Online Graphic Design Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Overview Why get a graphic design degree?
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 you develop the skills you need to inspire audiences into action.
With the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University, you can tap into your creative side and learn how to produce innovative designs. Through this program, you'll build a portfolio that demonstrates visual storytelling through various print, digital and video media platforms.
Skills you'll learn:
- Idea-to-concept translation
- Design and presentation strategies
- Latest design technologies
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Ethical and culturally sensitive imagery use
- Media and messaging analysis
Courses & Curriculum Online graphic design classes that prepare you for a creative career
Whether you dream of the fast pace of an agency, the rigor of a design firm or the independence of running your own shop, our online graphic design program can teach you how to translate your ideas through concept, design and digital media. Our graphic design courses provide a mixture of professional, practical and business-oriented skills that can prepare you to meet client needs in a variety of industries.
Concentrations
You can choose to follow the general graphic design track, or choose one of two concentrations to specialize your skill set.
Concentration Options
Create engaging and accessible user experiences with an online Bachelor of Arts (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, jobs in web development and digital design are projected to grow 16% through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
Courses may include:
- User-Centric Design
- Information Architecture
- Collaboration in User Experience Design
- Prototyping and Optimization in User Experience Design
If you're looking for a career that combines graphic design and digital media, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) 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, jobs in web development and digital design are projected to grow 16% through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.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 '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."
- Web Development
- User Interface and Experience
- Social Media Design
Online graphic design courses
Courses in this hands-on graphic design program can help you build several key skills, including design thinking, digital media, brand identity and professional practice. With the options to complete an internship and choose from 2 concentration areas, you can tailor your courses to meet your career goals.
Courses may include:
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- 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.
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
Licensure & Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Earn optional graphic design certificates
SNHU graphic design students have the option to earn certificates through AIGA, the professional association for design, in areas like project management, client relations and digital marketing. AIGA's Certificates for Creatives can be used as part of your AIGA learning portfolio, demonstrating to future employers your commitment to furthering your knowledge in areas such as data analytics, web design and career growth.
As you work through selected courses in the graphic design program, you can elect to obtain, at an additional cost, up to 6 of AIGA’s Certificates for Creatives. This can be a great way to showcase the skills you’re learning as you proceed toward your BA in Graphic Design.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
![How to Take an Online Class at SNHU](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O03iCa9IYes/sddefault.jpg)
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from faculty with real-world experience
The online graphic design degree curriculum is taught by award-winning creative faculty using the most advanced technology available. With industry experience in agencies, design firms and entrepreneurial pursuits, our faculty can support students with a variety of career goals. They're dedicated to your success, in and out of the classroom.
Featured Faculty
Sloan Kelly
Sloan Kelly has worked as a graphic designer and educator for over 30 years. She began her career at SNHU as associate dean of graphic design and communication. Kelly’s research focuses on developing a curriculum that best prepares graphic design students with the skills to enter a rapidly evolving industry. She continues her design industry research in collaboration with AIGA, most recently in the group’s point-of-view research initiative examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing technology on the design industry.
Position
Associate Dean of Fine and Applied Arts
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- MFA in Graphic Design at Boston University
- BA in Art and English at Rollins College
Read more about Sloan Kelly and other faculty at SNHU.
What Our Instructors Have to Say
“As businesses increase their digital presence, reaching and connecting with worldwide audiences, design students must learn to utilize a human-centric approach to creative problem-solving. By infusing practice in critical thinking, research, and teamwork into projects and coursework, along with a strong foundation in design fundamentals and tools, students create original and impactful work for various products and services.”
Sloan Kelly, Associate Dean of Fine and Applied Arts
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 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.
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 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an online graphic design degree?
The bachelor's in graphic design program prepares you for a variety of career options, and with the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI) in design, businesses have a demand for knowledgeable professionals. Whether you're leading a team of creatives working on brand strategy or collaborating with engineers and industrial designers on product development, the need for skilled graphic designers is constantly growing.
Occupations
The online BA in Graphic Design program uses the latest technology and instruction techniques. With a foundation in design, user experience, typography and branding, you'll be prepared for a number of roles, including:
Manage creative teams, pitch concepts for national ad campaigns, build relationships with executive leadership and help your team grow through direct feedback and support.
Integrate multiple formats – art, sound and design – into a single creative context. You could be a prop or set designer, or help design a 3D environment for a video game or animated video, for example.
Play a major role building out a company's digital presence by developing pages, layouts, navigational design and graphics for company websites.
Create user-friendly experiences across digital media like apps and websites. Interpret research to help predict future consumer behaviors, identify pain points and develop relevant persona profiles.
Responsible for hands-on production tasks like cropping, retouching, scaling graphics and finalizing files. Collaborate with web developers, copywriters and videographers.
Create graphics or typographical treatments to serve as a visual representation of a brand. You could work for a design firm, publishing house or ad agency, for example.
Collect and analyze consumer data, initiate marketing campaigns and create branded digital or print pieces for an organization. Additional skills in data analytics and coding may be required.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the online graphic design degree
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:
"Southern New Hampshire University, when it comes to online education, is top of the league," said SNHU organizational management graduate Adam Schumacher '22. "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 graduate 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."
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.
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.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, specific projections for growth in graphic design vary by industry.1 For example, jobs in web development and digital design are projected to grow 16% through 2032 — much faster than the average for all occupations.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.
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.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.