Many Kings High School students seeking a future in design choose to pursue their education close to home, at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning — commonly known as DAAP.
And it appears they are making a wise choice.
This year, DAAP has been recognized as No. 1 Industrial Design school in the nation. The program was also ranked No. 6 for its interior design program, No. 9 for its graduate design program, and No. 18 for its graduate architecture program.
According to Elizabeth M. Hess, UC Director of College Relations, this is the program’s 4th year in a row earning such national acclaim.
“Design employers across the nation have once again named the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) undergraduate industrial design program as the country’s best in preparing students for success in the profession,” said Hess.
Hess added that the latest survey’s main findings are based on a straightforward question to employers: “In your firm’s hiring experience in the past five years, which of the following schools are best preparing students for success in the profession?”
Each year Kings has quite a few graduates who attend DAAP. Class of 2014 graduate Emma Fitzgerald is a freshman at UC this year, studying Graphic Communication Design. She said DAAP offers a variety of co-op programs that she believes will help her pursue success as a UC graduate.
“I will get the opportunity to work all over the country and get 2.5 years of work experience by the time I graduate,” said Fitzgerald.
For DAAP to achieve such high marks, the program must challenge students. Fitzgerald said she puts in a lot of time, and each of her studio classes are three hours each.
“We do a lot of hard work, but also have fun at the same time, and we drink lots of coffee,” she said.
But what, from a personal perspective makes DAAP different from other art schools? Fitzgerald’s reply was simple: “the co-op program and foundation studies.”
Fitzgerald believes DAAP will prepare her for her future by helping her learn work skills such as, time management, professional skills, and everything she needs to know about graphic design.
Along with being the No. 1 art school in the nation, UC also offers what Fitzgerald described as an “overall atmosphere and experience.”
“My favorite thing is the people. It’s awesome being surrounded by other people who are passionate about art, meeting people from all over the country, and developing strong friendships.”
Kings High School upper-classmen who may be considering a career in art and design can visit the DAAP website here.
