An Associate Degree in Graphic Design is the first important stepping stone to becoming a graphic designer. As more and more Americans are turning to entrepreneurial endeavors, graphic designers are some of those that have the skill and creativity to do so. And they are good at marketing, making self-promotion that much easier.
There are many uses and needs for a competent, skilled, and well-educated graphic designer. Every business or industry needs advertising and marketing, and these professionals fit the bill, having skills in website design, interactive design, typography, and everything else needed to draw in viewers, readers, and visitors to a business. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected employment rates among graphic designers from 2019 to 2029 are slightly below average. Furthermore, web designers, web developers, and statisticians can expect an 8 percent rate of growth which is 3 times faster than average. According to the same article, most jobs for web designers require at least an associate degree.
With an online Associate in Graphic Design from one of these ten outstanding colleges and universities you could become qualified as a graphic designer from the comfort of your home. Find a perfect match with OnlineSchoolsCenter.com and start your career in Graphic Design today!
Quick Links
Please check out: Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Graphic Design Degree Programs
For a more in-depth view of the design world, check out our Design Navigational Guide: Best Concentrations in Design
You may also be interested in Best of the Best: Online Bachelor of Graphic Design Schools
Best Online Schools for Associates in Graphic Design
Methodology:
The researcher/writers of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have high standards for their lists and rankings and utilize strict criteria for selecting online schools. For this particular list, the following standards were applied:
- An Associate of Art, Science, or Applied Science in Graphic Design or its equivalent,
- Online availability of all academic resources, including coursework, professors, and online tools,
- Coursework that satisfies the general education credits necessary to transfer into a Bachelor’s Degree or into the workforce,
- Accreditation,
- Retention rates no lower than 50%,
- And a well-organized and easy-to-use website and learning platform.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT
ONLINE A.A. in Graphic Design
Program Standouts:
In the online Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design at the Community College of Vermont, there is a particular emphasis put on the development of professional skills. Students create numerous pieces of artwork, storyboards, website designs, and more in a portfolio to take with them on future interviews at jobs and other schools. Students get some real-world exposure in the coursework and get to assist working professionals in their projects. Graduates demonstrate excellent technical, artistic, communicational, and occupational skills.
Campus Location: Montpelier, VT
Accreditation:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Sampling of Coursework:
- Graphic Design I and II
- Digital Image Manipulation
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: 21%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF VERMONT’S ONLINE GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A.A.S in digital design and graphics ONLINE
Program Standouts:
Columbus State Community College’s online Associate of Applied Science in Digital Design and Graphics trains students to be ready for positions of employment in their field. CSCC also offers numerous Certificate options in various areas relating to Graphic Design for those who would like further specialization. Students are given access to all of the most modern and popular software and hardware upon which to develop their skills as graphic designers. Upon exiting the program, students have created an extensive portfolio to use during future interviews.
Campus Location: Columbus, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Color Management and Business of Design
- Storyboarding
- Introduction to Digital Photography
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 19.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE DIGITAL DESIGN AND GRAPHICS ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ONline degree programs in A.A. art/design graphic
Program Standouts:
The St. Charles Community College online Associate of Arts in Art/Graphic Design is a transfer Program through which students will eventually pursue a Bachelor’s Degree. The coursework aligns with the necessary credits for transfer to any four-year institution. Students learn essential principles in graphic design that will drastically aid their learning in a Bachelor of Graphic Design or Studio Art, for example. Some unique positions of employment that students will be able to pursue upon doing so include exhibit designer, set illustrator, and art appraiser.
Campus Location: Cottleville, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- 3D Design
- Color Theory
- Digital Art Studio
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 19%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ST. CHARLES COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ART/GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE DEGREE
GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Online associates in graphic communications
Program Standouts:
Gateway Technical College provides a unique opportunity for design students in the online Associate in Graphic Communications. This program combines coursework in art and technology, and students learn in the real-world with graphic design professionals. Particular focus is put on the communications aspect of the discipline as it applies to work with superiors, teammates, partners, and clients. In this way, graduates are prepared to provide their places of work with the best possible design jobs.
Campus Location: Kenosha, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Applied Exit Strategies/Display Graphics
- Problems in Graphic Design, Advanced
- Multimedia Survey
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 31%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Associates digital media technology: concentration in graphic design online degree programs
Program Standouts:
At Surry Community College, there is an online Associate in Digital Media Technology with an Emphasis in Graphic Design. In this program, students learn computer programming, media synthesis, information architecture, and other key components of the discipline. The curriculum also develops technical and occupational skills. Graduates from Surry have gone on to become web developers, multimedia specialists, information specialists, graphic designers, and more!
