity. Their emphasis on practical learning, innovation, and strategic thinking ensures that their students lead the way in shaping the future of design across industries worldwide.