Online Graphic Design Degree

Jesus Suarez, an online graphic design degree student, walks around campus at SNHU.

Online Graphic Design Degree

Clock Icon

Register By:

Classes Start:

Apply Now

Pursue your passion for graphic design

  • $320/credit (120 total)
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Master advanced design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite
  • No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
  • Accredited by NECHE
  • Learn from accomplished instructors with real-world experience

Online Graphic Design Program Overview

Tap into your creative side and learn how to produce designs that inspire and influence with the online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts from SNHU.

Have you ever found a magazine ad that jumps off the page? A digital banner that cuts through the noise? How about a website that’s intuitively easy to navigate? A degree in graphic design can help develop the skills you need to inspire your audiences into action. You’ll build a portfolio that demonstrates visual storytelling through various print, digital and video media platforms.

Whether you dream of the fast pace of an agency, the rigors of a design firm or the independence of running your own shop, our newly redeveloped online graphic design degree program can teach you how to translate your ideas through concept, design and digital media.

Learn how to:

  • Design, develop, adapt and present professional quality work
  • Analyze and recommend media messaging strategies
  • Use the latest design tools and technologies
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to solve design challenges
  • Apply ethical and culturally sensitive practices to visual media

Pursue Your Passion at SNHU

Graphic design is where art, storytelling and commerce converge. SNHU’s online BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts offers the tools, feedback and support you need to master your craft — as well as one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Concentration Options

User Experience Design

Create engaging and accessible user experiences with an online BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design. With so many brands striving for optimal usability, particularly in web and mobile, this is a crucial skill for today’s design professionals.

In this concentration, you’ll explore the essential knowledge and skills you need for the design and development of engaging and accessible user experiences. You’ll hone in on the collaborative process and your role in working with internal and external stakeholders throughout the user experience design process.

You’ll also create wireframes, visual maps and prototypes that reflect the elements and principles of design, in addition to user-centric design considerations. You’ll also learn how to test and optimize user experience design.

Career Outlook:

As businesses see the value of crafting effective user experiences across their digital properties, the demand for UX designers continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic design jobs in web development and digital design are projected to grow 13% through 2030, with a median annual salary of $77,200 in 2020.1

Courses may include:

  • User-Centric Design
  • Information Architecture
  • Collaboration in User Experience Design
  • Prototyping and Optimization in User Experience Design

Request Info
Apply Now

Web Design

If you’re looking for a career that combines graphic design and digital media, the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in Web Design at Southern New Hampshire University could be the right fit for you. The web design degree online program supplements the traditional graphic arts foundation with digital-oriented core courses, striking the balance of artistic interests and practical web design.

Equal parts theory and practice, this specialized graphic design program stresses the critical thinking skills and hands-on technical proficiency to complement your designs, along with the know-how to promote yourself and keep your skills sharp in an ever-changing, competitive marketplace.

Career outlook:

As the use of mobile devices grows and e-commerce continues to expand, job prospects appear promising for graphic designers with web design skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of designers with experience in digital design is projected to grow 13% through 2030.1

Those with knowledge of multiple programming languages and digital multimedia tools will have the best opportunities. Our web design degree online concentration program gives you the advantage you need to succeed in a number of industries, including:

  • Advertising and marketing
  • Public relations
  • Specialized design services
  • Digital media outlets
  • E-commerce

The online graphic design degree curriculum includes the full graphic design course of study, plus four newly revised web design-specific courses to expand your skill set to include social media design and creating an integrated digital campaign. Courses are taught by award-winning creative faculty using the most advanced technology available.

As a graduate of this online web design degree program, you’ll build the skills to concept and develop your work using the Adobe Creative Cloud. You’ll learn how to conduct usability testing on multiple platforms and interfaces, from mobile phones to tablets to desktop computers. Using these skills, you’ll be prepared to execute various media projects, including interactive animation, digital publications, video and other rich media.

Mikki Mihalovic with text Mikki MihalovicMikki Mihalovic ’21 found her web courses particularly helpful in her career. “I took away many ways of looking at website design from the perspective of building a foundation with coding,” said Mihalovic. “You need to build the foundation of a house before you can build the walls and eventually decorate the inside.”

