Best Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs of 2025

How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree Program

Choose your area of study

Depending on which school you attend, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design may be available as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or Bachelor of Science (BS). BA and BFA programs prepare students for careers in the arts. A BS program will emphasize more technical training, including motion graphics, interactive design, and 3D modeling.

Also, an online graphic design program will often allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as print design, web design, or marketing. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for graphic design programs that closely match these career goals.

Research schools and programs

You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

Ideally, your online graphic design degree program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for art education.

Beyond the accreditation status, you’ll also want to note the school’s support services for online students, such as career counseling, mentorship programs, and library services. See if their online learning programs have networking opportunities to make industry connections, perhaps through an alumni association.

To learn more about any graphic design program that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Each graphic design degree program varies in its application requirements and process. However, most bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design require:

• Official high school transcripts
• Standardized test scores, such as from the SAT or ACT
• A personal statement outlining your interest and relevant achievements in graphic design
• Letter(s) of recommendation from former teachers or employers

Depending on the online graphic design degree program you’re applying to, there might be other prerequisites, such as a minimum GPA or presenting a portfolio of your work. For instance, the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California requires applicants to submit a professional portfolio of six to ten creative projects showing how they communicate ideas through layout, images, and typography.

Always contact the school’s admissions office to confirm you have the most accurate information regarding application requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Some students apply to a single graphic design degree program tailored to their needs and goals, while others submit multiple applications to boost their chances of acceptance.

Whatever you decide to do, most schools charge an application fee, a cost that can add up if you apply to several graphic design programs. Contact the school for a fee waiver if you’re concerned about these costs.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your online graphic design degree program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous graphic design courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous graphic design courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two learning formats do you prefer? Your online education program should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Every school with an online bachelor’s in graphic design program specifies the financial aid students can receive, including work-study, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and grants. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal student loans and need-based institutional aid.

If you’re already working, your employer may cover some costs through employer tuition assistance benefits, especially if your graphic design degree relates to your current job. Talk with your school’s financial aid office for more detailed information about how to pay for your online courses.

What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree Program?

The online coursework for a bachelor’s in graphic design program will vary based on the school. Generally, those earning a graphic designer degree online will gain an in-depth understanding of how to use digital tools to create print and digital advertisements, logos, flyers, websites, digital videos, and other materials for companies and clients.

Students interested in traditional graphic design receive training in using visual elements, such as color and typography, to appeal to consumers and communicate ideas. Their graphic design coursework will also cover creating layouts for print and online publications and designing materials for advertising and marketing campaigns.

Those interested in multimedia might learn about designing 3D environments for video games or crafting set designs for film and television. Others might study different software and programming languages to determine the feel, look, and functionality of websites, making them easy to navigate.

Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in graphic design degree program

History of Graphic Design

In a graphic design history course, students will learn about the development of visual communication from its origins through the twentieth century. This course examines the significant social, technological, and industrial influences of graphic design.

Publication Design

Students interested in print and digital publishing learn about page layout and other visual communication aspects of publication design. They’ll develop their skills through hands-on projects and discuss how to address common design challenges.

Branding

A course like this covers the role of graphic design in branding, analyzing branding strategies and applying design principles to print and digital projects.

Web Design Fundamentals

Here, graphic design students learn the basics of web design and web development, such as user interface design principles, web standards, pattern libraries, and other tools used to create digital products. A course like this typically covers stylesheets and markup languages, such as CSS and HTML.

Motion Design

This online graphic design course covers how to design motion graphics for video games, the internet, film, and television. Projects might include opening titles and rolling credit sequences.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree?

Career outlook

Graphic designers convey ideas and information through images and design. Therefore, these creative professionals play a key role in communication on both a small and large scale.

Work environments for graphic designers vary. Some graphic designers work independently as freelancers, while others work for graphic design firms that contract their services to clients. Other industry professionals work as in-house graphic designers for magazines, book publishers, film and TV production studios, advertising agencies, or public relations firms. Graphic designers can work in both print and digital media, although some may choose to focus on one or the other.

A bachelor’s degree is typically sufficient to qualify individuals for entry- and mid-level graphic design positions. Those with more experience can work their way up to management positions, like art director.

While a graduate degree in graphic design isn’t usually required for high-level positions, additional online education can help individuals polish their skills and stay current with new graphic design software and technology.

• Graphic designer — Create visual concepts, using computer software like Adobe Creative Cloud or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers through brochures, advertisements, magazines, and more.
  • Median annual salary: $58,910
  • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
  • New jobs projected: 22,800 per year
• Web developer or digital designer — Develop and test layouts, functions, and navigation in order to improve a website’s look and usability.
  • Median annual salary: $92,750
  • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 16%
  • New jobs projected: 19,000 per year
• Art director — Oversee the visual style of magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions by creating the overall design and directing others who develop artwork or layouts.
  • Median annual salary: $106,500
  • Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
  • New jobs projected: 13,800 per year

Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Degree Frequently Asked Questions