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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 26

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Graphic Design (BSD)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

This is a required field.
This is a required field.
This is a required field.
Invalid phone number. Please try again.

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:

  • Book design.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Environment design.
  • Motion graphics.
  • Story telling.
  • Strategic problem solving.
  • Typography.
  • Visual literacy.
  • 3D design.

Do you need a degree to be a graphic designer?

 

While it’s possible to work in the creative field of graphic design without a degree, most entry-level and advanced roles look for professionals with a higher education degree.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), this graphic design degree helps you stand out among the competition when applying for post-graduate roles. Previous program graduates can be found in design jobs at various agencies and organizations including Facebook, the Chicago Design Museum, Amazon and Target.

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


Growth: 8.2 %
Salary: $98,950

Art Director


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $105,180

Art Professor


Growth: 3.2 %
Salary: $77,280

Graphic Artist


Growth: -13.5 %
Salary: $47,910

Graphic Designer


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $57,990

Industrial Designer


Growth: 2.0 %
Salary: $75,910

Library Media Specialist


Growth: 3.0 %
Salary: $61,660

Printing Press Technician


Growth: -17.1 %
Salary: $43,560

TV/Movie Set Designer


Growth: 7.3 %
Salary: $59,990

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at 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 Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at 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 Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

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.

You might also be interested in

Art (Digital Photography) (BFA)

Undergraduate

Art (Digital Photography) (BFA)


Graphic Information Technology (BS)

Undergraduate

Graphic Information Technology (BS)


Film and Media Studies (BA)

Undergraduate

Film and Media Studies (BA)


Art History (BA)

Undergraduate

Art History (BA)