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Top 13 Online Colleges for Bachelor’s in Graphic Design

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 30, 2024, Reading time: 28 minutes

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College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

As a field of study, a graphic design program is versatile and valuable in all industries, combining a conventional approach to visual artistry and up-to-date tools.

Are you passionate about digital art and design? Do you want to create visually compelling design concepts for print, web, and other types of media? Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design may be a great choice for you.

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THE LOWDOWN

Are you the creative type? And… would you like to earn a living at it as a Graphic Designer? Graphic design majors are needed for all types of industries. As you design logos, color schemes, and the like, you can express yourself, as well as earn a lucrative living. What’s better than that? An online graphic design degree will get you started!

This degree program provides students with a strong foundation of studio art and design principles, as well as current tools and technological skills to take their design skills to the next level.

With coursework covering topics such as illustration, typography, composition, and digital publication, graduates of this program are prepared to pursue jobs in the creative, design, or advertising industries.

Artists not only express themselves in creative ways; they also develop self-confidence and self-discipline in the process! With the addition of a degree in Graphic Design, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in these increasingly competitive design fields. If you are an artist yourself, a career as a Graphic Designer might be for you.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What are the fundamental roles of a graphic designer?

The fundamental role of graphic designers is to create visuals for print and electronic materials. Their work includes designing brochures, leaflets, magazines, and ads using cutting-edge technology and conventional art supplies.

Creating logos or establishing visual identity standards for brands and organizations may also be among their responsibilities. It is not uncommon for designers to create color schemes, typefaces, or other visual elements.

A blend of creativity, raw talent, and technical competence produce viable outputs that benefit a business or company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data in 2022, more than 270,900 jobs were available for individuals who sought a career in graphic design. Graduates of a graphic design bachelor’s program can become designers in many different settings.

A professional in this field works with a developer, an art director, and a writer to determine the conceptual content, lay it out, and create it.

For prospective students, if you are inherently into the arts, you might want to add formal education and training to your resume! Why not enter an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design program?

Methodology

What can students expect in online Graphic Design programs at the bachelor’s degree level? An excellent way to be sure you’re attending the best online college fit for you is to look at the salient characteristics and features of the online school and program!

Please check our Methodology page for more information.

Top Online Colleges for Bachelor’s in Graphic Design

Southeastern University

Southeastern University

This online BS in Digital Media and Design prepares students for success in various creative industries by providing an in-depth overview of creative design and communication.

This program prepares you to excel as a communicator, designer, and marketer while learning from professors with real-world industry experience. The digital media degree you earn through this 100% online program will prepare you to enter a dynamic, innovative, and growing field.

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Arizona State University

Arizona State University

The graphic design major develops your visual communication skills while teaching you how to be a responsible design steward. In graphic design, you learn how to communicate visually rather than how to use the software.

As a student, you’ll gain visual literacy, critical thinking, and storytelling skills that can be applied to various design-related careers.

Courses in the lower division teach design principles, including typography, layout, and color. In these courses, you will create handbound booklets, small books, and presentation boards using drawing and other hand-done techniques.

Advanced courses cover a range of computer-based design principles in publication, web, motion graphics, interface, and animation.

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Full Sail University

online bachelor's in graphic design

Full Sail University is based in Winter Park, Florida, and offers degrees related to entertainment, media, arts, and technology. When you enroll in this Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree, you’ll be able to learn this program entirely online.

In this degree program, abstract concepts are translated into tangible visuals for the first time, mixing art and business. In addition, with the 29 months’ worth of courses, you’ll enjoy the lower average per semester tuition because the extra nine months will be unpaid.

By the end of the course, students will possess a comprehensive understanding of print publications and interface design. As part of this coursework, they are encouraged to enhance their media integration, advertising, and branding skills.

Typesetting for pages, publishing online, and design and art theory are some of the courses students can take in Graphic Design. 

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Liberty University

online bachelor's in graphic design

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design at Liberty University, you can learn about art history and gain exposure to hands-on training in digital art.

You will also study current technology applications and courses in vector illustration, advanced typography, and 20th – 21st-century art. You will be exposed to different courses related to graphic design.

Don’t let your schedule get out of hand. Organize your time well with this 100% online program. Students can enroll in Liberty’s 8-week courses at their convenience, and there are no set log-in times, making it extra convenient for students.

The online programs at Liberty University allow you to create a degree schedule and budget that works for you.

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Kentucky Wesleyan College

online bachelor's in graphic design

Its facilities are located in Owensboro, Kentucky, and it offers a range of majors, pre-professional programs, and undergraduate programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design online. Upon completing the program, the student is prepared to enter the graphic design field and other related fields. 

