Many people think of graphic design as a single discipline. However, this field has a lot of specializations, all of which can be learned in the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Graphic Design. In this guide, we’ll help you with your school search by listing the best graphic design bachelor’s degrees available, including online and in-person graphic design bachelor’s degree programs.
Getting a higher education to become a graphic designer is a great idea. You’ll learn how to create engaging pieces of art step-by-step and grow your skills. A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design can help you build your professional portfolio, look for internships, and make connections that can help advance your career.
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is the use of stylized graphics to communicate ideas and solve problems through imagery, typography, and color. There are different specializations in this field and each one requires special design techniques and skills. Although graphic design isn’t limited to digital mediums, it is where we currently see most of its use.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from top schools like the ArtCenter College of Design, Carnegie Mellon University, Rhode Island School of Design, Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, and Savannah College of Arts and Design.
What Schools Offer the Best Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degrees?
- ArtCenter College of Design
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- Savannah College of Arts and Design
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design are different from school to school. Most universities will require you to have a GED or high school diploma. Some universities require a portfolio to be submitted along with essays or recommendation letters, and although many universities have waived standardized test score requirements, others haven’t.
Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent. All bachelor’s degree programs require their students to have completed a high school-level educational program before being able to apply.
- Portfolio. Graphic design is a field of study that is highly creative. Many graphic design bachelor’s degree programs want to be able to see the creative instincts of their applicants, which is why many require them to submit a portfolio during the application. Portfolios are a great way for faculty to select the best candidates.
- Essay or writing sample. Many bachelor’s degree programs require applicants to submit an essay or writing sample. This is a way for the college to ensure that applicants are writing at a high enough level for college-level work.
- Recommendation letters. Whether they come from employers or professors, college admissions teams often want someone who can vouch for the applicant’s willingness to work hard.
- Interview. Although not always required, interviews are a great way for college admissions teams to get a better sense of who their applicants are so that they can better choose their incoming freshmen.
- GPA, SAT, or ACT minimum. Not all colleges have set score minimums, many colleges use applicants’ GPA, SAT, or ACT scores as a way to ensure that their incoming freshmen will be up to the challenge of their programs.
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design by completing all the requirements set by the institution providing it. These will differ from school to school but generally involve completing around 120 credits in major-specific, general education, and elective courses, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA during your studies, and staying in good academic standing.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
You need 120 credits or 180 quarter credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, on average. While the exact number may vary slightly, the number of credits you earn will need to come from major-specific courses, general education courses, and elective courses.
Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
- Major-specific credits. A portion of the credits you earn, generally about one-third, will need to come from courses specific to your major and will serve as the foundational building blocks of your skills as a graphic designer. These may include courses such as web design, packaging, or drawing.
- General education credits. General education courses make up about another third of your credits and help make you a more well-rounded person. These are usually in classes like English, math, or humanities.
- Elective credits. Elective courses will provide you with the rest of the credits you need to earn for your bachelor’s degree. Some of these can be taken from within your own faculty and will help you learn more specific skills, and a few will typically need to come from outside of your own faculty.
- Minimum cumulative GPA. To remain a student at a university and graduate, you will need to maintain a certain minimum grade-point average, usually 2.0. This helps the school know which of their students are struggling to understand the skills being taught. You will typically also need a minimum C-grade in all of your major-specific classes.
- Good academic standing. Being in good academic standing generally means having paid any dues or outstanding balances on your student account, not having any problems with your grades, and not having any behavioral blemishes on your student record. Any issues regarding these will need to be resolved before you can graduate.
Best Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| ArtCenter College of Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Communication | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Champlain College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Visual Communication | National Association of Schools of Art and Design |
| Full Sail University | Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) |
| Judson University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Lesley University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Mercyhurst University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Michigan State University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Florida | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Graphic Design: Top Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for graphic design can be found across the country and will equip you with the skillset needed for a long and fruitful career in the graphic design industry. The best graphic design bachelor’s degree program for you depends on your interests and career goals, which is why we’ve detailed below everything you need to know about the programs listed above.
Best Online Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Berkeley College | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| California Baptist University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media | Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Midway University | Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications with a Concentration in Graphic Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Savannah College of Arts and Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelor Of Arts In Graphic Communication | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
Best Colleges for Graphic Design: Top Online Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
If you have a job or a family right now, a full-time program may be too overwhelming. Luckily, online education is becoming more popular and affordable and you can earn your graphic design bachelor’s degree on your own time. Read on if you’re interested in how online learning works.
What Is a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree?
A graphic design bachelor’s degree is a higher-level diploma earned after a four-year program offered by a university or college. Students in a graphic design bachelor’s degree program learn about the tools, technologies, and skills they need to work in the field such as print-making, typography, and using industry-specific software.
Graphic design can be used in visual communication, creative app development, interactive design, and illustration. In most cases, bachelor’s degree programs cover key graphic design principles that relate to shapes, colors, spacing, and order. Some universities offer internship programs to help students gain real-world experience.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design is important because of how complex the craft is as well as the vast amount of different skills required to do it well. Like any creative art, graphic design can be self-taught. However, a bachelor’s degree program provides a structured way to learn all of these skills.
Additionally, bachelor’s degree programs are a great way to access the tools and technologies needed to create certain types of graphic designs, which would normally be extremely expensive to access. Students also get to create a supportive network of peers and mentors who can help them after they graduate.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Graphic Design?
The types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Graphic Design you can get include a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, or a Bachelor of Science. These different graphic design bachelor’s degree types all approach graphic design differently, and the best one for you depends on your artistic, educational, and career goals.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design?
It’s better to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree if you see graphic design as an artistic practice more than anything else. If your goals as an undergraduate student are to develop your technical skill as much as possible in studio classes, a BFA is right for you. If you see graphic design less as a creative medium and more as a tool used to fix problems, a Bachelor of Arts will be best.
This is because the main difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts is that the majority of your courses in a BFA will be in-studio classes focusing on helping you develop as an artist. A BA will give you a more well-rounded education through literature, history, and other humanities courses and, in the end, let you access a wider range of job opportunities.
What Is the Difference Between a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree and a Graphic Design Certificate?
The main differences between a graphic design bachelor’s degree and a graphic design certificate are that bachelor’s degrees require the completion of more credits outside of their core courses. Graphic design bachelor’s degrees are better if you want to move on to a master’s degree after graduating or be able to more easily move up in your career.
Graphic design certificates are better if you want to try to enter the workforce and apply for entry-level jobs as quickly as possible. They can also be earned as supplementation to credentials earned from a bootcamp or in an associate degree program.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
Graphic design bachelor’s degrees cost an average of $16,647 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Tuition costs vary depending on the institution and whether the program is offered online or in person. Keep in mind that private non-profit and private for-profit schools will typically cost more than public schools.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can help reduce or manage the cost of your university tuition. You can apply for federal or private student loans and look for scholarship opportunities offered by universities, non-profit organizations, and occasionally athletic programs.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes approximately four years to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. While some programs offer accelerated options, a typical graphic design bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits to complete. With most university courses being three credits, you need to take five courses, or fifteen credits, per semester to graduate within four years.
If you have transfer credits from college-level classes in high school or a college-level degree program such as an associate degree or another bachelor’s degree, you can use them to significantly reduce the amount of time your bachelor’s degree will take to complete.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
It can be somewhat hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, depending on which institution you want to attend. Just like many artistic degrees, the application process can sometimes be very competitive. While the content in itself might not be too difficult, entry into your desired program may be difficult.
Some programs have multiple barriers in place when it comes to the application process, such as the submission of a portfolio, an interview process, and requiring applicants to submit multiple letters of recommendation. This isn’t always the case, as many schools have a much less strict acceptance policy.
Why Should You Get a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design are many. Most importantly, a bachelor’s degree program provides you with a perfectly structured learning path meant to help you learn and hone the skills you need to more easily land a job in the field all while surrounded by a supportive group of peers and mentors who will be there with you along the way.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Graphic Design?
The required courses for graphic design bachelor’s degrees are designed to provide you with the theoretical and technical knowledge to help you succeed as a future professional graphic designer. While each degree program will have its own specific courses, there are some courses that you will most likely find across most programs.
Introduction to Drawing
Graphic design is a visual medium that uses images to communicate an idea, feeling, or message. An introduction to drawing class will help you better put your ideas to paper in the way you want to. While graphic design is an increasingly digital medium, knowing how to draw will help you better communicate your ideas and create better graphic designs.
Colors
Whether consciously or subconsciously, colors affect the way we interpret and react to what we see. Understanding the ways in which colors affect us and knowing how to use them to your advantage as a graphic designer will help you create more dynamic designs. A colors class will do just that.
Calligraphy
Just like colors, the shape and size of letters can affect the way we interpret or categorize text. A calligraphy course will not only help you understand how different fonts do this, but will also help you learn to recreate these fonts yourself or even create your own.
Professional Branding
Branding is everywhere, as it is an essential tool businesses use to help consumers recognize them as well as associate certain feelings and ideas with them. A professional branding class will teach you how to create effective brand logos. This, in turn, will help you become a more attractive candidate for a graphic designer position.
Motion Graphics
Motion graphics, which are text-based animations, can be found on websites, apps, advertisements, and hundreds of other places. A motion graphics course will teach you the technical skills needed to create your own motion graphics and how to implement them.
Continuing Education Paths for Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a graphic design bachelor’s degree is to get a master’s degree. While not essential for becoming a professional graphic designer, those wanting to further their learning of graphic design techniques or specialize in a certain discipline should apply for master’s degree programs after graduating with their bachelor’s.
Related Graphic Design Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
What to Look For in the Best Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best graphic design bachelor’s degree programs have an affordable cost, a curriculum that covers a broad range of technical skills, a low student-to-faculty ratio, a high graduation rate, and a good reputation. You can expect in-depth training from excellent instructors from a graphic design bachelor’s degree program.
Cost
The cost of your bachelor’s degree is an extremely important factor to consider. When choosing a program, consider what you can afford and what resources you have available to you to help make the tuition affordable. Does the school offer scholarships? If so, are you eligible? Are you eligible for federal loans or private loans? Plan accordingly.
Curricular Content
Graphic design is an extremely broad field encompassing many different skills, techniques, and technologies. When choosing the best program for you, take a good look at the school’s catalog. There, you’ll be able to see what classes are offered and have a better idea of whether or not the curriculum will teach you the skills you want to learn.
School Reputation
A school’s reputation can significantly impact your choice of program. While a school with a great reputation can often have a higher cost of tuition, that reputation is often deserved due to the quality of its courses or instruction. During the hiring process after graduating, this reputation can also help you land a job if the employer recognizes the institution.
Graduation Rate
A school or program’s graduation rate can tell you a lot not only about the quality of the classes being offered or the faculty teaching them but also about the amount of support that students get from the school and its student services. A high graduation rate means that the students are able to effectively apply the knowledge they are gaining while also getting support if they aren’t.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
A low student-to-faculty ratio means that students are able to get more individualized feedback and attention from their teachers. This helps students develop faster as they are better able to quickly fix mistakes or have any questions answered. Developing a better rapport with the faculty also helps students build a support network after they graduate.
What Is the Most Affordable Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design is the online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication degree program offered by the University of Maryland Global Campus. With a tuition of $312 per credit for in-state students, this makes it the least expensive of the degree programs listed in this article.
Salary and Job Outlook for Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Graphic design bachelor’s degrees jobs come in all shapes and sizes thanks to the varied skillset they have. The salary you can make by having a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design will differ based on your position, experience, and location.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a graphic design bachelor’s degree. Thanks to the wide range of skills, technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and theory you’ll gain, you’ll be able to apply for entry-level positions in multiple different fields of work. Most graphic design jobs are also open for applicants with a bachelor’s degree, meaning that getting a master’s isn’t needed.
What’s the Average Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design is $56,000 annually, according to PayScale. Graphic design bachelor’s degree grads have access to a wide range of career opportunities and can easily earn more as they develop more experience and build their network of clients.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a graphic design bachelor’s degree include working as an animator, graphic designer, production artist, product designer, or art director. While not all of these are entry-level positions you can land right out of school, a bachelor’s degree will set you on the right track to eventually be able to apply.
Graphic Design Degree Jobs
- Animator
- Art director
- Graphic designer
- Production Artist
- Product Designer
Potential Careers With a Graphic Design Degree
[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession
How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?
