Graphic Design Degree Online

What Is Graphic Design?

Graphic Design is an art major that looks at how to best combine text and pictures in order to clearly and persuasively communicate. This includes print, online media, and mixed media. Graphic Design majors create art the old-fashioned way (by hand) and also use complex software to create innovative designs. Expect to learn how to create logos, how to layout books, and how to make the newest smartphone application look cool.

Graphic Design is most often either an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree.

Is Graphic Design a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Are you an artist? Are you creative? Do you like to think outside the box? Do you like to work with computers? Do you want to keep learning throughout your career? Then Graphic Design may be for you!

High School Classes Needed for a Graphic Design Degree in College:

  • 4 English Credits
  • 4 Math Credits
  • 3 Science Credits
  • 3 Social Studies Credits
  • 2 Foreign Language Credits
  • If your high school offers the following courses:
    • AP Computer Science
    • AP Studio Art 2D
    • AP Studio Art 3D
    • AP Studio Art Drawing
    • AP English Language and Composition

Common Graphic Design Courses in College:

  • Design and Color Theory
  • Desktop Publishing
  • Digital Graphic Design for Web
  • Digital Imaging
  • Digital Photography
  • Graphics and Layout in Print Media
  • History of Design
  • Typography

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

  • Advertising Degree: the study of how to create and share persuasive messages
  • Animation Degree: the art and science of creating the illusion of motion
  • Cinematography and Film Production Degree: the study of how to make movies
  • Commercial Art Degree: an art major that focuses on using art in advertising
  • Creative Writing Degree: the study of creating poems, fiction, nonfiction, and scripts
  • Digital Media Degree: the study of electronic mass communications
  • Marketing Degree: the study of how to best deliver products and services to customers
  • Mobile Development Degree: the study of the programming and design fundamentals of creating interactive content for mobile platforms
  • Photography Degree: the study of photographs as art, documentation, and communication
  • Video Game Design Degree: the study of how to design, program, and create video games

Graphic Design Careers:

Many businesses and organizations hire graphic designers. Graphic designers work in publishing, advertising, marketing, political campaigning, information technology, entertainment, public relations, and even health care communications.

Many graphic designers work as freelancers, working for several different clients at one time, and running their own businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of graphic designers is projected to increase by 13% from 2010 to 2020, which is the average rate of increase for all occupations.