The advanced design courses students enroll in include drawing and foundation design, typography, publications, web design, branding design, and animation.

To graduate, students must earn 120 hours of credit. In addition, internships are crucial to strengthening the experience the students have outside of the classroom.

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Rasmussen College

online bachelor's in graphic design

The online Graphic Design degree at the bachelor’s level from Rasmussen is a perfect combination for teaching students skills in graphic design and art. You can decide to specialize in either Web and Interactive Design or Motion Graphics.

Students are guided by industry experts who help them build their proficiency with the newest tools and push the boundaries of creativity as they develop as professional designers.

You can choose either a final design project or an internship option to complete the curriculum. They both help students learn design theory and other skills in a way that helps them understand the impact design has on business.

The school prepares students for careers in various fields, such as education, marketing, and architecture.

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Midway University

online bachelor's in graphic design

At Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, students can earn degrees both on-campus and online. For example, a Marketing Communications in Graphic Design degree is available online for students seeking a career in the art and design field. This prepares you for not only the design aspects but also the business side of the industry.

This Bachelor’s in Graphic Design degree program prepares students to design effective marketing materials across a wide variety of platforms through various business, marketing, and communication classes.

Among the foundational courses in the program are digital storytelling, animation, Photoshop, social media management, and brand management.

Under the full-time study, the program requires 120 credit hours to complete. However, credits transferred from other schools or earned through the school’s Credit for Prior Learning program can be used to reduce that requirement.

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Upper Iowa University

online bachelor's in graphic design

In Fayette, Iowa, Upper Iowa University offers an on-campus and online quality graphic design program that is accredited. They equip students with the technical and creative skills to excel in various fields, such as traditional print publications, advertising, and web design.

An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription is a requirement for online students. So be mindful of this technical requirement. Graphic Design students learn to solve creative problems and create original work in this portfolio-driven program.

This program has 120 required credits and includes digital imaging, typography, publication design, advertisement design, web publishing, social media, and digital photography.

In addition to teaching students to master software, Upper Iowa University also allows students to build an original professional portfolio of work, which gives them an edge over other schools.

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Hodges University

online bachelor's in graphic design

At Hodges University, students can use these disciplines to gain an understanding of various disciplinary perspectives. Several disciplines are covered in this graphic design degree, as students may opt for a concentration in digital graphics and design depending on their interests and skills.

Their institution has highly qualified and experienced faculty teaching digital design and graphics courses at Hodges. 

In this graphic design program, using the Blackboard platform, instructors and students can interact and receive instructional support. A learning management system at Hodges University includes instant messaging capabilities, lecture recordings, and live conferencing services.

Graphic designers are needed to make visually appealing websites and sell products online as companies continue to expand online. Hodges University’s 120-credit program offers students a wide range of possibilities.

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Independence University

online bachelor's in graphic design

Students at Independence University can pursue an online bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts while taking advantage of their talents and skills.

One of the three degree programs available to students is a bachelor’s degree in graphic arts, a bachelor’s degree in web design and development, or an associate’s degree in visual arts with a concentration in information design. 

Students in this online bachelor’s in graphic design program will learn how the professional graphic designer stays up-to-date with the latest digital tools and software useful in this program.

The program ensures that students develop into marketable assets by choosing a specialty to focus all of their energies on honing their skills. 

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Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

With an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design or Media Arts offered at Southern New Hampshire University, you can study conveniently!

Flexible study options are available in the graphic design program. The academic advisor can help students modify their coursework. Minors and electives are also available to online students.

From the moment you arrive at SNHU until the day you graduate, you’ll be supported by its faculty and staff. You’ll have access to 24/7 online classrooms and helpful learning resources along the way, so you don’t need to worry about class times.

Several scholarships and fellowship opportunities are available for those who need financial assistance with tuition fees.

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Savannah College of Arts and Design

Savannah College of Arts and Design

The graphic design program at SCAD prepares you to create the visual identities that power today’s leading labels, companies, and organizations.

Students studying graphic design at SCAD learn to combine entrepreneurship with modern technology and product design.

Among the companies you’ll visit as a student are Airbnb, Hasbro, Google, and many more. In addition to all-access resources, you’ll be able to attend star-studded events such as SCADstyle, which features luminaries from the world of art, fashion, and contemporary design.

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California Baptist University

online bachelor's in graphic design

A Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Media degree from California Baptist University has an amazing range of offerings. Graphic design and visual marketing students will benefit from this degree, emphasizing graphic design and marketing integration.

