Best Art and Design colleges in Texas

Art and design majors study how to work with artistic mediums like paint, clay, and photography to create art. Students in the field take a range of art history, architectural design, and hands-on lab courses to further their understanding of historical and current art and artists. Graduates in Texas can go on to work as independent artists, in design firms, or at art galleries, depending on individual interests and goals. 

Texas residents interested in pursuing a degree in art and design have many quality schools to choose from in-state. Most Texas art and design programs require students to develop a portfolio of their work to use post-graduation when applying to professional roles. 

Students can earn their degree in art and design in-person or online, though many programs offer in-person labs like watercolors and glass-blowing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports numerous opportunities for artists in Texas with an abundance of jobs located in large metro areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

Best Art and Design colleges in Texas for 2026

If music is your forte, make your debut at UNT’s College of Music. You’ll learn from distinguished faculty members who have received international recognition and Grammy awards, like professor and professional opera singer Molly Filmore. Students who want to build their repertoire can take their talents to the stage and the community. For example, if you’re planning to become a music educator, you can put your teaching skills to the test by giving lessons to kids at local schools or helping out with Instrument Petting Zoo. No ponies or alpacas here! This event is all about introducing kids to instruments by showing them how to strum guitars and toot tubas. Dreaming to play for live audiences someday? Nail an audition for one of the 70 ensembles like the UNT Symphony Orchestra and you could perform for hundreds at the Murchison Performing Arts Center. UNT also offers degrees in composition, conducting, history, and theory, so you have lots of ways to orchestrate your ideal music career.

Texas Christian University offers 37 Art and Design degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 152 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 134 Bachelor's degrees, 13 Master's degrees, 4 Certificates, and 1 Doctoral degree.

Southern Methodist University offers 28 Art and Design degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 189 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 142 Bachelor's degrees, 37 Master's degrees, and 10 Certificates.

The University of Texas at Austin offers 25 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 457 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 305 Bachelor's degrees, 70 Master's degrees, 50 Doctoral degrees, and 32 Certificates.

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University offers 38 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 270 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 140 Bachelor's degrees, 45 Certificates, 44 Master's degrees, and 41 Doctoral degrees.

Rice University
Houston, TX

Rice University offers 25 Art and Design degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 129 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 68 Master's degrees, 53 Bachelor's degrees, and 8 Doctoral degrees.

Texas State University
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University offers 17 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 411 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 366 Bachelor's degrees, 41 Master's degrees, and 4 Certificates.

Houston Community College offers 21 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 160 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 92 Associate's degrees, and 68 Certificates.

Baylor University offers 23 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 207 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 176 Bachelor's degrees, 28 Master's degrees, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

University of Houston
Houston, TX

University of Houston offers 13 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 248 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 172 Bachelor's degrees, 62 Master's degrees, and 14 Doctoral degrees.

Find local colleges with Art and Design majors in Texas

List of all Art and Design colleges in Texas

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of North Texas Logo University of North Texas Denton, TX
3/5
36 : 1 46,864
Texas Christian University Logo Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
5/5
18 : 1 12,938
Southern Methodist University Logo Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX
5/5
15 : 1 12,116
The University of Texas at Austin Logo The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
3/5
19 : 1 53,864
Rice University Logo Rice University Houston, TX
5/5
11 : 1 8,961