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What is Graphic Design?

Graphic Design is the use of various styles and artistic elements to produce images, fonts and logos that capture the attention of consumers and create an easily recognizable identity for the event, production, product or person being advertised.

Graphic design combines various mediums and sensibilities and is used in a  variety of fields, including television, magazines, journalism, web layout, book covers, catalogs, newspapers, product packaging, product labels, illustrations, clip-art, reports, apparel design, presentations, flyers, postcards, banners, brochures, logos and letterhead.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$52,290

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

29.12%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

210,710

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Graphic Design Schools

Founded in 1740 as the first university in the United States, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a private Ivy League institution based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With over 25,000 local and international students, the university was built on the concept of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship to develop appropriate solutions to the most pressing social issues.

The Weitzman School of Design at Penn offers major and minor programs in Design that provide an overview of traditional and contemporary design as well as its connection to the sciences, humanities, and emerging technologies. The top ranked Graphic Design major has an integrative curriculum that emphasizes an understanding of design and related disciplinary approaches and how they respond to social, cultural, and environmental issues. Students in the program acquire skills in contemporary representation, prototyping, and fabrication while immersing themselves in different theoretical frameworks that lead to advanced research and knowledge. The Design minor, on the other hand, is open to undergraduates in the Wharton School, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Engineering. For more details about the programs, go to design.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northeastern University is a private research university situated in Boston, Massachusetts that was established in 1898 to provide interdisciplinary programs to students all over the world. The university embraces research as it provides experience-powered learning through global partnerships with different institutions and corporations to fulfill its mission of transforming learners into leaders.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design at Northeastern’s College of Arts, Media and Design is a program that provides a broad understanding of different principles, concepts, and systems of design perception, communication, and action. The program offers three concentrations namely Graphic and Information Design, Interaction Design, and Experience Design. The Graphic and Information Design concentration equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to make messages and meaning through the use of visual forms like texts and images. Students are trained to be knowledgeable in the rules of visual composition, form, and pattern, and to be persuasive to be able to create attention through their designs. The concentration requires courses like Graphic Design, Programming Basics, Experience Design, Identity and Brand Design, Typography, and Environmental Information Design. To read more about the program, visit camd.northeastern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

As one of the top public research universities in the country, the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (UM Ann Arbor) was founded in 1817 to create, communicate, and apply knowledge, art, and academic values to its students and communities. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the university offers programs and research opportunities in the fields of law, engineering, design, education, social work, medicine, public health, and many more.

The Stamps School of Design at UM Ann Arbor offers an undergraduate program in Art and Design that leads to either a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The BFA in Art and Design focuses on creativity, critical thinking, mastery of technique and craftsmanship, project development, and community engagement. Students begin the program through a series of foundational studio courses in order to help them choose their academic and professional interests. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to make interdisciplinary collaborations and connections beyond Stamps School which can help them build their academic focus. The BA in Art & Design, on the other hand, is an ideal program of study for students who are interested in the incorporation of liberal arts in art and design. See the curriculum of each program at stamps.umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University (BU) is a private research university founded in 1839 by the United Methodist Church. The university supports over 34,000 students specializing in more than 300 programs of study in the areas of engineering, fine arts, management, general studies, communications, medical sciences, business, and law.

The Graphic Design program at BU’s College of Fine Arts offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that focus on a studio-driven approach to visual communication and design thinking. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design emphasizes critical design thinking through a sequenced studio approach to design in order to equip students with the key principles of form, audience, authorship, medium, and context. Students in the program are challenged to practice creative and strategic thinking while having the opportunity to work closely with faculty to enhance their technical and conceptual skills. The Certificate in Graphic Design, on the other hand, is designed for students who already earned their bachelor’s degrees and want to have an in-depth understanding of graphic design. Explore the programs at bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Among the pioneering art and design schools in the country, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a private art and design school based in Providence, Rhode Island that has an affiliation with Brown University. Founded in 1877, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 2,500 students immersed in the social sciences, liberal arts, and art and design.

The Graphic Design program at RISD provides students a comprehensive education on art and design where they learn how to improve visual communication, use the required tools in the field, and frame the points of view and messages behind the designs. The BFA in Graphic Design is a program that allows students to fully comprehend and apply an innovative design process in their designs to fully engage with their audience and artists while gaining the basic principles of design, various theories of communication, and different strategies for problem-solving. Students also learn more about the fundamentals of typography, grids, colors, imagery, and systems in the studio where they can create various outputs like books, logos, posters, websites, apps, and other forms of digital media. Inquire about the program at risd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

25.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Miami (UM) is a private research university situated in Coral Gables, Florida that aims to serve society by offering accessible academic programs and engaging in research. The university, which officially opened in 1925, enrolls more than 17,000 students engaged in 180 majors and programs across 11 schools and colleges located across Miami.

The Department of Art and Art History at UM College of Arts and Sciences offers a Graphic Design and Multimedia program which is part of the Electronic Media area. It focuses on providing undergraduate and graduate-level education to aspiring designers and artists while developing their expertise, self-discipline, motivation, and individuality. The program is offered as a concentration of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art along with other concentrations such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. Students are encouraged to advance their independent visual research to analyze different strategies in seven areas namely entertainment, design and craft, applied science, video art, public interaction, painting and sculpture, and cultural theory. Learn more about the program overview at art.as.miami.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

With nearly 200 research, service, and education centers, the University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. It is recognized as one of the best value universities in the nation. The university houses 16 colleges with over 300 programs that help students achieve their goals and their mission of creating a better world through research.

The top rated degree in Graphic Design at UF School of Art and Art History is an undergraduate program for students who want to pursue careers in graphic design and related fields. The curriculum includes introductory courses in art history, design, drawing, as well as 2D, 3D, and 4D studio courses which focus on concept development and application, mastery of principles and practices used in the industry, critical thinking, and creative investigation. Students create a working portfolio to be able to work with clients for their professional development in the graphic design discipline. The school also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Design and Visual Communications which focuses on research and collaborations with other professionals. Access the complete program curriculum at arts.ufl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

George Washington (GW) University is a private research university based in Washington, D.C. that was chartered in 1821. It serves more than 26,000 students from 50 states and 130 countries as it continues to expand and improve its impact by providing high-quality undergraduate education, distinctive graduate education, world-class faculty, and high-impact research to society.

The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at GW offers a major in Graphic Design program where students are trained to practice critical thinking, the art of persuasion, and visual problem-solving. The curriculum consists of courses that build on students’ knowledge of branding/identity programs, mobile apps, web design, interaction design, systems design, information design, environmental design, motion graphics, typography, and publication design. There are also activities which aim to give students a strong foundation on concept ideation, design processes, messaging, visual communication strategies, design development, wireframing, and production. Read more about the program requirements at corcoran.gwu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

With more than 170 programs of study, American University (AU) is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. where students can design a personalized curriculum based on their academic and professional interests. Ranked as one of the most innovative universities in the country, AU houses eight schools and units that specialize in the fields of law, public affairs, business, education, arts and sciences, and many more.

The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic and Visual Communication Design at AU’s Department of Art, College of Arts and Sciences is a program that teaches students the different theories and effective practices on graphic communications design. The curriculum covers corporate identity, illustration, publication and editorial design, packaging, poster design, multimedia, photography, and interactive design. Some of the courses in the program are Data Visualization and Information Design, Kinetic and Sequential Graphics, Visual Concepts and Image Making for Design, and Typography I: Visible Language for Publications and Media. The department also offers a minor in the field as well as a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. More details about the program can be seen at american.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

North Carolina State University, also called NC State, is a public research-extensive land-grant university supporting more than 36,000 students on its campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, the university is known for its strength in science and technology education and its commitment to excellent teaching, extensive research, and robust engagement.

The College of Design at NC State offers undergraduate and graduate programs in graphic design where students learn how to communicate messages through images, typography, symbols, physical materials, and digital media. The undergraduate program in Graphic Design equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to produce prototypes and materials such as books, magazines, product packaging, identity systems, signage, applications, websites, and data visualizations. The courses in the program include Design, Context, and Experience, Image and Technology, Typography and Technology, Branding, Interaction, and Service Design, and Visualization, Representation, and Display. The college also offers a Master of Graphic Design program which is designed for students and professionals who want a more in-depth knowledge of graphic and experience design. See more about the programs at academics.design.ncsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Established in 1873 as a progressive and personal college, Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private university situated in Fort Worth, Texas that provides holistic undergraduate and graduate education to students from all around the world. The university aims to prepare individuals for critical thinking and ethical behavior development in order to become productive leaders of society.

The Department of Design at TCU offers an online degree in Graphic Design which prepares students in pursuing careers as designers upon graduation. The program has a strong liberal arts core curriculum combined with comprehensive instruction and training in basic and advanced visual and technical skills, design theory, and art and graphic design history. The topics included in the program are advertising, typography, corporate identity, packaging, editorial, web, and interactive media. Students are also required to complete a creative internship as well as capstone classes namely Portfolio & Marketing and Senior Thesis. For more information about the program, go to finearts.tcu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

With campuses in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, Washington, the University of Washington (UW) is among the oldest public research universities in the United States that was founded in 1861. It is among the top universities in the world with more than 54,000 students yearly and a world-class academic medical center, as well.

The School of Art, Art History, and Design at UW Seattle offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of graphic design with the goal to advance the field through education, practice, and research. The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design, one of the largest programs in the university, aims to educate and train future designers for the technical and communication needs of the industry and society. Students have comprehensive instruction and training on the entire design process which starts from the conception of the idea to the realization of visual solutions to complex issues. Some of the courses in the program are Corporate Identity, Visual Systems, Introduction to Typography, Interface Design, and Introduction to Motion Design. To learn more about the program requirements, visit art.washington.edu.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Recognized among the top public universities in the Northeast, the State University of New York (SUNY) College at New Paltz or SUNY College at New Paltz is a public university that originated as New Paltz Classical School in 1828. It previously offered programs in reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as in languages such as Greek and Latin. Today, it continues to provide academic excellence and creativity to support the educational needs of over 7,500 students.

The Department of Art at SUNY New Paltz offers a Graphic Design program that provides a broad education to produce excellent designers and artists. The program integrates the liberal arts core with the design curriculum in order to provide a cross-disciplinary instruction and practice of skills drawn from Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Communication and Media, and Fine Art. There are also courses on process and research methods that prepare students for independent and collaborative work which is essential in the field. More details about the program are available at newpaltz.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Founded as a high school named The School of the Ozarks in 1906, College of the Ozarks is a Christian, liberal arts college located in Point Lookout, Missouri. It became a junior college in 1956 until it offered four-year bachelor’s programs in 1965. The college aims to provide a Christian education for all genders with a total enrollment of 1,500 students engaged in more than 50 degree programs.

The Bachelor of Arts major in Art with a Studio Art Emphasis is a program offered by the College of the Ozarks that focuses on different aspects of art and design such as graphic design, computer art, ceramics, and painting. With the option to choose one among those aspects, students are expected to develop the technical and visual skills required to understand various media, principles, techniques, concepts and histories of visual art. Some of the courses in the program are Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Art History I, Modern Art, and Human Creativity. Students are also required to take two courses in foreign languages which can be in Latin, Hebrew, Spanish, and Greek. View the entire program curriculum at cofo.edu.

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Recognized as one of the top public institutions in New York City, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a public college in Manhattan that specializes in design, art, fashion, business, and communications. It is one of the members of the State University of New York (SUNY) that was founded in 1944 to establish a fashion institute of technology and design.