You can make between $44,921 and $97,270 per year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. The actual amount of money you can make as a graphic design major depends on the position you land, where you work, for which company, how much experience you have in the field, and whether you have any special skills that qualify you for a more specialized position.
Some of the positions listed below may require you to earn a master’s degree or get extra training in order to apply, but a bachelor’s degree will prepare you and allow you to more easily do this. Also, as you gain more experience and keep developing your skills, your abilities may speak for themselves and not require you to further your studies.
Highest-Paying Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Art Director | $97,270 |
| Product Designer | $86,504 |
| Fashion Designer | $75,810 |
| User interface (UI) Designer | $75,803 |
| Video Game Animator | $67,604 |
| User Experience (UX) designer | $66,074 |
| Multimedia Designer | $55,044 |
| Web Designer | $52,534 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 |
| Production Artist | $49,178 |
Best Jobs for Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for graphic design bachelor’s degree grads belong to a competitive industry. Your college experience is the perfect place for you to build a portfolio that will impress potential employers and learn the necessary skills for you to pursue your graphic design career. Here’s a breakdown of the best jobs you can get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
[query_class_embed] jobs-for-*subject-majors
Graphic Design Bootcamp vs Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design is better than a graphic design bootcamp because of the depth of education and the increased number of job opportunities it provides. That being said, if you already have a degree and are looking to upskill and reskill, a graphic design bootcamp will help you develop specific job-ready skills in a short time.
Benefits of a Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree
- Hands-on learning. Most graphic design degrees teach practical skills through studio classes allowing their students to build comprehensive portfolios before the program ends. This makes it easier for them to apply for higher-paying jobs.
- Accredited. Since universities that award graphic design degrees are accredited, potential employers often have a higher respect for traditional bachelor’s degrees.
- Networking. Graphic design degree programs are a great way to meet experts in the field that can help you succeed in your career down the road.
- Broad education. Most graphic design degrees follow a curriculum that covers multiple fields including web design, digital design, multimedia, and communications. This allows you to pursue a wider variety of career paths after graduating.
- Financial aid opportunities. Most students at accredited universities are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government. This helps make degrees more accessible to everyone.
Benefits of a Graphic Design Bootcamp
- Affordable. Graphic design bootcamps are affordable, especially when compared to the cost of university degrees. You can spend less than $20,000 to get the in-demand training needed to start your career.
- Job support. Most coding bootcamps offer job support services to help their students find a job after graduation. They host mock interviews and provide resume and portfolio reviews.
- Flexible learning. Most graphic design bootcamps offer a flexible learning system where students can choose to learn remotely and choose the pace of the program. This helps working professionals keep their jobs while learning.
- Specific training. The curriculum that bootcamps provide is extremely specific and practical. Rather than a university degree which will cover a broader range of topics and also require that you take general education and elective courses, a bootcamp only requires you to take classes directly related to your field of study.
- Multiple payment options. Bootcamps often offer multiple payment options to help students of all backgrounds access education. Bootcamps often offer small scholarships to offset the tuition cost.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design Worth It?
Yes, you should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design if you have artistic ability and you want to work in a field that gives you creative power. The field of graphic design allows you to pursue a wide range of career paths in industries such as entertainment, business, and tech. A bachelor’s degree will increase your chances of getting hired.
Prospective employers often prefer candidates with a degree because it proves you have a strong understanding of foundational principles of design and the design process. If you are interested in graphic design and want to learn more, earning your bachelor’s degree is the best decision you can make.
Additional Reading About Graphic Design
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/graphic-design/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-become-a-graphic-designer/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/graphic-design-processes/
Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
With a graphic design bachelor’s degree, you can get a traditional graphic design job at a design firm or magazine publishing company or even work as a freelance artist. There are also jobs that you can do that aren’t typical graphic design jobs such as working in fashion design or animation.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers make an average salary of $50,710 per year. Professionals in the graphic design field can earn impressive salaries once they have more relevant experience and develop their artistic skills.
It takes around four years for a full-time student to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. Some graphic design schools have accelerated degree programs that can reduce this time, and some online programs offer flexible schedules that, while prolonging the amount of time it takes to complete, allow students to more easily work as they study.
No, programming skills are not essential to becoming a graphic designer. However, it can be helpful to learn some of the top programming languages as you will likely work with software engineers and other professionals.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