Learn more about web design degree concentration offerings, including:

  • Web Development
  • User Interface and Experience
  • Social Media Design

Learn more aboutweb design degree concentration offerings, including:

Request Info
Apply Now

Graphic Design Career Outlook

With many employers continuing to grow their digital presence and the increasingly global marketplace for design talent, having a degree in design is now more important than ever.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic design jobs in web development and digital design are projected to grow 13% through 20301, much faster than the average. In addition, job growth for art directors is faster than the national average, with a reported median annual wage of $100,890 in 2021.1

Jesus Suarez with the text Jesus Suarez

An online degree in graphic design is not only helpful for potential salary growth, but it’s also a useful opportunity to build your portfolio, which is an essential component to professional success in the field.

“[My graphic design degree from Southern New Hampshire University] has only been beneficial for me in my career growth,” said Jesús Suárez ’21. “Once I put that I had gotten my degree and put SNHU on my resume and LinkedIn, I got so many other eyes looking at me. They’re seeing what I can accomplish – not only that I’m committed but that I have a different skill.”

John Reck with the text John ReckGraphic design student John Reck agrees that his education has changed the way people see him.

“People can sense my confidence – I’m infectious,” he said. “My strategic goal is to do one thing: WOW the client. It takes incredible dedication and builds on repeat clients who recommend me for their services, but having a degree, I feel the sky is unlimited.”

Here are a few roles you can pursue as a graphic design major:

  • Creative director. If your ultimate goal is to lead creative teams and develop big-picture brand strategies, this job is for you. Creative directors are the brand visionaries – the captains of the ship who manage teams of designers, copywriters, photographers and production staff to sell products and build brands. As a creative director, you’ll pitch concepts for national ad campaigns, build relationships with executive leadership and help a team of creatives grow through direct feedback and support. Above all, you’ll be the person people turn to when they’re looking for creative solutions to their organization’s biggest marketing challenges.
  • Multimedia designer. As a multimedia designer, you’ll integrate multiple forms of media – such as art, sound and design – in a number of creative contexts. For example, you may work in the film industry as a prop or set designer. You may have a hand in designing a 3D environment for a video game or work with an ad agency to create a compelling animated video that grabs the attention of consumers. By pairing technical expertise and boundless creativity, you’ll explore interactive and immersive visual storytelling techniques that engage audiences in new ways.
  • Web designer. Today’s consumers live online. They’re savvy enough to spot a bad website a mile away, which is why more and more organizations will devote marketing dollars to help build out their digital presence. Web designers play a major role in this, as they help develop the pages, layouts, navigational design and graphics for company websites. To succeed in web design, you’ll need a solid understanding of design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Sketch, along with coding languages like HTML, CSS and Javascript.
  • UX designer. Perhaps more than any other role on this list, a UX designer (or user experience designer) dives deep into the ways a consumer interacts with a product. As a UX designer, you’ll blend elements of psychology, computer science and creative storytelling to help create user-friendly experiences across various media. You’ll use wireframing tools like Axure RP and Balsamiq, as well as design software like the aforementioned Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, you’ll interpret research that can help you predict future consumer behaviors, identify pain points and develop relevant persona profiles.
  • Production artist. The production artist is responsible for day-to-day, hands-on production tasks. This is a perfect starting point for someone looking to grow their career in the field, as it gives you an opportunity to apply your skills in the final stages of creative development. You’ll need a strong eye for detail, as you’ll help crop, retouch, scale and finalize files before they go out into the world. Not only will you develop your technical abilities, you’ll also have a chance to collaborate with teams of creative directors, web developers, copywriters and videographers who can help you fine tune your craft.
  • Product developer. If your game plan is to use graphic design as just one skill in your toolkit, you may consider a career as a product developer. Combining engineering and industrial design with 3D modeling and graphic design skills, product developers must demonstrate an ability to excel from both a technical and creative perspective. You’ll be highly strategic – helping to ideate, lead and manage the creation of products from home appliances to sports cars. A background in industrial design, architecture or engineering is usually required for entry-level product developers, but proficiency in graphic design can help you develop some of the critical skills you need to flourish in this role.
  • Logo designer. Ask some of the biggest marketers in the world, and they can attest to the power of a great logo. As a logo designer, you’ll be responsible for creating smart, simple, memorable visual representations of your brand. You’ll work for a design firm, publishing house or ad agency to create graphics or typographical treatments audiences remember.
  • Marketing specialist. A marketing specialist is a Jack (or Jill) of all trades – someone who can collect and analyze consumer data, initiate marketing campaigns and create branded digital or print pieces for an organization. You may have a hand in building a brand’s social media presence or managing a company website. In essence, you’ll be a brand ambassador – combining storytelling with tech expertise to “sell” audiences on your company or product. Beyond design, marketing specialists usually require skills in data analytics, coding and written and verbal communication.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Graphic Design Degree

Why SNHU For Your Graphic Design Degree

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor’s degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience , or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

  • U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation’s “Best Regional Universities”
  • Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
  • A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you’ll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you’ll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2019 survey of 9,200+ online students). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Admission Requirements

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

  • Completed free undergraduate application
  • Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
  • Test scores are not required as part of your application

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

  • Complete a free undergraduate application
  • Submit any additional documents required
  • Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process

If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.