The Graphic Design BFA at FIT is a program that provides students a solid foundation in the basic elements of graphic design while developing their expertise through the use of industry-level technical applications. Students will learn different visual and technical skills such as advanced typography, editorial design, environmental graphics, corporate identity programs, and media design. Through internships at major institutions and design firms like MoMA, the Art Directors Club, and Pentagram, students gain real-world experience in working with professionals and in various approaches to graphic design. There is also a required senior thesis project and a juried design exhibition which help students build a strong portfolio. Read more about the program curriculum at fitnyc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

53.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) is a private college with campuses in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange Country in California. It is recognized as one of the best graphic design and fashion schools in the United States with degree programs in fashion, beauty, entertainment, interior design, and graphic design.  The Graphic Design degree Program at FIDM allows students to learn the technical and visual techniques needed to translate abstract ideas into strong visual messages. Students may choose to take the program which leads to either an Associate of Arts (AA) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The AA in Graphic Design is a 90-unit degree with courses like Color & Design Theory, Drawing Fundamentals, History of Design, and Digital Imaging. The BA program, on the other hand, is a 91-unit degree program that is open to students with an AA or AA Professional Designation degree in either Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or Digital Media from FIDM. Students with an AA degree in Graphic Design from another accredited college or university may also apply. Access the entire list of program requirements at fidm.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Situated in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota, the University of Minnesota (UM) - Twin Cities is a public land-grant research university that is considered the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System. The university is among the five universities in the United States that houses engineering, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, and agricultural schools all on one campus.

Recognized among the most comprehensive design colleges in the United States, the College of Design at UM Twin Cities offers undergraduate and graduate graphic design programs that prepare students with a career in the industry through instruction and training in design theory, design methods, and creative problem-solving. Students in the undergraduate program in Graphic Design are exposed to a wide range of graphic design elements such as branding, typography, interaction design, packaging, user experience, and data visualization. The courses in the program include Introduction to Design Thinking, Foundations: Color and Design in Two and Three Dimensions, Web Design, and Design and its Discontents: Design, Society, Economy and Culture. Visit graphic.design.umn.edu to see the entire list of courses.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Serving roughly 10,000 students on its campus in Orange, California, Chapman University is an academically distinguished university that was founded in 1861. Chapman is recognized as the top private university in the state with 10 schools and colleges in the areas of engineering, business, science and technology, social sciences, film, and media arts.

The Graphic Design major at Chapman‘s Wilkinson College is a program that blends exploratory and research-based processes together with students’ professional portfolio development. The program focuses on traditional, practical, and current methodologies that are being used in the industry and these include history and aesthetics, conceptual and theory-based approaches, and written, verbal, and visual articulation. Students in the program are exposed to different aspects of graphic design such as print design, web design, interactive design, and 3D and 4D motion. There is also an option to pair the degree with a complementary major in Advertising, Marketing, Sociology, Business, Creative Industries, and Psychology. Explore the program at chapman.edu.

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

As one of the best design colleges in the country, Moore College of Art & Design is a private art school located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Built in the industrial revolution era, the college is the first and only historically visual arts and design college for women in the United States with more than 20 Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs.

The Graphic Design degree program at Moore is a comprehensive program that provides state-of-the-art tools and resources to students in order to teach different aspects and sides of graphic design. These include motion graphics, packaging, advertorial composition, print and web design, branding, and eco-friendly printing options. Students become highly perceptive designers through workshops, studio tours, critiques, and mentorship with the college’s faculty members. Some of the courses in the program are The Printed Word, Visual Thinking, Color Theory, Expressive Typography, 3D Applications in Graphic Design, and Professional Practices in Graphic Design. Check the complete program overview at moore.edu.

Acceptance Rate

46.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign is a public land-grant research university based in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana that was established in 1867. The university is considered a major center for the arts with over 32,000 students who are trained to become the leaders in teaching, research, public engagement, and economic development.

The School of Art + Design at the University of Illinois offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design that provides students with the technical and visual skills required to shape the way people interact with the world. The program curriculum revolves around the fundamentals of graphic design which include typography, critical thinking, and image-making. Some of the courses tackle design history, research methods, contemporary practices, and user experience. Students also have the option to take elective courses from an interdisciplinary selection offered by the school which includes photography, video, sustainability, advanced interaction design, and traditional printmaking. More information about the program curriculum can be found at art.illinois.edu.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Located in Detroit, Michigan, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a private college that was established as the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts in 1906. The college enrolls more than 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students that engage in the fields of advertising, art education, photography, product design, copywriting, and communication design.

