What Can You Do With a Graphic Design Degree?

If you’re drawn to creativity, color, and digital storytelling, you might find yourself wondering: What can you do with a graphic design degree? A degree¹ in graphic design may open opportunities to apply your creativity in professional ways helping communicate ideas through thoughtful visual elements, strategy, and design.

Graduates of graphic design degree programs may explore² career paths in digital, print, or motion media, contributing their creativity and problem-solving to a wide range of industries.

What You May Learn in a Graphic Design Degree Program

The Rasmussen University Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree program¹ may help prepare graduates to conceptualize, design, and critique design solutions to complex visual problems. Students progress through an in-depth study of predominant theories of design and interactivity, including branding, user experience, and critical creative thinking.

You’ll also explore² emerging technologies used to meet complex visual communication needs like learning how to create and combine multiple forms of media with a high level of mastery and a deep understanding of the audience and the context of each design problem.

Authentic, multi-disciplinary, project-based assessments using advanced technologies and industry-standard graphic design software may help prepare graduates for business environments as professional designers. Graduates of this program may develop skills to prepare them for work² in a variety of industries, including specialized design services, marketing and advertising, employment services, print publication design, and cable, television and film production.

A graphic design degree may help students develop³ not only technical skills but also soft skills such as creative problem-solving, collaboration, and communication; skills that may benefit graduates in professional design settings.

10 Typical Career Paths To Explore With a Graphic Design Degree

A graphic design degree may support a variety of creative opportunities across industries. Graduates may explore paths² such as those listed below, depending on their skills, interests, and portfolio experience.

Graphic Designer

Develop layouts, images, and visual elements that help communicate ideas.⁴ Graphic designers may work on multiple projects in collaboration with marketing teams or clients to maintain consistent brand identity and messaging. A junior graphic designer is an entry-level position that may have similar responsibilities.

Visual Designer

Emphasize the overall visual style and aesthetics of digital or print materials.⁵ Visual designers may work with developers and user interface designers to create designs that are cohesive and accessible.

Graphic Artist

Graphic artists focus on creating illustrations and imagery that convey meaning or mood.⁶ This path may appeal to those who enjoy combining art, storytelling, and design elements.

Digital Designer

Use design software and computer software skills to create digital assets such as web banners, animations, or social media graphics.⁷ Digital designers may collaborate on marketing campaigns and brand materials.

User Interface (UI) Designer

UI designers create visually intuitive layouts for websites or applications.⁸ This career path may involve applying graphic design skills, web design knowledge, and user research insights to ensure an engaging and usable experience.

Web Designer

Combine creativity with technical skills to design web pages that are both functional and visually aligned with an organization’s goals.⁹ Web designers may work on structure, layout, and visual communication.

Print Designer

Work with page layouts, typography, and color in printed materials such as brochures, posters, or packaging.¹⁰ Print designers may collaborate with printers or production teams to ensure quality and consistency.

Production Artist

Assist in finalizing designs for delivery or publication.¹¹ Production artists often ensure accuracy and file readiness, supporting the overall design process.

Motion Designer / Motion Graphics Artist / Motion Graphic Designer

Motion graphic designers¹² create animations and movement-based visuals for digital platforms or video productions. This may include developing titles, transitions, and motion sequences using photo editing software and graphic design software.

Video Editor

Use computer software to edit and refine video footage for storytelling or communication purposes.¹³ Video editors may collaborate with creative teams or marketing departments.

Common Work Environments for Graphic Designers

Graduates of graphic design degree programs may work independently or in collaborative settings such as design studios, agencies, or corporate creative departments.¹⁴

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, the largest employers of graphic designers included:¹⁴

• Self-employed workers (18%)
• Specialized design services (9%)
• Advertising, public relations, and related services (8%)
• Information (8%)
• Printing and related support activities (6%)

Exploring Whether Graphic Design Is Right for You

If you’re still exploring whether studying graphic design aligns with your goals, there are practical ways to begin testing your interests and creative strengths:

• Experiment with graphic design software or photo editing software.
• Try creating illustrations, logo design, or layouts for personal or community projects.
  Explore online tutorials or workshops in web design and user interface design.
• Begin your portfolio development by saving and refining your favorite pieces.
• Follow professional graphic designers and creative teams online for inspiration and industry insights.

These experiences may help you determine which areas of graphic design you enjoy most and how your skills might fit within the broader creative field.

Discover Where a Graphic Design Degree May Take You

A graphic design degree may help prepare you with a foundation for exploring creative, technology-driven work. Whether you’re interested in motion design, digital media, print design, or marketing coordination, your studies may help support the development of visual communication skills.

If you’re curious about what you can do with a graphic design degree, exploring coursework, sample projects, and professional design communities may help provide valuable insight into where your creativity can take you.

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¹Rasmussen University, “Bachelor’s in Graphic Design,” at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/graphic-design/bachelors/ (accessed November 3, 2025).
²Rasmussen University, “2025–2026 Catalog,” at https://rasmussen.dcatalog.com/v/2025-2026-Catalog/?page=36 (accessed November 3, 2025).
³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-4 ok Handbook, Graphic Designers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-2 (accessed November 3, 2025). Employment conditions may vary.
⁵JobBank by Americans for the Arts, “Visual Designer,” at https://jobbank.artsusa.org/career/visual-designer (accessed November 3, 2025).
⁶Interaction Design Foundation, “Graphic Artist vs. Graphic Designer: What’s the Difference?,” at https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/graphic-artist-vs-graphic-designer-what-s-the-difference (accessed November 3, 2025).
⁷Adobe^®, “Digital Design,” at https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/design/discover/digital-design.html (accessed November 3, 2025).
⁸Figma^®, “What Is UI Design? | Resource Library,” at https://www.figma.com/resource-library/what-is-ui-design/ (accessed November 3, 2025).
⁹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Web Developers and Digital Designers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm#tab-2 (accessed November 3, 2025). Employment conditions may vary.
¹⁰Rasmussen University, “Print Design: What It Is and Why It’s Still Important,” at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/print-design/ (accessed November 3, 2025).
¹¹Rasmussen University, “What Is a Production Artist? Exploring This Creative Career,” at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/blog/what-is-production-artist/ (accessed November 3, 2025).
¹²Adobe^®, “What Is Motion Graphics?,” at https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/animation/discover/motion-graphics.html (accessed November 3, 2025).
¹³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm#tab-2 (accessed November 3, 2025). Employment conditions may vary.
¹⁴Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-3 (accessed November 3, 2025). Employment conditions may vary.