Courses & Curriculum

Ben Van Beusekom with the text Ben Van BeusekomThe online graphic design degree curriculum is taught by award-winning creative faculty using the most advanced technology available.

“[With the online graphic design program at Southern New Hampshire University,] you can be flying across the world and carry your computer with you,” said SNHU student and Disney imagineer Ben Van Beusekom. “SNHU gives you this ability to carve out the best education, pull in all of your experiences, apply it to your homework and do it on your own time. For me, that was a big deal.”

Student John Reck echoes that sentiment.

“The program touches upon real-life scenarios in the graphic design work field,” he said. “I was a sponge and took everything in. It gives you credibility, confidence and a sense of pride.”

SNHU’s bachelor’s in graphic design can help you build a number of key skills, including:

  • Design thinking
  • Digital media
  • Brand identity
  • Professional practice

“There is always something to take away no matter what class I took,” said Mikki Mihalovic ’21. “I do have a lot of industry experience and brought a lot to the table, but at SNHU, I was just as much of a student learning as all my other classmates were.”

Jesús Suárez ’21 also gained key skills and confidence through his degree.

“I felt that the coursework was relevant to the real world,” he said. “I found a lot of value in what I was doing because it was making me better at my skill – my trade. It gave me assurance that, hey, you’re on the right path, from enrollment all the way to graduation.”

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

  • General education courses: All bachelor’s students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
  • Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
  • Earn credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.

Full Course Catalog

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts

List of Courses

Courses May Include

BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts Online

GRA 200

Digital Design Tools

In this course, students will explore industry-standard software to understand their purpose, similarities, differences, and how to apply them to various design mediums. Students will also have the opportunity to practice navigating and using the software and their tools to prepare for applying them to revise and refine basic designs. This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary for more hands-on application and design in future learning experiences.

GRA 205

Fundamentals of Design

This course examines the basic elements and principles of design and how they are used in creating visual communications. Students will explore the relationship between the elements and principles of design and how they are used to accomplish effective compositions. Students will be introduced to the creative development process and basic design software features as they complete creative projects.

GRA 280

Design Thinking for Graphic Designers

In this course, students will practice using a design thinking process to develop user-centric, solution-based approaches to solve design challenges. Through this process, students will explore the various stages of design, begin generating design ideas and concepts, and create a design solution to address a design need.

GRA 310

Digital Graphic Design for the Web

This course focuses on digital graphic design theory and its application to web design. Students will learn about the technical requirements of professionally created web-related elements. Students will be focused on designing websites while considering functionality. Differences in designing for the desktop computer and mobile devices will be a topic for discussion and incorporated in exercises and projects.

GRA 340

Typography

Typography encompasses the language of type, typeface and character recognition, legibility, appropriate uses of scale and grid systems, and the individual visual dynamics of letterforms. In this course, students will learn how to work with type as a stand-alone design element and how to incorporate type successfully with imagery. Students will work on projects with increasing scope and complexity to gain an understanding of typographic form across a variety of media.

GRA 360

Designing a Brand Identity

In this course, students will explore the process of crafting an identity through the use of various design strategies such as the use of design briefs, mood boards, and sketching. Students will leverage client needs, competitor data, and their creative thinking to develop a brand identity experience. Students will also have the opportunity to foster their collaborative skills and refine their work through the feedback process.

GRA 410

Advanced Digital Graphic Design for Web

This course engages upper-level design students in current industry standards used in designing digital communications. Emphasis is placed on responsive design. Students will explore and use content management systems in the development of functional and optimized websites. Exercises and projects will provide students with opportunities to design and develop web components for self-promotion.

GRA 470

User Interface and Experience

This course focuses on user experience, user interface design, and user-centered design concepts. Students will examine the use of advanced prototyping tools and techniques. Students will also learn aspects of usability testing. Students will go through the process of designing digital experiences that reflect principles of user experience and user-centered design.

Total Credits: 120

Graphic Design & Media Arts Required Hardware & Software

Required Software

Adobe Creative Cloud is required by all students in the graphic design and media arts program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe.

Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full-year contract for Creative Cloud.

System Requirements

Please refer to the requirements for Adobe Photoshop, which demands the most technical requirements of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is used throughout the graphic design program. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.

Video Communication Platform:

  • Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Required: At least 1 Mbps upload/download speed
  • Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

Minimum Hardware Requirements

Component Type 

PC (Windows OS) 

Apple (Mac OS) 

Operating System 

Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.  

Currently supported operating system from Apple. 

Memory (RAM) 

8GB or higher 

8GB or higher 

Hard Drive 

100GB or higher 

100GB or higher 

Antivirus Software 

Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. 

Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. 

SNHU Purchase Programs 

Visit Dell 

Visit Apple 

Internet/ Bandwidth 

5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency 

5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency 

Notes: 

  • Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 
  • Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 
  • Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 
  • Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Tuition & Fees

As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Undergraduate Programs

Per Course

Per Credit Hour

Annual Cost for 30 credits 

Degree/Certificates

$960

$320
$9,600

Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)*

$675

$225
$6,750

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a graphic design degree online?

Yes. Along with SNHU’s other 200+ online degree programs, you can earn your bachelor’s in graphic design online, on your time.

While we’ve developed a reputation as a leader of online education, we also offer campus and blended learning experiences. All of SNHU’s programs are regionally accredited, and some, such as our nursing and accounting programs, have additional industry-specific accreditation. That means, when you finish a program with us, you’ll get a respected degree from a university you can trust.

Just ask one of our online students:

Adam Schumacher and the text Adam Schumacher“Southern New Hampshire University, when it comes to online education, is top of the league,” said SNHU grad Adam Schumacher. “I may be sitting here in Kingsland, Georgia, nowhere near New Hampshire, but I still feel like I’m part of SNHU. I still feel like I’m part of the university.”

Online graphic design student John Reck agrees.

“I found the online program to be remarkable,” he said. “There are a ton of resources in the SNHU virtual world – tutors, workshops, library. The [online writing center] will read your papers and guide you to understand what you’re working on.”

What qualities and skills should a good graphic designer have?

Graphic designers play a major role in any creative team. Here are a few key skills you’ll need to succeed in the field:

  • Creativity.

    An appreciation for art and creativity is probably what brought you here in the first place – and it’s a highly valuable skill in the field. By using your knowledge of color, composition and typography, you’ll find new ways to push designs in unexpected directions. As a contractor, you may help a small business redesign its company website. In an ad agency setting, you may spearhead an interactive out-of-home (OOH) experience. As long as you know how to apply the skills in your personal toolkit, you’ll have the power to influence and innovate through your work.

  • Collaboration. The ability to work with a team is another crucial skill, as you’ll need to collaborate closely with writers, web developers and videographers to make your vision come to life. In addition, clients, stakeholders and creative directors will provide feedback to help fine-tune your work. This means finding a happy middle ground between owning your ideas and redirecting creative executions as needed. It’s a delicate balancing act, but when done right, it can help you create some of your best designs.
  • Communication skills. Similar to collaboration, designers need to be able to communicate clearly with clients and stakeholders and be able to explain their work. Designers need to be able to articulate their design choices while ensuring they’re understanding the needs of the clients.
  • Tech-savvy. Marketers are always looking for new cutting-edge ways to appeal to consumers. To keep up, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of today’s technologies. This means knowing how to use the latest design software tools and keeping an eye on current trends in marketing, UX, web design and more.
  • Problem-solving. There are many moving parts from the ideation to the implementation stage of every creative project, and that can make for a whole host of challenges. For example, a client may have strict budgetary restrictions that limit the scope of your design. Time can also be a major factor – if you’re producing work for a specific event, like a national conference or job fair, you’ll be expected to complete it with very little lead time. In these situations, you’ll have to find out-of-the-box ways to deliver great designs that satisfy client requests (and, ideally, exceed their expectations).
  • Attention to detail. In many situations, yours will be the last set of eyes to view your design before it gets printed or published. That means you’ll need to have a sharp eye for details, spotting errors like typos as well as inconsistencies in line spacing and alignment. You’ll also need to make sure that file types and sizes match the request of the stakeholder, giving them everything they need to put your work out into the world.

Do I need a degree for graphic design?

While not required, typical entry-level education for graphic designers is a bachelor’s degree.1 Plus, with the growing competitive marketplace for designers, an online degree in graphic design can help set you apart.

Students with years of industry experience, like Mikki Mihalovic ’21, are able to find significant value in completing their degree now, even as a working professional.

