Graphic designers create visual designs for print and digital materials. They use cutting-edge software and traditional art supplies to design brochures, ads, magazine art, and other visual products. A graphic design bachelor's degree prepares learners to work as designers in various settings.
Design professionals collaborate with art directors, developers, and writers to craft layouts and determine conceptual content. They may design logos or establish visual identity standards for a brand or organization. Designers often possess creative control over color schemes, typeface, and other visual elements of a project.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects graphic design jobs to decrease 4% between 2019-2029, but some specialized roles may grow in demand, such as computer-based design work.
This guide ranks the best online bachelor's in graphic design programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as common courses and scholarship opportunities for graphic design students.
Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Design Schools
What kinds of jobs can you get with a graphic design degree?
Graphic design programs train students to work as graphic designers, web designers, and art directors.
How long does it take to get a graphic design degree?
A bachelor's in graphic design typically takes four years of full-time study to complete.
What certification do you need to work in graphic design?
Some graphic design positions require certification in relevant design software. For instance, web designers may need certification in PHP or other coding languages.
Is graphic design in demand?
Although the BLS projects a decline in graphic design jobs between 2019-2029, design positions in the IT industry remain in high demand.
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Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Programs
#1 Online Graphic Design Degrees
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students at Liberty University can pursue an online bachelor's degree in graphic design. Working professionals can benefit from the online graphic design program's flexible enrollment options.
Liberty University is a private institution educating enrollees from its main campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school's 161 online programs allow students to pursue degrees from any location. The institution also offers 30 bachelor's programs for online degree-seekers.
To graduate with the BFA in graphic design, online learners complete general education coursework, along with core and upper-division major classes. Graduation requirements include at least 120 credits. Enrollees in the program complete foundational and specialized coursework meeting high academic standards.
The school's support services, including tutoring and academic advising, help learners succeed academically. Online undergraduates can access professional assistance from faculty advisors and career counselors. Financial aid counselors help students locate and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Graphic Design Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor's in graphic design and media arts program can pursue a variety of positions in graphic design. Created with working students in mind, the program lets undergraduates take classes on their schedule.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution educating enrollees from its main campus in Manchester. The school's 84 online programs allow students to pursue degrees from any location. Degree-seekers with personal or professional responsibilities often enroll in one of the institution's 35 online bachelor's programs.
Learners in the online graphic design program take classes on general education topics, foundational subjects, and more advanced areas of the field. The program features a minimum requirement of 120 credits. The program includes rigorous coursework fostering specialized and transferable graphic design skills.
Learners can access student support services, such as tutoring and library resources, from the school. The institution's online career resources include faculty advisors and career counselors, who help undergraduates locate job placements. Financial aid counselors help students locate and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Online Graphic Design Degrees
Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Owensboro, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its Owensboro campus, Kentucky Wesleyan College offers 31 options for degree-seekers. The private institution's learners can pursue in-person and online bachelor's programs. The school's undergraduate programs include a graphic design program in a convenient online format.
The online bachelor of arts in graphic design offers a high-quality learning experience with flexible scheduling options. The program's general education requirements help students gain transferable skills to prepare for employment and advanced studies. Degree-seekers also take elective classes and upper-division courses to develop in-demand skills. Faculty mentors and academic advisors help undergraduates customize the program based on their professional goals.
Learners pursuing online undergraduate programs benefit from the institution's affordable tuition rates. Financial aid counselors help students understand funding options, such as scholarships and grants.
Kentucky Wesleyan College Fast Facts:
Number of Online Students: 205
Applicants Admitted: 62%
Total Bachelor's Programs: 30
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Transfer Credits Accepted: No
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Graphic Design Degrees
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners can pursue an online bachelor's degree in graphic design from Bellevue University to prepare for graphic design careers. The Nebraska-based school educates degree-seekers at its campus and online. The school's 79 remote programs include 54 options for bachelor's students.
The flexible online graphic design program offers a high-quality learning experience. Working professionals often benefit from the online program's customizable scheduling options. The online format allows learners to view lectures and participate in discussions virtually. Most online bachelor's programs take full-time degree-seekers about four years to complete.
Learners at the school access affordable tuition rates and institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Degree-seekers with financial need can apply for federal loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant. The school's financial aid counselors help students secure funding through scholarship and grant programs.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Get a Degree in Graphic Design?
Many graphic design jobs require a bachelor's degree. A graphic design bachelor's degree provides learners with the artistic and technical skills needed to thrive in a graphic design career. Students learn conventional design skills like draughtsmanship and typography. They also master standard graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
In addition to graphic design careers, a graphic design bachelor's degree prepares students for further education. Learners seeking a graduate degree typically need an undergraduate degree to apply.
How Much Does a Graphic Design Degree Cost?
The cost of a graphic design program varies by factors like school type, location, and delivery format. Public universities usually charge less than private colleges, and in-state students at public schools often pay less than out-of-state students. In addition to tuition, learners should consider costs like living expenses, textbooks, and transportation.
Students can often save money by attending an online bachelor's in graphic design program. For example, online students may save on some of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and commuting costs. Additionally, many schools offer tuition discounts to online students. Online programs also give students the flexibility to continue working while pursuing their degree.
How Much Do Graphic Design Majors Make?
Graduates with a bachelor's in graphic design can work as designers in corporations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. According to the BLS, graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $53,000. However, top earners in the field may make more than $90,000 per year.
Salaries differ by factors like role, location, and experience. Graphic designers in urban areas often earn more than those in rural areas. Individuals who serve in supervisory roles can also expect higher salaries. Additionally, graphic designers who work in the IT industry typically command higher pay than designers who work in other sectors.
Graphic designers can pursue specialized certifications and further education to increase their salary potential.
Courses in Graphic Design
Bachelor's in graphic design programs feature core and specialized classes. Learners focus on honing artistic skills in areas like drawing, typography, and layout. Courses cover topics like basic design and color theory, typography, and graphics for print media.
Most bachelor's in graphic design degree programs also require learners to complete a capstone portfolio project, which students can present to potential employers.
Courses vary by program, but the list below describes three typical graphic design courses.
Basic Design and Color Theory
This class introduces students to the basic elements of design and color theory. Learners engage with design principles like balance, emphasis, and proportion. The course covers visual design elements, such as line and color, through hands-on projects.Digital Graphic Design for the Web
Students in this course explore digital graphic design theory in relation to web design. The class covers topics like HTML and CSS, user experience, and template use. Learners may complete projects that lead to a fully functional website.Typography
Typography refers to design principles that focus on typeface, character recognition, and letterforms. This class covers the relationship between words and space in visual design and how to incorporate text into images.
Certifications and Licensure for Graphic Design
Certifications demonstrate specialized expertise, helping graphic design professionals advance their careers. Many certification programs require candidates to pass an exam. The list below highlights three common certifications for graphic designers.
Autodesk, the manufacturer of the AutoCAD design software, offers a certification for design professionals and educators. Candidates must boast 1,200 hours of AutoCAD experience and pass an exam that covers topics like object drawing, advanced layouts, and annotation techniques.
Adobe hosts a certification program that leads to a professional Adobe XD credential. Candidates must pass an exam that covers topics like software terminology, prototyping features, and design workflow best practices.
The Project Management Institute offers a program that certifies professionals in the Agile project management method. Candidates need a bachelor's degree, 21 Agile training hours, and one year of relevant work experience. They must also pass an exam.
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