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The faculty in The Design School offer the BSD in graphic design.
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
This program 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 eight-semester program requiring sequential completion of studio coursework (or approved equivalent) at any point of entry.
Degree Offered
Graphic Design (BSD)
Design & the Arts, Herberger Institute for
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.Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
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.
Information about this program
Visit The Design School website for full details.
Career Outlook
Based on a diversified portfolio upon graduation, students opting 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
- Web sites
Students 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 8.4% | $70,530 |
| 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 |
| Computer Programmers | -7.2% | $82,240 |
| 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 |
| Instructional Coordinators | 10.5% | $63,750 |
| Artists and Related Workers, All Other | 5.5% | $63,540 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | -19.9% | $39,910 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 10.3% | $53,090 |
* 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