Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design: A Complete Guide (2025)
Thinking about turning your creativity into a career? A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design gives you the skills, portfolio, and credentials to enter competitive design roles across digital, print, and multimedia platforms. This guide breaks down the steps, benefits, program options, online schools, and what jobs you can pursue after graduation.
Southern New Hampshire University
Program:
- BBA Graphic Design and Media Arts - User Experience Design
- BA Graphic Design and Media Arts
- BA Graphic Design and Media Arts with concentration in Web Design
Cost Range: $25,000 - $45,000
Liberty University Online
Program:
- BS: Digital Design: Photographic Design
- BS: Digital Design: Graphic Design
- BFA: Graphic Design
Cost Range: $25,000 - $45,000
How Long Does It Take to Finish?
A Bachelor’s in Graphic Design typically takes four years to complete full-time. Some online or accelerated programs may offer options to finish faster, especially if you have transfer credits or prior learning experience.
What You’ll Study
A Graphic Design bachelor’s curriculum covers:
- Design Principles and Composition
- Typography and Color Theory
- Digital Illustration and Imaging
- UX/UI Design and Web Layouts
- Adobe Creative Cloud Tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
- Motion Graphics or Multimedia Design
- Brand Identity and Visual Strategy
- Portfolio Development and Presentation Skills
Expect to participate in real-world design projects, group critiques, and internships with creative companies.
Career Paths with a Graphic Design Degree
Entry-Level Roles
Graduates often begin with roles like:
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Production Artist
- Digital Illustrator
- Advertising Designer
- Junior UX/UI Designer
Mid-Level and Specialized Careers
With experience or niche skills, you can pursue:
- Art Director
- Creative Director
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Brand Strategist
- Packaging Designer
- Design Consultant
Freelance and Remote Options
Many graphic design jobs can be done remotely or independently. As a freelancer, you can:
- Offer graphic design services to small businesses and startups
- Join a graphic design agency as a contractor
- Work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Behance
Graphic Designer Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for graphic designers is $61,300 per year as of 2024.
- Job outlook: 2% growth projected from 2023 to 2033
- Highest demand: web design, UX/UI, digital marketing design
- Remote graphic design jobs are increasingly common, especially for tech companies and startups
Final Thoughts
A Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design gives you the structure, skills, and credibility to turn your creative passion into a professional career. With a strong portfolio, technical training, and hands-on experience, you’ll be prepared for a wide range of roles across print, digital, branding, and interactive design.
Whether you’re aiming for a full-time agency job, freelance gigs, or a remote creative career, this degree can open doors—and help you stand out in a visually driven world.
If this guide isn't quite what you were hoping for, explore the other guides below to discover one that better matches your expectations:
Vduani Martinez is a part of the Growth team at Dreambound. She creates and fixes workflows and automation to guarantee seamless operations. On top of that, she manages databases to ensure all information is up to date. Vduani is a licensed Electronics Engineer who loves coffee and is a travel enthusiast. Out of the office, she enjoys going on road trips and discovering new cafes and restaurants.
