[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Artistic people often pursue careers in graphic design. Many graphic designers combine their love for studio art with a mastery of online digital tools to develop sophisticated logos, billboards, flyers, and other projects. Graphic designers connect with clients, art directors, and writers to create and organize visual designs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-1/” target=”_blank”]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) predicts the field will grow at an average rate of 2% from 2023 to 2033. According to BLS statistics, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271024.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual wage for graphic designers[/hen-ui-link] in 2023 was $58,910 — a number that can increase or decrease based on experience, geographic location, and job setting, among other factors. Graphic designers tend to earn more than other professionals in arts and design fields, which collectively averaged a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/home.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $51,660[/hen-ui-link] in 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Entry-level graphic design jobs often require professionals to hold bachelor’s degrees in graphic design or fine art. So, many aspiring graphic designers pursue their undergraduate studies through online programs. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]Our rankings[/hen-ui-link] help you choose the best online graphic design degree for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Graphic Design Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is Graphic Design?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic designers create image and text layouts to visually communicate ideas. They make advertisements, design book jackets, and develop graphs and charts to represent information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to creativity and artistic ability, graphic designers need strong technical skills. Most graphic designers use software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/web-developer/”]web design[/hen-ui-link] and digital media design. Graphic design majors often complete a practicum or capstone course to build a portfolio.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm”]The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs Ranking Guidelines[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”] Rankings Methodology[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-credit-for-work-experience/”]work experience[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Graphic Design Careers and Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic designers can work in a variety of areas, including marketing, advertising, publishing, and business. Successful graphic designers can later work as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/education/”]postsecondary teachers[/hen-ui-link], instructing others in graphic design courses, or as art directors who develop design strategies and visions for organizations. Some graphic designers may also become marketing managers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To start working as a graphic designer, you will need a portfolio to show to potential employers. You may also pursue an internship during or after your degree and seek certification in graphic design software programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Graphic Design Career Examples[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Wage[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Art Directors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$106,500[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Graphic Designers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$58,910[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Postsecondary Art Teachers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$80,360[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$157,620[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”]Art and design workers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage”]$51,150[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the table above demonstrates, graphic designers can pursue careers in many different industries. As they advance, they may also be able to apply for several different high-paying roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Graphic Design Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a graphic design degree prepares graduates for jobs like graphic designer, art director, and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/marketing-manager/”]marketing manager[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-secondary”]Art Directors[/hen-ui-heading]

• Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271011.htm” target=”_blank”]$106,500[/hen-ui-link]
• Projected Job Growth 2023-2033: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm/” target=”_blank”] 5%[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/art-design-degree/”]bachelor’s degree in an art[/hen-ui-link] or design field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-secondary”]Graphic Designers[/hen-ui-heading]

• Median Salary: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes271024.htm” target=”_blank”]$58,910[/hen-ui-link]
• Projected Job Growth 2023-2033: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm/” target=”_blank”] 2%[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ask a Graphic Designer About Pursuing a Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Alex Bryant” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/c_fill,g_face,h_200,w_200/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1621872560/experts/Alex_Bryant.jpg” img-alt=”Alex Bryant” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What was your favorite part of earning a bachelor’s in graphic design degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What advice do you have for a potential student of graphic design with no or limited experience in the design field?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For any student who wants to [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/graphic-designer/”]pursue graphic design[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What makes graphic design a popular field for online study?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]college or university[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are there any advantages to studying graphic design online as opposed to in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Graphic Design Versus Digital Media Design[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic design and digital media design are similar but distinct fields. Graphic designers create visual, static media that may be part of virtual or physical projects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Digital designers, on the other hand, develop interactive digital media, including video, audio, and animation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic designers may work for companies that produce digital and print materials, whereas digital designers may become web designers or animation designers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students in four-year bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design often [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-graphic-design/”]take courses in[/hen-ui-link] studio art, design, web design, and graphics. Graphic design is a more-established field, with more than [hen-ui-link href=”https://nasad.arts-accredit.org/” target=”_blank”]360 postsecondary institutions[/hen-ui-link] offering programs in art and design. Fewer bachelor’s degree programs in digital design exist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Graphic Design[/hen-ui-heading]

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• Includes visual designs for both online platforms and physical objects.
• Focus on drawing and design.
• Learn tactile skills like printmaking and painting.
• Produce static images with which users can’t interact.

[/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Digital Design[/hen-ui-heading]

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• Includes any type of media content, including video, animations, etc.
• Focus on holistic web and media design.
• Learning digital skills like video editing and audio production.
• Produce animated designs for user interaction

[/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Graphic Design Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Graphic Design Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is graphic design?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic design involves creating and laying out illustrations, logos, text, and other visual elements. Professionals create images using a variety of tools, including pens and pencils, software programs, and tablets. They also make decisions about which typefaces, colors, and artwork to include in their designs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a graphic designer do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/graphic-designer/”]graphic designers work[/hen-ui-link] with clients, art directors, and writers to add interest to written text or communicate ideas through images. They may work in fields like advertising, publishing, or public relations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best degree for graphic design?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring graphic designers should prepare to earn bachelor’s degrees in graphic design or fine arts. A graphic design major is more focused on preparing learners for a profession than a major in fine arts. Some graphic designers also complete bachelor’s degrees in other fields before pursuing graphic design training.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are degrees in graphic design worthwhile?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Few graphic designers enter the field without bachelor’s [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/art-design-degree/”]degrees in graphic design or fine arts[/hen-ui-link]. So, if you know you want to become a graphic designer, you likely need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design (or a related area) to enter the field. Otherwise, you will have to complete additional graphic design training to be competitive in this area.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a graphic design degree difficult?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic design degrees [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-graphic-design/”]require students to take courses[/hen-ui-link] in principles of design, web design, studio art, and commercial graphics production, among other subjects. Students may also take classes in marketing, business, and writing. Most bachelor’s programs in graphic design take four years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]