Online Graphic Design Degrees and Programs
Graphic designers synthesize art and technology to communicate ideas visually. By creating layouts that incorporate text and images, graphic designers help advertisers and marketers attract customers and sell products.
Earning an online graphic design degree prepares graduates for in-demand careers, as many jobs in the field require a bachelor's degree as a minimum education requirement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graphic designers earned a median salary of over $50,000 in 2020.
The flexibility of an online graphic design degree helps students balance their studies with professional and personal needs. Prospective graphic design students can use our ranking of the best online graphic design programs to find the right online college for them.
Featured Graphic Design Degree Programs
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic designers create image and text layouts to communicate ideas visually. They make advertisements, design book jackets, and develop graphs and charts to represent information.
Graphic design requires strong visual intelligence. Graphic designers must know how to select images, determine how images and text can best work together, and choose appropriate fonts and styles. In advertising agencies and publishing firms, graphic designers work with art directors to polish their designs.
In addition to creativity and artistic ability, graphic designers need strong technical skills. Most graphic designers use software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Graphic designers also rely on communication skills when working with clients and art directors. Additionally, strong analytical skills help graphic designers communicate information to diverse audiences.
What Is an Online Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design?
During an online bachelor's degree in graphic design, students learn layout techniques, typography, and visual communication. Courses cover design fundamentals, image creation, and digital advertising. Some programs also incorporate classes in web design and digital media design. Graphic design majors often complete a practicum or capstone course to build a portfolio.
In addition to completing online graphic design courses, students complete general education requirements to earn bachelor's degrees. These requirements may include humanities, social science, and natural science courses. A bachelor of fine arts may incorporate courses like photography, drawing, and sculpture.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Degree Program?
The length of an online bachelor's degree in graphic design varies by program. However, most graphic design bachelor's students graduate within four years of full-time study.
The Best Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees 2023
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University provides flexible study opportunities to distance learners across 161 degree programs. Undergraduate students can choose from 30 online bachelor degree programs. From its campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, the school offers an online bachelor of fine arts in graffic design degree.
Graphic design students complete a 120-credit course curriculum. The program also incorporates general education requirements that strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can work with their academic advisor to customize their studies through modified courses, electives, minors, and concentrations.
The benefits of a bachelor's degree are varied, from increased job opportunities to higher earning potential. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $35,800 six years after completing their degree. Students interested in learning more about admission requirements and their eligibility for financial aid should connect with the graphic design department.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 78,511
Total Online Programs: 161
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Admission Rate: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Yes
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees 2023
Kentucky Wesleyan College
- Owensboro, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking to earn a flexible online degree in graphic design? Consider Kentucky Wesleyan College. Learners hoping to advance in the graphic design field can enroll in the college's bachelor of arts in graphic design. This program offers customization to help students earn a degree that meets their needs.
The curriculum consists of general education and advanced coursework. Enrollees can customize their degree by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
The benefits of a bachelor's degree are varied, from increased job opportunities to higher earning potential. The institution reports a median salary of $30,100 earned by graduates six years after completing their studies. Students interested in learning more about admission requirements and their eligibility for financial aid should connect with the graphic design department.
Kentucky Wesleyan College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 205
Total Online Programs: 7
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Admission Rate: 62%
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees 2023
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University offers many top-ranked bachelor's programs. The college boasts 35 fully online bachelor's degree programs. The bachelor of arts in graphic design and media arts supports flexible, rigorous study.
The graphic design program enables flexible study. Enrollees can modify their coursework in consultation with their academic advisor. Online students also choose minors and electives to individualize the degree.
The school reports undergraduate tuition as $30,756. The accredited instution connects students with internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 106,762
Total Online Programs: 84
Online Bachelor's Programs: 35
Admission Rate: 88%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Yes
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees 2023
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking to earn a flexible online degree in graphic design? Consider Bellevue University. Of these online offerings, 54 provide undergraduate-level education. The bachelor of arts in graphic design prioritizes flexibility, making it an attractive option for working professionals and busy students. It prioritizes flexibility through full- or part-time study options.
Throughout their coursework, students gain industry-relevant knowledge through general and advanced classes. Students complete classes relevant to the graphic design field, as well as general education requirements. Students have the option to modify their studies, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
With a bachelor's degree, graduates increase their job opportunities and earning potential. The school reports a median salary of $52,200 for graduates six years after completing a bachelor's degree. Prospective students can meet with the financial aid office to learn more about funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.
Bellevue University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 11,008
Total Online Programs: 79
Online Bachelor's Programs: 54
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees 2023
California Baptist University
- Riverside, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Riverside, California, California Baptist University enables online learning across 39 online degree programs. Undergraduate degree-seekers can choose from 24 online bachelor's degree programs. From its campus in Riverside, California, the school offers an online bachelor of arts in graphic design and digital media. The program supports students from all walks of life through flexible study options.
Throughout the program, students attend industry-relevant lectures while completing graphic design-specific coursework. Students gain industry-relevant and broader knowledge and skills, preparing them for life after their degree. In consultation with their academic advisor, degree-seekers can modify their courseload, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
Graduates possessing a bachelor's degree can access more job opportunities, and grow their earning potential over time. The school reports a median salary of $40,000 for graduates six years after completing a bachelor's degree. To learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities, prospective students should contact the graphic design department.
California Baptist University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 6,112
Total Online Programs: 39
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 78%
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Degree?
An online bachelor's degree in graphic design prepares graduates for careers in art and design. In addition to working as graphic designers, graduates may work as production artists, graphic artists, and art directors. Many advertising agencies, marketing firms, and publishers offer graphic design jobs for bachelor's graduates, though some employers also require work experience.