“My degree program was well worth it,” said Mihalovic. “Though I have been a creative director for many years, I was laid off at the age of 58. Given all my years of experience in the industry and skillset, not having a degree kept me from getting other creative director positions even when I was in the top two candidates.”

Now, with her degree, she’s up for promotions at work and is able to provide more creative solutions and projects for her clients. “I fulfilled a promise to myself 40 years ago when I left college that one day I would go back and finish what I started no matter where I was in my career.”

For those who have yet to break into the field, a bachelor’s program can offer a safe space to grow, test and develop compelling work in various media. You’ll learn about industry-leading graphic design software, and challenge your limitations as an artist by creating fully-formed, marketable ideas and creative executions.

In addition, a grounding in a liberal education and the humanities will give you a cultural frame of reference that can help enrich you both professionally and personally. You’ll be prepared to take on “real-world” visual communication projects that demand an understanding of a broad range of content.

Programs like SNHU’s BA in Graphic Design also offer internships where you can gain critical workplace experience. In addition to putting your technical skills to the test, you’ll learn firsthand how to collaborate, solve problems and implement creative design solutions for real stakeholders working in the industry today. These experiences, and the resulting portfolio work, can help you stand out in a highly competitive market.

What kind of jobs can you get with a degree in graphic design?

Graphic design often combines images and words to tell compelling stories – making it a critical skill in “selling” products, ideas and brand identities. As a graphic designer, you’ll be a key player in:

  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Marketing

See the Career Outlook section for a more detailed look at potential career paths with a graphic design degree.

Is graphic design in demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, specific projections for growth in graphic design vary by industry. For example, graphic design jobs in web development and digital design are projected to grow faster than the national average, up 13% through 2030.1

When it comes to web development and digital design, graphic designers play a major role in creating compelling, user-friendly experiences on both web and mobile environments. They must blend form and function to create layouts that are at once visually striking and easy to use.

With website development driving much of this job growth, graphic designers with a background in web design or user experience design may possess a more marketable skill set for today’s employers.

Can I work from home as a graphic designer?

Yes, graphic designers can work remotely. The responsibilities of a remote graphic designer, or one that is onsite, are ultimately the same. In addition to the chance to work at home, graphic designers also have the option to work in a number of different professional settings, such as studios, ad agencies and design firms.

You may have the option of working as a contractor, giving you additional flexibility with both remote and onsite work. Collaboration, however, is crucial in this profession, so you’ll need to facilitate consistent communication with clients, stakeholders and fellow creatives throughout every project – whether in-person or through remote channels.

How long does it take to get a graphic design degree online?

The time it takes to complete a degree in graphic design can vary depending on your education, experience and the pace at which you move through the program.

An online bachelor’s in graphic design from Southern New Hampshire University is 120 credits, which is designed for completion within 4 years. As an online student, you’ll have the option to take either one course per term as a part-time student (3 credits), or two courses as a full-time student (6 credits). With 6 undergraduate terms per year, this means you can complete up to 12 courses in a year, allowing you to finish in less than 4 years total.

Plus, if you have prior college credits, SNHU accepts up to 90 eligible transfer credits into bachelor’s programs, making it easier for you to finish your degree faster.

“I was able to transfer a lot of my credits from previous schools,” said Jesús Suárez ’21. “It made it easier for me, knowing I didn’t have to start all over again.”

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Related Articles

The hand of an MFA student holding a pencil and writing in a notebook

What is an MFA Degree? What You Need to Know

An MFA stands for Master of Fine Arts and is a graduate-level degree earned by students who study and practice visual arts, performing arts, design or creative writing. Some schools offer online and low-residency MFA programs that offer more flexibility for working adults than a traditional program.

A man sits and creates a graphic design portfolio

How to Create a Graphic Design Portfolio

Learning how to create a graphic design portfolio is an important step toward preparing to find work as a graphic designer. Learn the best portfolio building tips from experienced graphic designers.

Jesús Suárez wearing his cap and gown in front of the Southern New Hampshire University bus

Jesús Suárez: Honoring His Father’s Legacy Through His Degree

The moment Jesús Suárez ’21 received his diploma in the mail was one he and his family will never forget. This was more than a degree—it was a cap to an incredible journey. While there was a series of hardships along the way, there was a persevering sense of love and accomplishment.

References

Sources & Citations (1)

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (viewed Oct. 20, 2021)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm (viewed Oct. 20, 2021)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (viewed Oct. 20, 2021)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.