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Graphic Design

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Undergraduate
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Build Your Creative Career With a Distinguished Graphic Design Degree

Are you passionate about art and want a fulfilling career in visual design? In Troy University's respected Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design program, you'll develop the talent and portfolio you need to stand out in creative careers. Whether you want to build brands, design websites or tell stories with motion graphics, a bachelor's degree in graphic design from TROY can help you reach your goals.

Graphic design students working on projects together.
“The time I spent in Troy University's Graphic Design program, working one-on-one with professors and executing a myriad of projects, gave me a stellar foundation that enabled me to start a career. Throughout the four-year program, I was taught how to think creatively and problem-solve during graphic design projects, which included print and digital media, website design, illustration, videography, magazines, photography and more. There is something here for everyone (even paid work) and, best of all, professors want to get to know you so they can set you on a custom course track tailored to your interests. You get back what you put into this program! Hard work, creative ideas and curiosity will get you far here.”
Emily Bumgardner | Graphic Designer, CCR Architecture & Interiors | 2024 graduate, Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design

Work on Award-Winning Projects

As a graphic design major at TROY, you'll have the opportunity to work on real-world, professional projects using various media and tools. This hands-on aspect of the program has helped TROY students secure graphic design careers and internships, design public exhibits, and routinely win ADDY and film festival awards. Previous student projects include a collaborative exhibit with Chinese-American photographer Hai Zhang, an award-winning fantasy adventure film, commercials for Stephen King books and an awareness campaign, Unplugged.

Flexible Ways to Earn Your Graphic Design Degree

Choose a graphic design program that works with your schedule without sacrificing quality. At TROY, you can study on-campus in a studio setting, complete your coursework through a fully online graphic design degree, or select a hybrid option that blends in-person and online classes. Regardless of the format you choose, you can be confident in the quality of your education — Forbes Advisor recently ranked TROY's online graphic design degree as the best in the nation, which speaks to its excellence, faculty support and opportunities for students.
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Bachelor's in Graphic Design Curriculum

The bachelor's degree in graphic design starts with the basics, such as visual communication principles, layout, color theory and typography. From there, you'll move into more advanced courses like digital illustration, branding, motion graphics, web design and interactive media. As you grow your skills, you'll complete hands-on projects that help you think creatively, solve problems and develop a professional portfolio. While specific courses may vary from year to year, your classes are designed to give you both the artistic vision and technical expertise you need to succeed in today's design industry.
Academic Catalog Degree Map

Graphic Design Degree Program Locations

Earn your bachelor's degree in graphic design online, in person on the Troy Campus or through a combination of both. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756

Troy Campus
TROY Online

Learn from Award-Winning Graphic Designers

At TROY, you'll work with some of the field's most brilliant creative minds, receiving mentorship from faculty with years of experience in everything from video to 3D printing. Having worked as graphic designers, exhibited their work in solo and group shows and contributed to community arts boards, our award-winning faculty are well-equipped to teach you the tools and techniques you'll need to develop your own design style. And, with small class sizes of 15 students or less, you'll receive more individualized attention and feedback on your projects.

Some previous student projects include a collaborative exhibit with Chinese-American photographer Hai Zhang, an award-winning fantasy adventure film, commercials for Stephen King books and an awareness campaign, Unplugged.

Winners Reanna Thompson, Nathan Hobbs and Zack Pappanastos October 2023 YellowHammer 3 Festival.

Careers in Graphic Design

Careers for graphic design majors can be found in marketing, advertising, communications, digital media, user experience, publishing and numerous other fields.

Faculty Profiles

Chris Stagl

Chris Stagl

Chris Stagl is an associate professor of graphic design and assistant chair of art and design at TROY. He has written design curricula throughout the country and joined the TROY faculty in 2020. Professor Stagl holds an M.F.A. in media from Florida Atlantic University and a B.F.A. in graphic design from the University of North Florida. He serves as the education co-chair of the Montgomery, AL, chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). His interests include typography, identity, video and storytelling.
Learn more about our faculty cstagl@troy.edu

Tailor Your Graphic Design Degree With a Minor

Focus your degree and your career with a minor in one of the following areas — or choose a minor in another field with the help of your advisor.

  • Multimedia design
  • 2D studio
  • Illustration
  • Advertising writing
  • Literature/writing
  • 3D Printing
  • Photography
  • Art Contract

Some minors are only available based on learning method. Check with your advisor to see which minors are available to you.

Graphic Design Degree Scholarships

As a graphic design major, you may qualify for a Department of Art and Design scholarship, ranging from $250 to $1,500 per academic year.

Scholarship Information

Related Programs

Bachelor of Fine ArtsBachelor of Science in ArtArt EducationB.B.A. in Marketing

FAQ About the Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design

Learn more about the field of graphic design and this program.
What is graphic design degree?
Graphic design is the practice of using visuals such as color, shapes, fonts, images and motion graphics to tell stories, communicate ideas or evoke emotions. It is commonly used to describe branding, advertising, education, communications or entertainment work. Graphic design projects can include logos and brand identities, websites, printed or digital media, photography, animations and video.
What do graphic designers do?

Graphic designers create visual content that helps businesses and organizations communicate with customers and other audiences. Graphic designers develop logos, websites, advertisements, social media graphics, packaging and other branded materials that help businesses create a personality and compel audiences to act. 

A major part of graphic design involves researching audiences, developing creative concepts, selecting typography and color, and telling stories visually. Designers often collaborate with marketing teams, developers and clients, playing a key part in branding, user experience and content creation across print and digital platforms.

What can you do with a graphic design degree?

Because nearly every organization relies on strong visual communication, careers for graphic design majors can be found in advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, nonprofits and startups. You could also work as a freelance graphic designer. 


Specific careers in graphic design include:

  • Web designer
  • Art director
  • Special effects artist or animator
  • Graphic designer
  • Desktop publisher
  • UX/UI designer
  • Packaging designer
  • Production artist

Graduates of TROY's program typically launch their careers in graphic design with creative agencies or as in-house designers. Many students also use the commercial skills they acquire at TROY to establish their own creative studios as entrepreneurs.

Is graphic design a good major?

Yes, graphic design is a good major if you enjoy creativity, problem-solving and using art to convey a message. As a graphic design major, you'll learn how to communicate ideas clearly through images, typography and digital media while building practical skills employers value like audience research, design software proficiency, collaboration and critical thinking. You'll also have opportunities to work in a wide variety of environments — businesses, nonprofits and other organizations all rely on strong branding and digital content.


Graphic design majors at TROY graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases their work to set them apart for careers in marketing, advertising, web design, motion graphics or content creation.

What computer and software do I need for the graphic design program?
Required technology for the graphic design program includes:
  • A computer newer than 2019
    • MacBook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air, iMac, PC laptop or PC desktop acceptable
    • RAM (memory) of 32GB, 16 GB, or 8 GB (You cannot run the required software with memory under 8 GB.)
    • Internal hard drive of 250 GB minimum
    • External hard drive with 1 TB minimum
    • Processor Intel i7 or i9 or equivalent minimum
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (subscription required)
  • A camera/video camera*
    • *Camera is not required but recommended
    • A digital mirrorless camera is ideal (24 mp minimum, interchangeable lens)

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News

Graphic design was offered online for the first time in 2022.

Troy University's online graphic design program ranked first by Forbes Advisor

Troy University's online graphic design program has been ranked first in the nation by Forbes Advisor. A division of Forbes magazine, Forbes Advisor recently issued a ranking of the top 10 accredited, nonprofit universities that offer an online graphic design program.

Read More

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