8 Graphic Communications Degrees Online & Career Paths

Creative, innovative students may find themselves drawn to a graphic communications degree. This program is different from graphic design and visual communications, with more of a focus on using print and digital tools to tell a story. A graphic communications major will study various techniques, from typography and screen printing to user experience and digital printing.

Many graphic communications programs involve in-person labs, but there are many online communications degree programs available. Keep reading to learn more about online and hybrid programs.

What Is Graphic Communications?

Graphic communications uses visual design, whether tactile or digital, to convey an idea. While graphic design may focus on fundamentals like color theory and composition, a graphic communications major may intentionally disregard these rules to better illustrate a point.

Graphic communications investigates how art can send a message. Coursework will include a wide variety of digital tools, including animation, photography, web design, typography, and others that will prepare you for a job in the graphic communications industry.

Online Degrees in Graphic Communications

There are several options for graphic communications degrees, both fully online and hybrid. Some schools offer bachelor's degrees, while others offer online associate degrees. Both will give you the experience you need to thrive in a communications career.

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

As you work towards your Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), you'll build a portfolio and gain real-world experience to help you stand out from the crowd. Students will learn about digital media, motion graphics, and creative problem-solving. Enrollment is open and new sessions start every few weeks.

Average in-state tuition: $330 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $499 per credit hour

Financial aid: Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), tuition discount for military members and their families, no application fee

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Creative Media Production with a graphic communications focus. Students will combine and hone their creative skills as they work with the latest technology and design software, like Adobe Creative Suite. Learn more about digital prepress production techniques and how to design print and digital graphics � all without leaving home.

Average in-state tuition: $242

Average out-of-state tuition: $242

Financial aid: FAFSA, state and institutional scholarships and grants, the Arkansas Promise Plus scholarship offers free tuition to eligible residents

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State offers a hybrid Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic communications. Enrollees will study typography and color theory, UX/UI design, and advertising.

Small class sizes, exhibition opportunities, internships, and study abroad options offer real-world, hands-on experiences. This program prepares students for work as an advertising designer, publication designer, and more.

Average in-state tuition: $814 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,311 per credit hour

Financial aid: FAFSA, state and institutional scholarships, HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Southwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in graphic communications, which prepares you to work as a web designer, multimedia artist, search engine optimization specialist, and more. Within the program, students can specialize in either web design or marketing. Students with an associate or bachelor's degree can enroll in the accelerated program.

Average in-state tuition: $135 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $135 per credit hour

Financial aid: FAFSA, over 300 foundation scholarships, Illinois veteran grants

Accreditation: HLC

5. North Central College

The graphic communications technologies associate degree is a 64-credit program. Students will learn all aspects of the print process, from basic layout and design to binding and finishing, photography, plate making, and customer service.

Upon graduation, students will have experience working with print, digital, and multimedia pieces. This program may only be available in a hybrid format.

Average in-state tuition: $23,405 per semester

Average out-of-state tuition: $23,405 per semester

Financial aid: FAFSA, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, the NTC Promise Scholarship program offers free tuition to local high school graduates

Accreditation: HLC

6. Community College of Allegheny County

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) offers an Associate of Science (AS) degree in graphic communications. Coursework includes everything from art history and social science to brand identity design and package design. Throughout the course, students will build a portfolio showcasing design skills that they can share with potential employers.

Average in-state tuition: $126 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $378 per credit hour

Financial aid: FAFSA, Pittsburgh Promise scholarships, the Parenting Scholars program offers funding for students with dependent children

Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Salt Lake Community College

The graphic communications AS degree focuses on building a strong foundation with industry-standard technologies and basic print techniques for print and digital media. It is aligned with the graphic communications certificate program, and students are encouraged to complete both.

The program also helps students complete general education requirements before transferring to a four-year university.

Average in-state tuition: $386.25 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,239.50 per credit hour

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional scholarships, SLCC Promise, discounted textbooks

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. Bishop State Community College

Bishop's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in graphic communications prepares students to work as graphic designers, web designers, and marketing specialists. The program combines creative work with the latest technology and industry-standard software, helping students bring their projects from ideation to completion. Classes are available in-person, online, and hybrid.

Average in-state tuition: $178 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $307 per credit hour

Financial aid: FAFSA, institutional and state scholarships and grants

Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Finding the best graphic communications program can help you find high-paying, in-demand jobs after graduation. We follow the criteria below when building our list of recommended schools.

• Accreditation: All of the schools listed are fully accredited, ensuring you get the best possible education. Accreditation ensures the school is adhering to the highest educational standards.
• Program reputation and quality: All of these schools offer high-quality programs. They are taught by knowledgeable faculty who hold remote learners to the same standards as on-campus students.
• Tuition cost: Program costs vary, but all of our schools include generous financial aid. Beyond our list, there are more options for affordable communications degrees online.

Top Career Paths With a Graphic Communications Degree

There are many great options for jobs with a communications degree. If you are looking for an entry-level job to kickstart your career, take a look at a few possibilities below.

• Graphic Designer: Use design software like Adobe Creative Suite to craft engaging, eye-catching marketing materials for a company. Ensure the product matches the client's branding.
• Illustrator: Illustrators hone their creativity to design illustrations or graphics that bring a story to life. Illustrators can work on books, advertising, or any other media.
• Packaging Designer: This job has a strong marketing focus. The designer will create product packaging that illustrates the company's brand and catches the customer's attention.
• Web Developer: A web developer must be creative, customer-focused, and have strong technical skills. They will use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to ensure the best user experience on web pages.
• Photographer: This role involves using a camera and editing equipment to capture the perfect day for a couple, tell a story with your local newspaper, or explore the world for an exhibition.
• Videographer: A strong knowledge of not just filming but also equipment management, editing, and storytelling is essential for a videographer. They can work for a client, a news organization, in marketing, and more.
• Prepress Technician: The technician prepares digital files to be printed, paying close attention to the image quality, colors, and how it will appear overall in a print layout.

Find Online Communications Degree Programs

If you enjoy thinking creatively and working with all types of media, a graphic communications degree may be an excellent choice for you. There are many more accredited schools featured on Learn.org with communications degrees. Reach out to one today to discuss your plans.