2023 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) hosts a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts requiring 120 credit hours. This full-time program can be completed entirely online in three to four years. Choose between concentrations in web design or 3-D modeling and animation. Students learn important design technologies, analyze media messaging, create professional portfolios, and understand the ethics and cultural issues surrounding visual media. Core courses include Graphics and Layout in Print Media, Typography, and Advanced Digital Imaging.

SNHU is a large nonprofit institution with resources that range from online libraries and bookstores to a wellness center. Students may go on to explore careers as web designers, multimedia designers, creative directors, or production artists.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication for students interested in careers in this creative industry. This 120-credit program generally takes full-time students four years to complete and possibly less if transferring credits. UMGC accepts 100% of applicants, and 28% of students graduate with their degrees.

UMGC's online curriculum is delivered via Brightspace. The online graphic communication program courses include Introduction to Drawing, Typography and Layout, Introduction to Graphic Communication, and Arrangement and Color. Completing a graphic communication portfolio is also required to graduate. The program helps students prepare for carers, such as graphic designers, art directors, freelance designers, and communication designers.

Liberty University (LU) is a large nonprofit institution offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This 100% online program requires 120 credit hours, which can be completed in three to four years on a full-time schedule. The degree explores digital design through cutting-edge technologies, with courses such as Digital Imaging, Digital Imaging and Art, Culture, and Technology. An undergraduate internship is required before graduation. LU also has a Bachelor of Science in Digital Design, which includes a concentration option in graphic design. This program focuses more on visual communication within electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.

LU uses Canvas for its distance learning programs in digital design and graphic design. Students have access to resources, such as research tutorials and an academic success center. Career options include art director, web developer, multimedia artist, or animator.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, public university with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology. This 120-credit program can be completed fully online in three to four years with a full-time schedule. Students explore a broad overview of media disciplines — such as web design, advertising, and visual media. Prior to graduation, ASU students can get career counseling, time management coaching, wellness support, and success coaching. Career opportunities include animator, graphic artist, graphic designer, and photographer.

ASU Online uses LearnX for its coursework which for this program includes Graphic Communications, Digital Publishing, and Digital Video Techniques.

Rasmussen University Online is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design to help students gain the in-demand skills they need in order to enter this growing industry. Rasmussen's online bachelor's program in graphic design is ideal for students who have previously earned credits toward a degree. Overall, it requires completing 90 credit hours, which may take full-time students approximately 18 months. Students can also take self-directed assessments to demonstrate previously developed skills and potentially eliminate some classes.

Rasmussen delivers its online coursework and instruction via the Blackboard learning management system. Distance learners in Rasmussen's online bachelor's degree in graphic design enroll in classes such as Communicating with Motion Graphics, Collateral Design, Digital Video Production, and 3D Design and Animation. Additionally, students must complete a senior capstone project and a capstone portfolio before they can graduate.

Full Sail University's (FS) Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design uses projects and critiques to provide students with a broad understanding of graphic design. As a large, private institution, Full Sail offers a full-time, 27-month bachelor's program featuring core courses, such as Digital Publishing and Typography as well as Page Layout. The degree requires 116 credit hours, which includes two professional development seminars and a career readiness course.

FS uses a custom learning management system for its coursework, which is 100% online. Students receive career support through advisors. Beyond graduation, career opportunities may include graphic designers, art directors, and production artists, to name a few.

Bellevue University (BU) is a medium-sized nonprofit institution with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. Through 127 credit hours, this program offers an understanding of typography, imagery, color, and messaging through various media and technologies. Students can graduate in three to four years on a full-time schedule. This 100% online degree includes core courses, such as Fundamentals of JavaScript, Web Page Design, and Branding. Requirements also include the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, which explores American values and traditions.

BU uses Canvas for its online learning programs. Online students also have access to support tools, such as digital libraries and tech support. Graduates of this program may go on to seek positions as UX or UI designers, graphic designers, or art directors.

The Academy of Art University (AAU) offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design that aims to develop students' skills in typography, branding, user experience, and motion graphics. All 132 credit hours can be completed in three to four years on a full-time schedule. Core courses include History of Graphic Design, Visual Communication, and Design Technology: Visual Design Tools.

AAU is a medium-sized, for-profit institution, with fully online courses in graphic design offered through a proprietary learning management system. Students may have the option to learn asynchronously with virtual and in-person classes. Online resources include libraries, career development, and tutorials. Graduates will leave with a portfolio that enables them to seek professional work as graphic designers.

Maryville University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media aims to prepare students with the technical and artistic skills to become professionals in digital experiences. Through 128 credit hours, you'll take core coursework in UX/UI Design, Icon, and Identity; Sequential Art; and Digital Photography. An internship is also required before graduation. This program can be completed fully online within three to four years with a full-time schedule.

Maryville is a medium-sized nonprofit institution that uses Canvas for its online coursework. Students have access to online libraries and technical support. Graduates of this program can find career opportunities in graphic design, animation, film editing, and digital illustration.

Arkansas State University's (AState) Bachelor of Science in Digital Technology and Design offers a concentration in graphic communication. This program involves learning how to create digital products and interactive media. Core classes include Desktop Publishing and Publication Design, Media Aesthetics, Design Build, and Design Literacy. A graphic design internship, along with 120 credits, are required to complete this program. Most students take three to four years to finish this fully online degree, but this is at a full-time pace. Top careers for graduates include art director, web developer, interactive designer, and graphic designer.

AState is a medium-sized, public university that uses Blackboard as its learning management system for online degrees. Resources are offered to students, such as tech support, virtual research assistance, and an online career center.

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) offers two programs in graphic design. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design includes technical courses in graphic design, which highlight techniques and methodologies through 123 credit hours. Subjects such as UI/UX, design software, typography, and visual storytelling are explored in this online program. There is also a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, which includes a concentration in graphic design. This program explores teaching philosophies and leadership skills in the arts. Each program can be completed in three to four years on a full-time schedule.

RMCAD is a small nonprofit institution that uses a proprietary learning management system tailored toward visual media. Free digital resources include Adobe Creative Cloud, Behance, and LinkedIn Learning. Graduates have gone on to become creative directors, communications managers, web designers, and digital project managers.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers two online bachelor's programs for aspiring graphic designers. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design requires 180 credit hours and can be completed in three to four years on a full-time schedule. Students take core courses — such as Graphic Design Media Management and Typography 1: Anatomy, Form and Space — plus an undergraduate internship, as they explore design theory and concepts of digital art. SCAD also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication, with a concentration in graphic design, which teaches many of the same foundational digital art courses.

SCAD is a medium-sized, private university that utilizes a signature learning management system, known as SCADnow, for its fully online coursework. Student resources include career advisors, resources, and job fairs. Most career opportunities can be found in marketing and advertising.