Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
Updated April 16, 2024
Edited by
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.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the field will grow at an average rate of 3% from 2022 to 2032. According to 2023 BLS statistics, the median annual wage for graphic designers 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 median annual salary of $51,150 in 2022.
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. Our rankings help you choose the best online graphic design degree for you.
Featured Online Graphic Design Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is Graphic Design?
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.
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
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.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $330
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
SNHU's online bachelor's in graphic design and media arts lets you focus your studies on user experience or web design. Coursework develops proficiency in typography, UI/UX, and Adobe Creative Suite software. The degree provides ultimate convenience for working professionals by eliminating class meeting times.
In this 120-credit program, you can transfer a maximum of 90 credits from an accredited school. Candidates pay no application fee and do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores.
#2 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $318
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
UMB's bachelor's degree in graphic communication offers fully virtual courses and optional in-person lessons. You'll learn about graphic communication, drawing techniques, typography and layout, and motion graphics.
Completing the final capstone course helps enhance your portfolio and resume. You can gain additional assistance for job market preparation through a career planning management elective.
UMB accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Also, you can apply with a diploma or GED certificate.
#3 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $563
Out-of-State | $563
Credits to Graduate: 120
ASU's graphic design bachelor's degree, offered by the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, promotes sustainable and culturally sensitive work. The 120-credit program uses online lessons to cover graphic design history, design theory, visual communication, and typography.
Admission as a first-year student requires at least a 3.0 GPA in math, English, and science courses and ACT or SAT scores. You can also transfer up to 64 credits into ASU.
#4 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $449
Out-of-State | $449
Credits to Graduate: 127
BU's bachelor of arts in graphic design program focuses on curating your portfolio and building technical skills. The 127-credit program blends courses in Adobe Creative Suite software, typography, branding, and design principles. A final capstone helps you develop a print and web portfolio. Part of BU's Kirkpatrick Signature Series curriculum includes American politics and culture coursework.
To apply for BU, submit a homeschool letter of completion, GED certificate, or high school transcripts. You can transfer up to 60 credits from an accredited college.
#5 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $520
Out-of-State | $520
Credits to Graduate: 120
CBU's bachelor's in graphic design and digital media only takes 16 months to complete. Asynchronous coursework and eight-week courses allow you to graduate quicker than a traditional four-year degree. The program features a Christian perspective with required courses on biblical studies. Core credits explore the history of graphic design, typography, and fundamentals of design to prepare you for a senior project. CBU accepts up to 100 transfer credits.
You can apply throughout the year, with six start dates.
#6 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 123
Whether you enroll part time or full time in Lesley's bachelor's of fine arts in graphic design degree, you can receive hands-on experience through a Boston-area internship. Companies such as Puma, Hasbro, and the American Repertory Theater hosted interns in the past.
The program also allows you to double major or choose from more than 45 minors. Additionally, design and media electives let you explore photography, animation, and film. The 45 core credits blend design and theory, preparing you for a senior capstone project.
#7 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
Wesleyan's bachelor's in graphic design program allows you to apply classroom learning through two mandatory internships. The online programs at Wesleyan offer six terms annually, enabling you to earn up to 36 credits each year. You'll study on your own time, with no set class schedule. The core materials integrate digital photographic techniques, digital painting, and art history coursework. In the final capstone, you'll polish your digital portfolio to present to employers after graduation.
As a freshman applicant, you can apply with your GED certificate or high school diploma and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students need at least 24 credits.
Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
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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 and Outlook
Graphic designers can work in a variety of areas, including marketing, advertising, publishing, and business. Successful graphic designers can later work as postsecondary teachers, 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.
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.
| Careers | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Art Directors | $106,500 |
| Graphic Designers | $58,910 |
| Postsecondary Art Teachers | $80,360 |
| Marketing Managers | $157,620 |
| Art and design workers | $51,150 |
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.
Graphic Design Jobs
Earning a graphic design degree prepares graduates for jobs like graphic designer, art director, and marketing manager.
Art Directors
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
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.
Ask a Graphic Designer About Pursuing 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.
Graphic Design Versus Digital Media Design
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.
Digital designers, on the other hand, develop interactive digital media, including video, audio, and animation.
Graphic designers may work for companies that produce digital and print materials, whereas digital designers may become web designers or animation designers.
Students in four-year bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design often take courses in studio art, design, web design, and graphics. Graphic design is a more-established field, with more than 360 postsecondary institutions offering programs in art and design. Fewer bachelor’s degree programs in digital design exist.
Graphic Design
- 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.
Digital Design
- 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
Commonalities
- Digital focus
- Media careers
- Visual elements
- Software-oriented
Featured Online Graphic Design Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Common Questions About Graphic Design Degrees
What is graphic design?
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.
What does a graphic designer do?
Typically, graphic designers work 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.
What is the best degree for graphic design?
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.
Are degrees in graphic design worthwhile?
Few graphic designers enter the field without bachelor's degrees in graphic design or fine arts. 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.
Is a graphic design degree difficult?
Graphic design degrees require students to take courses 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.
Page last reviewed April 16, 2024. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the TBS Rankings Team.
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