The Communication Design program at CCS is a STEM-designated program that covers graphic design, motion design, and interaction design while studying the core principles and elements of design. These include imagery, color, typography, messaging, and hierarchy. Students then create interactive designs and environments on various platforms through the knowledge and skills they acquired in the program. The courses in the program include Digital Techniques, Foundation Drawing, 3D Techniques, Fundamentals of Imaging, Motion Design, Intermediate Communication Design, and Art History. For more details about the program, visit collegeforcreativestudies.edu.

Acceptance Rate

43.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of La Verne is a private university based in La Verne, California that offers more than 60 on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 4 schools and colleges. Founded in 1891, the university specializes in teaching arts and sciences, business, education, public management, and law throughout its eight regional campuses across Southern California.

The Department of Art and Art History at La Verne aims to provide students with a rich environment of interdisciplinary learning, exploration, and research where they can develop a firm foundation of knowledge and experience in the visual arts. The department offers two majors namely Studio Art and Art History. The Graphic Art major gives a comprehensive background in the fundamentals of formal, technical, and theoretical aspects of art and design from historical and contemporary perspectives. Students may choose an area of concentration among Studio Art, Photography, and Design. To see the entire program requirements, go to artsci.laverne.edu.

Acceptance Rate

54.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Established in 1864 as the Colorado Seminary, the University of Denver (DU) is a private research university located in Denver, Colorado, and is one of the oldest independent private universities in the state. With more than 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university houses one of the pioneering business schools in the nation as well as social work schools in Colorado.  The programs at DU offers students both the breadth and depth of academics to reach for their goals via higher education.  Check out the opportunities at the University of Denver by reaching out to the admissions team today.

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Situated in Bennington, Vermont, Bennington College is a small private liberal arts college that was founded in 1932. It is the only college in the United States to require annual internships since the first years of its operation. The college is also known as the first college to include visual and performing arts programs that have an integrated liberal arts curriculum.

The Visual Arts program at Bennington College is one of the programs that have an integrated liberal arts education in its art curriculum. Through the expertise of the college’s faculty, students in the program are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to design their own creative processes. Students may choose to apply in either Animation & Production Design, Architecture, Art History, Ceramics, Digital Arts, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Social Practices in Art, and Video as their major. Throughout the program, students develop their own techniques, enhance their conceptual thinking, and design their methods of investigation. For additional information about each major, visit bennington.edu.

Acceptance Rate

60.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Temple University is a top-tier public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that houses almost 35,000 students from all over the world. It provides a dynamic and nurturing academic environment to help its students prepare for their careers in their respective fields and make a real change in society. Since its founding in 1884, the university has been committed to incorporating excellence in academics, research, and the arts.

The Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple offers two undergraduate and one graduate programs in Graphic & Interactive Design which prepares students for careers in the field of graphic design. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic & Interactive Design is a program that emphasizes the development of original concepts and enhancing students’ unique aesthetics. Students in the program learn techniques like prototyping, image-making, typography, iteration, craft and technology, and many other new and traditional media techniques. The school, in partnership with Fox School of Business, also offers a BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design with Entrepreneurial Studies which is ideal for students who want to acquire knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship and art education. The program consists of courses in art, art history, entrepreneurship, business, and many more. The school also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic & Interactive Design which is ideal for students interested in an intensive and research-driven immersion in the field of graphic design. Learn more about the programs at tyler.temple.edu.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top Graphic Design Degrees

There are a number of options to select from when considering a degree in graphic design.  In fact, the options effectively double with the advent of online degrees in addition to the classroom-based counterpart.  To help you efficiently sort through the degree programs that are best for you, we have created an overview of each type of degree along with an easy mechanism to connect with accredited colleges and universities.  A list of the degrees in graphic design include:

Graphic Design Associate’s Degree Online

The associate degree program in graphic design is a 2-year program for students enrolled full-time.  The programs are conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) depending on the curricular design of the program and the school’s accreditation parameters.

Classes are split between liberal arts education such as communications, philosophy, and sociology with core programs in graphic design.  Core classes may include drawing, sculpting, painting, visual literacy, compute design, 3D design, book art, design in motion, design principles, digital photography, advertising, and communications.

Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Online

The bachelor’s degree, online or on-site, is a 4-year program conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) as most schools.  The program, much like the associate’s degree, is split between general education courses and core classes to help provide a holistic, well-rounded educational experience.

Degree programs will vary from school to school and likely differ within a school as many programs offer sub-disciplines within graphic design that can include 3D design, motion graphics, and graphic design.  The core classes will go deeper and wider than the associate’s degree programs with advanced classes in areas of study such as: advertising, editorial design, package graphics, branding, information graphics, design for social change, motion graphics, website design, interactive design, storytelling, and computing for interactive experiences.

Graphic Design Master’s Degrees Online

The master’s degree track in graphic design is a 2-3 year program depending upon the course load, credit requirements, and time a student invests in their thesis project.  A master’s degree in graphic design is conferred as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Classes will vary from college to college and will be a direct correlation to the area of study or concentration chosen within graphic design.  Upper-level classes for graduate students in graphic design will often include: editorial design, writing & design, design technology, digital design, visual thinking, aesthetics, design decisions, branding, and rapid prototyping.

In addition to the core classes, student in most programs will be required to invest substantive time in an advisor-approved thesis project designed to extend the body of knowledge in the field and showcase learned skills and aptitude in graphic design.

Graphic Designer Requirements

A degree in graphic design prepares an individual with the skills necessary to become a graphic designer, including the essentials of art and design, the history of art, and the ability to communicate ideas visually. Though associate's degrees are available, most entry level jobs require at least a bachelor's degree to begin working.

A graphic design curriculum will cover multiple areas of study, and require students to become proficient with computers and the various programs used by the industry. Most graphic design programs require a student to have at least one year of general art education prior to admittance (this requirement can be fulfilled through high school courses).

Most programs take between 3 and 4 years to complete based on the curriculum outlined and whether or not the school is on the trimester system. Students are typically encouraged to partake in shows and seek employment or internship opportunities during their time in school, and many congregate together to bring various talents to a single project.

The goal of a graphic design degree is to expose students to a variety of styles and mediums, and train them to view such information and process it commercially, producing aesthetically pleasing and functional designs. Classes that may be offered in a graphic design programs:

  • Studio Art
  • Art History
  • Sociology
  • Computerized Design
  • Principles of Design

Employment & Graphic Design Careers

Promotions typically require several years of experience, and Graphic designers must be creative and communicative, as dealing with clients is an important part of the work. Some graphic designers may take up teaching positions while continuing consulting work; others may open their own design firms. Most graphic designers will specialize in a particular area of design.

Courses in specific graphic design related programs, such as After Effects, Illustrator, Draw, and others may lead to certification that demonstrates proficiency with that software. As a graphic designer the more demonstrable skills one has, the better ones chances are of finding work.

Graphic design is not limited to two dimensional illustrations, and often requires the use of 3D and other non-traditional forms of design to be incorporated into the complete product. Students and designers both should consider programs that enhance one's knowledge of software and allows them to perform design functions on multiple levels in order to satisfy employer or customer needs.

Additionally, staying abreast of trends in design and technology will also be highly beneficial. The ability to identify and utilize new ideas from various mediums and incorporate them into designs is highly valued, and gives clients the feeling that the graphic designer is capable and creative, two very valuable traits. By looking through periodicals, visiting gallery shows, sifting through art books, and studying advertising, a graphic designer broadens his or her field of knowledge which in turn may allow for longevity in an otherwise highly competitive field.

Top Job Duties of a Graphic Designer

In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor, a large number of graphic designers provided key insights into their work day.  Instead of listing the hundreds of variations of job responsibilities, we have culled the list to a working size to easily review.  The top 5 job duties of a graphic designer include:

  1. Developing compelling graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, print media, interactive media, and websites
  2. Determining the overall size, composition, and arrangement of illustrative material & copy utilized to select exact style and size of content
  3. Utilizing a variety of software applications to generate new images, vectors, and design concepts
  4. Meeting with clients, peers, and upper management to discuss layout design
  5. Creating unique designs, concepts, and layouts as a result of customer requests, layout best practices, and aesthetic design

Graphic Designer Salary & Job Growth

Job growth for graphic design is expected to remain steady for the coming years, though there will be higher than average growth for web designers and animators. The sector of graphic design is slated to see an additional 65,800 jobs during the coming decade according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The average salary for a graphic designer is $46,740 per year with the top 10% averaging $82,020 and the bottom ten percent just under twenty-eight thousand dollars a year.