Students in the degree program will be offered a wide range of courses to prepare them for successful careers. This program includes 43 credits of general education credits and 48 major credits. 

Design, web, typography, and image are the four main categories of the major-related classes. During this personal, professional, and spiritual transformation journey, students discover their voice and purpose. In addition to learning from accomplished faculty members and mentors, students connect with successful professionals. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Graphic Design Important to Businesses?

Why Is Graphic Design Important to Businesses?

Graphic Design may be just a job to some, but to businesses and organizations, it can mean the difference between thriving and failing in the industry! Here are the reasons why Graphic Design is here to stay:

It communicates your brand in a unique way.

When you create a graphic design, your ideas are expressed in an effective as well as aesthetically pleasing way. This has been an effective strategy for many businesses these days. To help your business make an impact, graphic design conveys a brand, marketing, or sales message in ways that words do not.

It makes your business stand out.

Choices are available to everyone, and with a broad and saturated market these days, businesses need to compete more aggressively. To distinguish yourself from your competition, you need to know how the graphic design you choose represents your brand.

Decision-makers of the household or a business are influenced by good design, both consciously and unconsciously.

Humans prefer to associate with aesthetic objects and things that represent something positive. Therefore, a high-quality graphic design increases the likelihood that your brand will gain the attention of key decision-makers.

It builds your brand consistently with images and graphics.

Establishing your brand image is one of the critical factors, especially if you are a startup company. Visually pleasing graphics describe these branding concepts in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

An image that aims to persuade people to purchase your product is likely to be more effective than a document that tries to convince them. Since people are naturally visual, an image or graphic usually catches their attention more than wording.

Consistency in graphic design is also essential. The graphical representation of your brand should be the same across all platforms to establish trust and ensure brand recognition. Having consistent graphics gives you the consistency you need.

It contributes to your company’s overall image.

You look good when you have a good design. And it’s an apparent reason why its graphic design is essential. Making a great first impression on others is facilitated through great graphic design. First impressions are developed right after someone looks at a logo or art design.

After a first impression is made, it takes a lot more time to reverse that attitude. Your brand or product will receive positive feedback from others if the graphics are visually appealing and professionally designed.

It makes your brand more credible and professional.

The decision-making process is influenced significantly by graphic design. A company’s reputation is enhanced when it invests in quality graphic design.

Many brands are aware of this, so they usually save up huge investments and budgets for advertising and marketing, in which graphic design takes part. Almost any business can be established or forgotten by how it presents itself.

People want to know you are professional before they can fully trust you. Presenting yourself in the right way is one such sign. By investing in quality graphic design, you can present yourself in the best possible light.

What is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?

Graphic Design programs allow students to develop new graphic design and art skills and improve their existing ones. With all the digital tools and software available these days, online learning styles have become more apparent and efficient.

Course requirements typically include design classes, photography, and typography. In addition, you can expect to tackle 2D and 3D design models.

Students in graphic design programs will learn artistic skills and receive a well-rounded college education that can help them land a job in the near future. Becoming a critical thinker and communicator are essential skills for a graphic designer, as they are important for all careers.

The faculty and students can also connect through the practicum, which will be beneficial for finding a job after graduation. Expanding your connection is made possible even through distance learning, and what’s even better is that you can create relationships with fellow artists all over the world.

For graduates of online graphic design degrees, entering the workforce does not require higher education. However, a graphic designer can also earn a master’s or doctoral degree to pursue management careers or work in colleges, so there is no need to stop earning just a bachelor’s in graphic design.

If you wish to be a professor in this field of study, you can intend to do so through master’s and Ph.D. programs.

Do I need to be an artist to be a successful Graphic Designer?

No, you do not need to be an artist to be a successful graphic designer. Although some basic artistic skills will certainly be beneficial, most of the important skills for success as a graphic designer are technical, such as software proficiency and design knowledge.

Having a strong eye for color, composition, typography, and shapes is also beneficial.

What can graduates do with an Online Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design?

What can graduates do with an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design?

An online graphic design program provides the correct credentials to begin your career as a Graphic Designer. Check out the following graphic design careers you can apply for. See which ones you would like to pursue in the corporate world:

1. Advertising Art Director

Advertising art directors, also known as creatives, develop innovative ideas for all types of advertising campaigns. You can work in sectors like the internet, press, cinema, and radio. In most cases, you work as part of a creative team with a copywriter.

In most cases, the copywriter provides the words to accompany the art director’s visuals. Today, however, the lines between the two roles are blurring, and both will likely influence the campaign’s visuals and written content.

2. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers work on different platforms and materials to design tangible and intangible products, activities, websites, books, magazines, pamphlets, print ads, video ads, games, and many more. Basically, you’ll assist and support company brands with their image and branding.