In addition to full-time graphic design jobs, graphic designers can pursue freelance opportunities, including starting their own businesses. After completing an online graphic design bachelor's degree, graduates can also advance their education with an online master's in graphic design.
Graphic Design Careers
Because their skills are applicable to many fields and industries, graphic designers enjoy a variety of professional opportunities. Some examples of graphic design careers include:
- Art director
- Advertising designer
- Branding designer
- Creative director
- Desktop publisher
- Direct mail designer
- Digital media specialist
- Digital project manager
- Editor
- Graphic designer
- Industrial/product designer
- Layout artist
- Logo designer
- Medical graphics specialist
- Motion graphics designer
- Multimedia artist/animator
- Multimedia specialist
- Packaging designer
- Photo software editor
- Print design specialist
- Production art manager
- Publication designer
- Social media graphics specialists
- User experience designers
- Video editor
- Web designer
Areas for Graphic Design Jobs
- Advertising, public relations, and related services
- Animation
- Architectural fields
- Commercial printing
- Communications
- Computer systems design
- Design studio
- Government
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Mobile app development
- Motion graphics
- Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing
- Nonprofits
- Product packaging design
- Signage
- Specialized design services
- Television
- Video game design
- Video production
- Web design
- Wholesale trade
Graphic Design Jobs
Earning a graphic design degree prepares graduates for jobs like graphic designer, art director, and marketing manager.
Art Directors
Median Salary 2020: $97,270
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 11%
Art directors determine the visual style of magazines, advertisements, videos, and other media. They create an overall design and manage a team of production artists who create artwork and layouts. Art directors then review and approve designs, which can include illustrations, graphics, charts, and sets.
Art directors also oversee staff, work directly with clients on projects, and create budgets and timelines. They often work in advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishing companies. Theater, television, and movie productions also hire art directors. Most art directors hold a bachelor's degree in an art or design field.
Graphic Designers
Median Salary 2020: $53,380
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 3%
Graphic designers visually communicate ideas, working with images and text to create designs. Graphic designers may develop the visual style of advertisements or work with art directors or clients to design layouts for magazines, brochures, book jackets, or product packaging.
Graphic designers rely on software to create designs, including digital illustration programs and photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Most graphic designers have a graphic design bachelor's degree and a professional portfolio.
Graphic Design Versus Digital Media Design
Both graphic designers and digital media designers visually communicate information, but they use different approaches. Graphic designers create image-based designs, while digital media designers create video, audio, and motion graphics. Training in digital media design often incorporates classes in web design, media production, and screenwriting. Although graphic designers often work digitally, they may also produce print ads, magazines, and products. Digital media designers work solely in electronic formats.
With enough relevant experience, graphic designers can often pursue opportunities in digital media design. Interested design students should research whether their online graphic design programs offer concentrations in digital media design.
Featured Graphic Design Degree Programs
Common Questions About Graphic Design Degrees
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design blends creativity and technology to create visual representations of information. Graphic designers make brochures, logos, magazine and web layouts, infographics, and other visual media.
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
A graphic designer visually communicates ideas by arranging text and images in user-friendly layouts. They work with art directors and clients to create advertisements, product packaging, and other designs.
What Kinds of Jobs Can You Get With a Graphic Design Degree?
A graphic design bachelor's degree is the entry-level education requirement for many graphic design jobs, including graphic designer and art director. Some roles require a graduate degree or previous work experience.
How Long Does a Graphic Design Degree Take to Complete?
A graphic design bachelor's degree takes four years of full-time study to complete. However, students with prior college credits or an associate degree can often complete the degree in less time.
What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design?
A bachelor's degree in graphic design trains students in design software, visual techniques, and the graphic arts. It is the entry-level education requirement for most graphic design jobs.
Ask a Graphic Designer About Pursing a Degree
Alex Bryant
Alex Bryant is an Emmy-award-winning media relations director for children's media and educational publisher The Trevor Romain Company (TRC), based in Austin, Texas. Bryant has experience with social media, television production, and graphic design. Named a Modern Man of Distinction from Black Enterprise, Bryant has received four American Advertising Awards, a $100,000 graphics scholarship from General Motors, and a Sprout Spotlight Awards Best-in-Class nomination. He was also an official Guinness World Records participant at Podfest Expo. Previously, Bryant worked at CBS, Dick Clark Productions, the Daytime Emmys, and NBCUniversal. He has a BFA in graphic design from Angelo State University.
What was your favorite part of earning a bachelor's in graphic design degree?
For someone growing up in a special needs program in primary school and told I won't make it to college, earning a bachelor's degree in graphic design from Angelo State University means a great deal. As well as also being a first-generation student to earn a college degree — [that] would have to be my favorite aspect.
What advice do you have for a potential student of graphic design with no or limited experience in the design field?
For any student who wants to pursue graphic design with no-to-limited experience, I would share: If you're willing to put in the real hard work in harnessing your craft, learning from the masters, and being open to constructive feedback, I believe you have what it takes, for sure.
What makes graphic design a popular field for online study?
I think graphic design is growing in popularity because of its flexibility to be taken almost anywhere, unlike other professions that need to be fulfilled at the physical college or university.
Are there any advantages to studying graphic design online as opposed to in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting?
A benefit to studying graphic design online instead of in person at an educational institution is the ability to learn design software and make creative projects from the comfort of your home, and not needing to navigate traffic and the weather getting to class.
What makes graphic design such an in-demand degree?
When the world turned to digital in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the demand grew for companies and organizations to shift their marketing efforts to focus on creating more digital-friendly materials. These assets can include updating a website, creating social media graphics, or adding some animation to videos to attract an audience to a product or service. The desire is only going to grow, as we have adapted to remote and in-person working environments.