Sign In / Sign Out
Navigation for Entire University
Graphic designers are responsible for designing how information is communicated. Forms of communication include print, video, film and electronic (web). Graphic designers are concerned with:
- appearance
- choosing the appropriate mechanism for communication
- clarity of information and its effectiveness
- how communication is transferred and received
The BSD program in graphic design places an emphasis on strategic communication developed through a design process that includes research, analysis, conceptualization, planning and realization. The process leads to innovative visual communication design solutions for contemporary design problems that are local to global in scope.
All students who are admitted to the major must pass a degree milestone at the end of the first year to continue in the major. For more information on the milestone process, students should visit https://design.asu.edu/resources/students/milestones.
This is an 8-semester graphic design program that requires sequential completion of studio coursework (or approved equivalent) at any point of entry.
Program offered
Graphic Design,
BSD
Offered by
Herberger Institute for Design & the Arts
Location
Tempe
Major map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
Based on a diversified portfolio upon graduation, those who opt for the graphic design profession gain employment in:
- advertising and marketing design
- brand and corporate identity design
- broadcast (TV graphics) design
- interaction and interface design
- museum or exhibition design
- publication design
- visual communication design
- web design
Specific examples of graphic designers' work include:
- annual reports
- books
- environmental graphics
- information design
- motion graphics
- multimedia presentations
- publications
- websites
Graduates of the program may also pursue graduate studies leading to careers in design education and other fields of professional endeavor in design.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art Directors | 5.4% | $92,500 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | 12% | $66,930 |
| Audio-Visual and Multimedia Collections Specialists | 8.9% | $48,590 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 9.4% | $64,480 |
| Designers, All Other | 5.8% | $55,930 |
| Desktop Publishers | -14% | $42,350 |
| Graphic Designers | 4.2% | $48,700 |
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | 4.4% | $65,970 |
| Instructional Designers and Technologists | 10.5% | $63,750 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | -19.9% | $39,910 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation