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A graphic design degree signifies in-depth knowledge of visual communication and design. In fact, graphic design programs are also called communication design or design programs.

Learn about the different types of graphic design degrees and what you can expect if you pursue your bachelor鈥檚 degree in graphic design.

What do graphic designers do?

As a graphic designer, you will turn your client鈥檚 visual concepts into an image, illustration, website or page layout, or other visual projects. In this role, you can create many different kinds of graphics, from business logos, websites, and marketing materials, to educational materials, to product packaging design, to creating book covers or illustrations.听

What degree in graphic design should you pursue?聽

You can pursue your graphic design degree at the associate, bachelor's, or master's level.听

Explores a breakdown of each degree type:

• Associate degree: Associate degree programs typically take about two years to complete if you attend school full-time. In graphic design, schools usually offer one of two associate degree programs: Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Both types of programs offer foundational knowledge, usually through introductory coursework. In some programs, it鈥檚 considered that students who pursue AA degrees will later transfer into a bachelor鈥檚 degree program, while AAS degree students may pursue a career directly after graduation.

• Bachelor鈥檚 degree: Bachelor鈥檚 degree programs take about four or five years to complete if you attend school full-time. In graphic design, schools tend to offer either a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or both. Both programs will be similar, though BA programs may be more theoretical, while BFA programs may be more technical and creative.

• Master鈥檚 degree: Master鈥檚 degree programs usually take one to two years of full-time study. Like at the bachelor level, schools typically offer Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or both. Master鈥檚 programs are advanced degrees designed to deepen expertise in visual communication.听

You can also take individual graphic design courses or earn a certificate. These options enable you to learn foundational design skills with less of a financial and time commitment. If you鈥檝e already earned your degree in another subject area and hope to work in graphic design, a certificate program may be a good option as you refocus your career path.

Is an online graphic design degree worth it?

With the prevalence of digital design, you can consider various options to pursue your graphic design degree online. You can expect similar foundational and technical coursework, but with the flexibility of learning from anywhere with an internet connection. Online courses may also be asynchronous, meaning you can log on to learn at whatever time is most convenient for you.

See if online learning is right for you with the Fundamentals of Graphic Design from the California Institute of the Arts on 糖心vlog官网观看. This is the first course of five in the Graphic Design Specialization, available completely online.

Bachelor鈥檚 degree in graphic design

A bachelor鈥檚 degree is often considered the entry-level education for many arts and design occupations, such as graphic designer, art director, and special effects artist. Among those with a fine and performing arts degree, graphic design is the most common major.

A bachelor鈥檚 degree isn鈥檛 always necessary to work in a design-related field鈥擹ippia reports that 68 percent of graphic designers have a bachelor鈥檚 degree, while 23 percent have an associate degree [].

Discover what you can expect if you decide to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in graphic design.

Types of courses

When you pursue your bachelor鈥檚 degree, you can typically expect to take both general education courses across a variety of disciplines and coursework directly related to your major. For those in a BA graphic design program, your courses may skew toward culture and context, while BFA programs will likely incorporate more studio art courses. However, both BA and BFA programs will likely require some of both.

Some graphic design courses you may take include:

• Introduction to graphic design

• Digital communication

• Design thinking

• Art history

• Color theory

• Typography

• Studio art courses like drawing, painting, or sculpture

• Motion design

• Production design

• Web design

• User experience (UX)

• Information design

• Media management

Tuition and degree length

Earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree tends to be a sizable financial and time commitment. The cost of your degree will vary depending on where you go to school. College Board reports that the average tuition and fees for a public four-year in-state university is $11,610 annually, while the average cost of a private four-year non-profit university is $43,350 annually [].

Many graphic design programs are designed to be completed in four years with a full-time commitment. However, across all bachelor鈥檚 degree programs, many students spend five or more years earning their degree. Several factors can influence the time it takes to earn your degree, including full-time versus part-time status, whether you鈥檝e switched majors, transferred schools, or entered your program with some college credits.听

Learn more: Is a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Worth It?

What can you do with a graphic design degree?

A bachelor鈥檚 degree tends to be a fairly versatile credential, but you may find it easier to enter certain design-related fields with a graphic design degree. A graphic design degree can signal your knowledge to potential employers and, perhaps more importantly, can give you confidence as you approach design-related projects.

People who have earned graphic design degrees work in a range of industries for companies like Google, Meta, Reddit, Disney, Hulu, the Whitney Museum of American Art, Live Nation, and Capital One.

What jobs can you get with a graphic design degree?

Jobs you may pursue with a graphic design degree, along with their salaries in the United States as of September 2025, according to Glassdoor, include:

• Graphic designer: $64,000 []

• UX designer: $109,000 []

• Interaction designer: $158,000 []

• Web designer: $85,000 []

• Product designer: $114,000 []

• Brand marketing specialist: $78,000 []

• Brand designer: $81,000 []

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of September 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Check out free resources for graphic designers

Stay updated on in-demand graphic design skills and career tips with , 糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Explore our other free digital resources to revisit essential graphic design concepts or catch up on the newest developments in the design industry:

• Bookmark for quick access: Graphic Design Terminology

• Hear from an industry professional: Meet the Video Game Designer Who鈥檚 Leveling Up with AI

• Watch on YouTube:

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