Graphic designers rely on creative ideas and concepts that address the client’s objectives in response to the requirements established by the client, creative director, web development, or account manager.

This kind of work requires an artistic flair, up-to-date industry knowledge, layout techniques, and a professional attitude toward deadlines, costs, and time.

3. Concept Artist

Creating images of people, creatures, places, and moods is your job as a concept artist. According to the brief, you will sketch out what the characters and setting may look like.

In addition to working in animation, comic books, and films, a concept artist can work on any project with a visual narrative. This is an avenue for you to apply your creative skills without limits.

A project will start using tight deadlines, so you will need to produce work quickly. As a result, your concepts or ideas will be used as a reference source throughout the remainder of the project.

As a concept artist, you can either work exclusively in that role or work in general positions involving concept art, e.g., character design or pre-production.

4. Animator

In animation, a sequence of images is called a frame, and when they are put together, they make it appear as if it is moving. As an animator, you’ll make these happen.

A picture can be drawn digitally or hand-drawn, and you can refer to a model as the actual character or use other references. It is common for animators to work on 2D and 3D models, stop-frame animations, or computer-generated animations.

Animated films, television, the internet, and video games are all enhanced through computer-generated animation. There is still an emphasis on artistic ability in animation, but know-how about technical computer packages is becoming increasingly important. So, with a degree in graphic design, you’ll be well-versed in those areas.

5. Illustrator

As a commercial illustrator, you adapt moods and styles of images to inform, persuade, or entertain clients’ intended audiences with commercial briefs. As a designer, you’ll usually specialize in a specific medium, like a digital illustration, a drawing, or a photo.

If you would rather be an illustrator, you can choose to specialize in the following:

What are Some Professional Organizations for Graphic Design Students?

Professional organizations for graphic designers offer benefits to graphic designers and students. It is vital to participate in these communities to build connections as early as your day in college.

Numerous organizations provide resources for professional development, networking opportunities, and scholarships. Many organizations also offer job boards. To get started, take a look at some graphic design organizations for pros and see which one appeals to you:

Graphic Artists Guild

GAG members should be graphic design students who have taken 12 credit hours in one semester. Once you qualify, you can enlist in this organization and take advantage of some benefits.

For example, besides receiving subscriptions to the GAG publications, members are invited to free webinars and enjoy discounts on car rentals and art supplies purchases.

Society of Illustrators

The Society of Illustrators gives its members a discount to visit the SOC Museum in New York City. Moreover, you can have other discounts on attending some events exclusively for SOC members; you’ll also enjoy professional development opportunities.

In addition, SOC offers members who need assistance in marketing their work a specialized membership tier.

American Institute of Graphic Arts

In the United States, AIGA represents over 18,000 members, including many full-time undergraduates. This institute goes way back to 1914, making it one of the pioneers of art institutes. Benefits of membership include access to a job board, discount design hardware, and assistance with health insurance.

International Council Design

The ICD is an English association for schools and institutions that promote design or design education. The schools that are members can provide students with exclusive ICoD activities that will provide students with opportunities to network with other graphic designers and peers.

Students can also attend free online and in-person seminars. Take advantage of these resources by becoming a member of the International Council of Design.

How long does it take to earn an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design?

Your availability and schedule determine how long it will take to earn your online bachelor’s degree in graphic design. You should be able to complete the program in four years if you follow a traditional 16-week semester schedule and attend full-time. But there are other alternatives.

For instance, instead of following an 8-week semester schedule, you could choose an accelerated online program. For the accelerated program, you must remain continuously enrolled throughout the year.

Can a Graphic Designer work as a Web Designer?

To become a web designer or graphic designer, you must follow a specific career path. Graphic designers and Web designers overlap in some respects, which is why they are often conflated. However, it’s worth noting that web design is a highly specialized technical field of study.

Unlike print design, web design focuses entirely on user interface design, coding, programming, and search engine optimization. Creating useful user experiences requires using technology and digital software, which is the defining characteristic of both web and graphic designers.

But, since you’re not going to learn programming in a graphic design program, you might not be able to fulfill specific web designing tasks and approaches.

Key Takeaways

Let your creative juices flow… as a Graphic Designer! Actually, the field of graphic design is very versatile. If you are so inclined, you should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.

And the best part… You can earn your degree through online programs. For busy learners, online courses are easy, convenient, and flexible.

Begin your online Graphic Design degree program today! Consider these points:

For more information about web design and website development, see our resource article:

Free Online Web Design & Development Classes

Additional Resources: