Online Bachelor of Science in Design in Graphic Design
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in Design in graphic design explores ways to solve problems and develop narratives through visual communication. In this program, you’ll learn essential design principles and master applying these skills to professional print and web design projects.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/08/2024
Total classes: 26
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What do graphic designers do?
Graphic designers are responsible for visually designing the way in which information is communicated. These professionals use design theories, principles and layout techniques to create visual designs that clearly communicate messages and enhance user experience.
In this online graphic design degree, you’ll learn these design theories and master how to apply them in your own professional design projects.
The skills you need to be a graphic designer
This graphic design degree teaches you how to be a responsible design steward while developing your visual communication skills. You’ll focus on learning how to visually communicate rather than working with design software.
Upon graduation, you’ll possess a wide range of transferable skills and competencies needed to succeed as a graphic designer, such as:
Will my diploma say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Graphic design courses and curriculum
Courses prioritize the visual language of graphic design and visual communication. In your lower-division courses, you’ll focus on teaching design principles, such as typography, layout and color. You’ll complete theory-based projects using drawing and other hand-done techniques to create handbound booklets, small-bound books and presentation boards. In advanced courses, you’ll apply your knowledge of design principles to professional computer-based projects in publication design, motion graphics, web design, animation, interface design and more. This program culminates with a capstone course, in which you’ll conduct research and design a campaign around a social issue of your choice. You’ll present your work at a final exhibition near the end of your last semester. Featured courses may include:
GRA 101: Designing Life
GRA 111: Graphic Design History I (HU)
GRA 112: Graphic Design History II
GRA 121: Principles for Graphic Design I
GRA 122: Principles for Graphic Design II
GRA 220: Design Drawing I
GRA 221: Letterform
GRA 222: Visual Communication I
Jobs you could get with a graphic design degree
This graphic design degree prepares you for a variety of design-related careers. With a focus on design theories and principles, your skills can be applied both in traditional graphic design jobs and in design-related industries, such as technology, advertising and architecture. Possible careers include, but aren’t limited to:
Animator
Art Director
Art Professor
Graphic Artist
Graphic Designer
Industrial Designer
Library Media Specialist
Printing Press Technician
TV/Movie Set Designer
Major in graphic design with leaders in the industry
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:
- Contributions of historic design in present day.
- Creative development and collaboration.
- Design systems for improved public policy.
- Environmental design for public good.
- Social justice and community engagement.
- Sustainable and regenerative design.
Major in graphic design with leaders in the industry
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:
- Contributions of historic design in present day.
- Creative development and collaboration.
- Design systems for improved public policy.
- Environmental design for public good.
- Social justice and community engagement.
- Sustainable and regenerative design.
How to apply
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Join one of the best schools for design
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts has a tradition of top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs from a combination of disciplines. These range from the arts, media and engineering to film, dance and theater. The institute trains artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem solving to advance culture, build community and transform society.
5,300+
students.
400
internationally recognized faculty members.
125
in arts, media and engineering, design, dance and theater, film and music.
Top 20
among fine arts schools in the nation, ahead of Cornell University, Parsons School of Design and the University of California.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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