Campus Location: Dobson, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Web Development Tools
- Web, Programming, and Database Foundation
- Emerging Technologies in Digital Media
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 31%
LEARN MORE ABOUT SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN DIGITAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGY – GRAPHIC DESIGN
WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A.A.S. in advertising/graphic design online
Program Standouts:
The Wake Technical Community College online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Advertising and Graphic Design prepares students for positions of employment in areas such as marketing, photography, and web design. Students gain a strong foundational education in the principles of graphic design, as well as the most popular software, utilization in the workforce, as well as other areas such as lettering and typography, letterheads, and magazine advertisements. Graduates can expect to work in graphic design and advertising upon exiting the program.
Campus Location: Raleigh, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Technical Illustration
- Digital Print Production
- Multimedia Design I and II
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 16%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ADVERTISING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN AAS DEGREE
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY
Distance AA degree in graphic design degree
Program Standouts:
The online Graphic Design Associate of Arts Degree from the Academy of Art University is one of the most respectable on this ranking. This is one of the most excellent online schools for art and design in the country, and there are bachelor’s and master’s degrees available in Graphic Design, as well. The coursework approaches the fundamental principles of the discipline, such as layout, typography, interactive design, and branding. Students are very well-prepared to continue into the field of marketing, which is an incredibly lucrative route.
Campus Location: San Francisco, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Sampling of Coursework:
- Design Technology: Digital Publishing Tools
- Introduction to Visual Communication
- History of Graphic Design
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 27.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
Online Associates in Animation and Motion Graphics or Web and Interactive Design
Program Standouts:
Rasmussen College’s online Associate Degree in Graphic Design offers two exciting specialization options. The program is designed to prepare students for a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and satisfies all of the prerequisites and general education credits necessary to transfer to any number of excellent colleges or universities. Rasmussen also provides the degree through Flex Choice, which combines self-directed projects with online coursework to allow students to move more quickly past subjects with which they are already familiar.
Campus Location: Bloomington, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentrations:
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- Web and Interactive Design
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 88.7%
Graduation Rate: 33.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE’S ONLINE GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
FOOTHILL COLLEGE
aa graphic interactive design degree program online
Program Standouts:
The online Associate in Graphic Design emphasizes advanced skills in the design process while utilizing modern graphic design technologies. The coursework trains students in the current software used by professionals across the globe, as well as how to communicate thoughts, ideas, and criticisms too coworkers and peers. Graduates have gone on to work in graphic design, web design, game design, marketing, T-shirt printing, and more! Students are well-poised to continue their design degree at a college or university.
Campus Location: Los Altos Hills, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Sampling of Coursework:
- Screenprinting
- Cartoon & Comic Illustration
- Graphic Design Studio I, II, and III
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 55.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FOOTHILL COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN GRAPHIC AND INTERACTIVE DESIGN
This degree is perfect for gifted, computer-savvy artists and designers, who want to put their passions to work! A graphic degree program will give you all of the training and knowledge necessary to use the most modern and popular software and hardware to get a job in virtually any industry. Graphic Designers can work for home, at a business, in gaming and technology, as teachers, in print markets, and so much more! The Best Online Schools for Associate’s in Graphic Design will introduce you to fabulous college and university programs that give you a solid educational foundation upon which to start your career as a Graphic Designer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know graphic design applications before entering this program?
Not necessarily! Many people who are talented designers, artists, calligraphers, etc. go into the degree without any knowledge of In-Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other such programs. The coursework will show you how to manipulate such programs to create beautiful pieces of artwork and marketing. These complex programs may be difficult to use prior to your online Associate in Graphic Design, but, upon graduation, you will be on your way to becoming a pro! What will really take your career to the next level, as well as your understanding of such graphic design computer applications, is to carry your education on in an online Bachelor’s Degree. A higher degree will give you more training, more experience, and more opportunities to network and build a list of valuable professional contacts.
What if I don’t have enough money and I am good at computers? Do I have to have an Associate’s Degree to work in Graphic Design?
You are certainly welcome to educate yourself in Graphic Design and attempt to make a career that way. But, we at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com do not recommend doing so, as your climb to the top will be so much harder! Think of your Associate in Graphic Design as an investment, rather than a hindrance. You are investing in your future! With a profitable career such as this, you will never have trouble finding a job. If you are skilled at working with computers, then the degree will be that much easier for you. Do yourself a favor and take the chance to meet teachers, professionals, and peers who can help you in your journey. Your instructors will refine their skills and introduce you to methods and approaches with which you might not be familiar. Also, and never forget, at every single school on this list, there are excellent financial aid opportunities to help you through your education.
Will I have job security as a Graphic Designer and how much will I earn?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook (job security) projected for Graphic Designer over the next ten years is expected to decline by 4%. You can expect fierce competition in this field. The BLS also lists the median annual salary for these professionals at about $52,110. However, this information is based on those who have a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. It is highly possible, if not probable, that you will make less money with an Associate Degree. But don’t let that discourage you from beginning your academic career! If anything, it should encourage you to reach higher and reach your full potential as a graphic designer!