Best Online Associate in Graphic Design Programs

In the world of digital marketing, businesses and organizations need skilled and creative graphic designers to help them tell stories and create engaging consumer and user experiences. These professionals can earn competitive salaries with only an associate degree, allowing them to start their careers without needing to spend four years taking classes.

This ranking and guide feature information and insights on how an online graphic design associate degree can help students move forward in this artistic career field. This page delves into common jobs for graduates, along with salary and career growth potential.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Students who succeed in associate in graphic design programs tend to possess creativity, self-motivation, and problem-solving skills. They also take feedback well and maintain patience as they take general concepts and transform them into high-quality graphics, logos, and images.

The typical online associate in graphic design program requires 60 credits and takes about 18-24 months to complete. In addition to coursework, students may complete internships to hone their skills and learn from experienced graphic designers and marketing professionals. While graphic design programs usually do not require these internships, these experiences can provide important paths to entry-level jobs after graduation.

In an online associate in graphic design program, students learn how to develop visual concepts using computer programs. They also explore how their work impacts advertising, marketing, web development, and print production. They gain expert-level knowledge of color, design, and typography theories while building a portfolio of their work to share during job interviews.

Graphic design employers tend to look for skill and experience rather than an advanced degree. To that end, an associate in graphic design can qualify graduates for most jobs in the field.

Although exact courses differ based on the program, most online associate in graphic design students explore foundational concepts in graphic design, digital art, and typography. The following list features five of the most common courses in these programs.

This course provides students with an introduction to interactive design, including concepts in information architecture, user experience design, content creation, and consumer research. Students build functional websites, incorporating image optimization, search engine optimization, font selection, and multimedia files. The course teaches students how good digital design engages the end user.

In this course, students become familiar with Adobe Illustrator, a commonly used design and illustration program. They explore all the tools Illustrator offers, along with the many ways professionals use these tools to create visually appealing designs. Students also learn about best practices in layout, graphics, and font selection.

Students explore all the tools and features of InDesign and similar platforms to create visually appealing documents and marketing materials. As they create these pieces, students carefully consider color theory, typography, and composition, along with the processes used for print production. Learners move through the process, starting with mockups and creating a final version of their product.

This course introduces students to best practices and approaches related to digital darkrooms and how they apply to the art of photography. Learners use an SLR camera to capture images, then move to Adobe Photoshop to manipulate them in a variety of ways. The course helps students use the creative process to create unique, aesthetically pleasing photos for exhibition, publications, or commercial purposes.

Students learn about the history of printed words; how types developed; and the usage, legibility, and classification of various font types. The course looks at hierarchies in text and type family characteristics, particularly how they apply to graphic design, print materials, and digital media.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% growth for the field between 2023 and 2033.

However, individuals with an online associate in graphic design degree can find career opportunities in related fields, such as marketing, web design, and video production. The BLS projects faster than average growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers between 2023 and 2033. Graduates can earn these positions with additional education.

See where an associate in graphic design can take you. Learn more about graphic design careers here.

Graphic designers create digital illustrations, logos, layouts, and other design pieces, usually based on direction from a marketing manager, project manager, or client. They frequently work with software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, creating mockups that they then revise based on client or art director recommendations. Graphic designers most often work at marketing agencies or as freelancers.

Web designers create websites and webpages that help businesses and organizations reach their target audiences. They ensure each page features a strong balance of content, images, and white space to optimize the user experience. While most web designers hold a bachelor’s degree, many get their start in this field with an associate in graphic design.

These professionals work in print shops, using their knowledge of graphic design to help clients create visually appealing flyers, brochures, fact sheets, mailers, and other marketing materials. They prepare these pieces for printing, ensuring they meet the client’s needs and specifications. Today, printing specialists find the most career opportunities in print logistics and print marketing.

Production artists combine a thorough knowledge of graphic design with skills in computer applications to manage all steps in the production of graphics, video, and other multimedia. They consider the strategy, animation, and user experience of each project from conception to the final product.

Many graphic designers move into careers as marketing specialists, which allows them to take a more comprehensive approach to promoting the products of the businesses and organizations they serve. Marketing specialists analyze consumer data, create and implement marketing campaigns, and monitor the effectiveness of their efforts.

Pursuing an associate in graphic design degree prepares learners for entry-level jobs as graphic designers and provides a great first step toward more advanced careers in marketing, advertising, and promotion. The BLS projects employment of marketing managers and specialists to grow at a faster than average rate between 2023 and 2033. Keep in mind that graduates often need additional education to qualify for these jobs.

An associate in graphic design degree enables students to work as graphic designers for businesses, organizations, and marketing agencies. Graduates can also work as freelancers with their own clients or find opportunities as a web designer, marketing specialist, production artist, or printing specialist, especially as they gain more experience in the field.

While the BLS projects that demand for graphic designers will grow slightly between 2023 and 2033, many closely related fields should experience growth. With additional education, you can become an advertising, promotions, or marketing manager, a career the BLS projects to grow 8% between 2023 and 2033.

According to the BLS, graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $58,910, a solid salary for two-year degree-holders.

According to the BLS, website designers and developers earn a median annual salary of $92,750. Many of these jobs only require an associate degree. Many associate in graphic design programs focus primarily on digital design compared to traditional print design, giving students the skills they need to provide expert web design services to employers and clients.