Top 5 Paying Careers for a Graphic Designer

If you are considering a career in graphic design, it is important to have a realistic baseline of the compensation and work after graduation.  Students graduating with an undergraduate degree will tend to be paid below the median income average while graduate degree holders will likely be above the average.  We have culled a list of the top 5 paying careers in graphic design to help you understand pay ranges in the industry.

1. Marketing Director

A marketing director makes $82,742 on average with the top 10% making $160,269 a year on average and the bottom ten percent making just over forty-one thousand dollars a year.  Top skills that affect total compensation include product marketing, strategic planning, strategic marketing, marketing management, and product management.  A steep increase in pay occurs for most marketing directors around year 5 netting a pay raise of 60% on average versus entry-level positions.

2. Account Manager

An account manager in the advertising space averages $77,049 a year on average.  The top 10% account managers take home $107,196 a year on average while the bottom ten percent average just over fifty-thousand dollars in income.  The top paying cities for an account manager include New York City and San Francisco with the more experienced managers making more than the average manager.

3. Graphic Design Manager

Average pay for a graphic design manager is $53,947 a year with the top managers exceeding $80,000 a year of total compensation.  Top skills that affect employment stability and pay include mastery of various operating systems, QuarkXPress, desktop publishing software, Adobe In Design, project management, and Illustrator.

4. Graphic Designer

Median annual income $42,289 with the top 10% averaging $60,081 of total compensation and the bottom ten percent making just under twenty-eight thousand dollars a year on average.  Variations in compensation are directly correlated to geographic location, work experience, organization type, and skills.  The most in-demand skills of a graphic designer include: Adobe After Effects, Project Management, Adobe Acrobat, Illustrator, and Photoshop.   Top paying cities for graphic designers are San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.

5. Web Designer

The mean average wage for a web designer is $46,539 with the top ten percent making approximately $70,000 a year and the bottom 10% averaging just under thirty-thousand dollars a year.  Based on salary-based surveys from several hundred web designers, compensation increases markedly after ten years of experience in the field increasing by 32% over the ensuing 10 year period.

Top Careers in Graphic Design

For students analyzing the field of graphic design, it is critical to your success to being to understand the job titles and associated roles in the industry. As a means to help you understand jargon, job titles, and variations in the industry, we have assembled career paths for your review. A list of the top careers in graphic design include the following:

  • User Interface Designer
  • Architectural Drafter
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Film Editor
  • Branding Designer
  • Advertising Designer
  • Logo Designer
  • Photo Editor
  • Product Designer
  • Marketing Director
  • Engineering Drafter
  • Creative Art Director
  • Layout Artist
  • Photoshop Editor
  • Package Designer
  • Print Designer
  • Animator
  • Web Designer
  • UI/UX Graphic Designer

Top Employers of Graphic Designers

  1. Specialized Design Companies 29,040
  2. Advertising and Public Relations 22,290
  3. Printing Companies 18,680
  4. Media and Directory Publishers 16,610
  5. Computer Design Organizations 9,610

States with the Highest Employment of Graphic Designers

  • California 29,750
  • New York 21,440
  • Florida 12,500
  • Texas 12,110
  • Illinois 9,630

Top Paying States for Graphic Designers

  1. District of Columbia $69,940
  2. New York $62,750
  3. California $59,210
  4. Maryland $58,590
  5. Massachusetts $58,210

Resources for Graphic Designers

Those interested in a career in graphic design may also wish to consider a career in illustration, fashion and apparel design, or interior design. For additional reference, national and regional associations may prove to be beneficial to your career. Top-tier associations include the American Association of Graphic Arts (AAGA), Graphic Artists Guild (GAG), Association of Registered Graphic Designers (ARGD), and the Society of Illustrators (SOI).

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