10 Top Double Majors With a Graphic Design Degree

Graphic design combines fine arts and design to transmit messages to specific groups. The visual communications derived from graphic design often take the form of:

• animations
• interface design
• publication design
• web design
• motion graphics

Degree programs are available for students who want to enter the field of graphic design. They prepare students for professional roles like the following:

• web designer
• broadcast designer
• marketing designer
• publication designer
• brand designer
• exhibition designer

Students who want to enhance their careers in graphic design might consider adding another field to their degree to create a double major. Some of the best areas of study to pair with graphic design as double majors are studio art, communications, and English.

Graphic Design Double Majors

You might be surprised by the areas of study that pair well with graphic design. Explore 10 of the best fields for graphic design double majors.

Computer Science

Computer science and graphic design work well together since both involve computers. Computer science focuses on software development, software engineering, and programming. Graphic design benefits from computer science by using computer programs to create visual communications. Students in these programs can learn audience-centered design methods and design platforms focused on digital communication.

English

Graphic design is about telling stories through visual communication, and English teaches students to tell stories through written communication. Sounds like a great match, right? Students who double major in English and graphic design learn the art of storytelling from two unique perspectives. Matching these areas of study can help students reach audiences in unique ways.

Art History

Graphic design is rooted in the fine arts, making it a great match for a student who loves art history. This pairing lets students explore ancient, Renaissance, modern, contemporary, and global art. They can combine this knowledge with their branding, identity, and communication skills to create graphic designs that impact diverse audiences worldwide.

Marketing

Graphic design is commonly used as a marketing tool. Designers and marketers often team up to create ads, websites, billboards, and more to reach their audiences. Double majors in marketing and graphic design gain valuable experience in both fields and become highly skilled at using their marketing background to influence their graphic designs. This can make them standout candidates in the eyes of employers.

Entrepreneurship

Students who want to start their own graphic design business after graduating could benefit from a double major in entrepreneurship. This type of program provides the business knowledge students need to create business plans, develop professional identities, and market their products. It also offers the creative guidance needed to develop impactful designs that win clients.

Studio Art

Studio art, similar to graphic design, uses imagery to tell stories. Students who double major in studio art and graphic design can strengthen their creative skills and learn how to use art to build narratives. Contemporary studio art incorporates both traditional and digital art techniques. After completing this double major, students could have two amazing portfolios to present to eager clients.

Communications

Some schools allow students to combine communications or communications studies with graphic design to form a unique double major. These programs teach students communication skills like public speaking, persuasion, and interpersonal communication. Students also learn art and design, typography, and information design. This double major prepares students for careers that involve delivering messages through data, images, and text.

Education

Students who want to teach in K-12 schools could benefit from double majoring in graphic design and education. Programs provide students with the curriculum design, lesson planning, and instructional guidance to excel as teachers. The graphic design portion of the double major can prepare students to teach art classes for lower grades and graphic design or digital media classes for upper grades.

Mathematics

Creating graphic designs for campaigns is all about problem-solving. What visual communications are best for reaching specific audiences? Mathematics teaches problem-solving. So, students who add this area of study to a graphic design major can use their ability to analyze and solve complex problems when determining the most impactful visual imagery for delivering key messages to the public.

Modern Language

Businesses hire graphic designers to manage their visual communications in the United States and worldwide. Students who want to work for global companies or overseas could benefit from double majoring in graphic design and their chosen foreign language. Whether studying Spanish, French, Chinese, or Japanese, this double major can help build language, communication, and cultural skills.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a degree that includes two majors instead of one. Most are accustomed to the traditional single major degree like a Bachelor of Science in graphic design. An example of a double major is a Bachelor of Science in graphic design and mathematics or a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and English.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Earning a dual degree typically means earning two separate degrees that each have one major. For instance, you might graduate with a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Bachelor of Arts in music. You can also earn dual degrees at different levels like a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

FAQs About Double Majoring With Graphic Design

Want to know more about double majoring with graphic design? Read the following frequently asked questions.

Can You Double Major With Graphic Design?

It's common for schools to let students combine two majors for one degree. Graphic design is no exception. The key is pairing a major with your graphic design degree that aligns with your career goals.

Is a Double Major With Graphic Design Worth It?

Adding a second major to your graphic design degree is worth it if you know how you plan to use both majors. Though you'll need to take on an extra workload to fulfill the requirements for the majors, your career will benefit in the long run.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Graphic Design?

One of the greatest benefits of double majoring with graphic design is the experience you gain in two fields. Double the expertise makes you an attractive job candidate. You can also save on tuition since many schools require fewer credits for double majors than for two separate degrees.

Will a Double Major With Graphic Design Improve My Career Outlook?

Earning a double major in graphic design and another field provides more career options. Nearly 23,000 new openings for graphic designers are projected each year from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Expertise in a second field can help boost your qualifications as a graphic designer and open doors to exciting opportunities.