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Key takeaway: Online graphic design degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, and the degree prepares graduates for visual communication roles across branding, digital media, publishing, and marketing. According to the BLS, median annual wages for graphic-design-related occupations range from $39,390 to $114,850, depending on the specific role, employer, and experience level (BLS OEWS, May 2025)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An online graphic design degree teaches visual communication – combining design theory, typography, and software skills with a portfolio of applied work across print, digital, and interactive media. Accredited online programs generally deliver the same curriculum and degree titles as their campus counterparts; browse the best accredited online colleges to compare schools that offer them.
These accredited schools offer online graphic design programs and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Online graphic design programs teach visual communication principles alongside industry-standard software. Coursework typically includes design fundamentals, typography, color theory, digital illustration, and portfolio development.
Common online levels include an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree (BA or BFA), and a master’s degree. Bachelor’s programs may offer concentrations such as UX/UI design, branding, motion graphics, or illustration.
No. Unlike fields such as counseling or nursing, graphic design does not require state licensure. Employers instead weigh a candidate’s portfolio, software proficiency, and degree level, so building a strong body of work is central to the job search.
Students should verify that the school holds accreditation from a recognized institutional accreditor – examples include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) – through the U.S. Department of Education database. Some art and design programs also hold specialized accreditation from bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
A BA typically pairs design coursework with broader liberal-arts requirements, while a BFA is a studio-intensive degree that devotes most credits to design practice and portfolio work. Both generally qualify graduates for similar entry-level roles; compare individual program requirements.
Online graphic design programs blend design theory, technical software training, and applied studio practice – core coursework commonly spans design fundamentals, typography, color theory, digital illustration, layout and publication design, and web or interactive design. Many programs let you focus through a concentration such as branding and identity, UX/UI design, motion graphics, illustration, or packaging design.
Curriculum details vary by school and level; compare the bachelor’s and master’s pages for a level-by-level look at typical coursework.
Graphic design graduates apply their skills across advertising agencies, publishing, corporate marketing teams, web and app development, and freelance practice. Entry-level design and production roles are generally accessible with a bachelor’s; art direction, brand strategy, and creative leadership roles typically expect a stronger portfolio and several years of experience, and individual outcomes vary by employer, region, and portfolio strength.
| Career | Median Salary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $39,390 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $55,490 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Graphic Designers | $62,960 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | $75,240 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | $83,910 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $104,000 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators | $102,030 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Art Directors | $114,850 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Figures are national medians and do not guarantee any individual outcome.
For a deeper look at what these roles typically pay and how degree level affects earnings potential, see Is a Graphic Design Degree Worth It.
Graphic design or a related field? Choose graphic design for the visual-communication and portfolio-driven path; explore related creative and technical fields if you want a broader multimedia, marketing, or computer-science focus.
Compare programs by level or focus:
Browse more program guides on the Programs hub.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. ↩︎
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