What can you do with a Graphic Design degree from School of Visual Arts?

First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from School of Visual Arts we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 18 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 81%, Graphic Design graduates from School of Visual Arts have a much higher likelihood (+14%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 81%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Graphic Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Graphic Design graduate from School of Visual Arts and our analysis:


Relevance score: 89%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2021 from School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Freelance Graphic Designer
Fantasma Toys
Apr 2021 - Jul 2021
Working as a Freelance Graphic Designer may apply some skills learned in graphic design, but the role is generally less structured and can vary widely, making direct application of the Bachelor's degree less certain.

Graphic Designer
PACSENSE CORP.
Dec 2021 - Nov 2022
The position of Graphic Designer at PACSENSE CORP. requires specific graphic design skills and knowledge, directly utilizing the training received from the Bachelor's degree on a daily basis.

ABOUT

I am a graphic designer specializing in branding and packaging design, with basic knowledge of web design and motion graphics.

What jobs can you get with a Graphic Design degree from School of Visual Arts?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Looking at the careers of people who studied Graphic Design at the School of Visual Arts, most have gone on to hold jobs that are directly related to the creative and tactical side of design. Common roles include Graphic Designer, Art Director, and various freelance positions, all of which require a solid grasp of graphic design principles and creativity. Many of these jobs, such as being a Graphic Designer for companies like Revlon or Victoria's Secret, really focus on the skills learned during their studies, showing a strong link between education and job function. For instance, positions in creative services, web design, and advertising also align closely with their academic background, utilizing the graphic skills they've honed over the years. Even roles like Senior Designer or Creative Director indicate a clear progression within the industry while drawing from a solid foundation in graphic design.

However, not every job taken by graduates sticks to the traditional design path. Some have ventured into roles that aren't as closely tied to graphic design, like Production Manager or Home Furnishing Consultant, where the skills from their degrees aren't fully utilized. Additionally, some freelance opportunities can vary widely in relevance, as they may not require the complete range of skills honed during their educational journey. The good news is that the majority of positions held by these alumni are highly relevant, showcasing that a degree in Graphic Design strongly prepares graduates for a range of creative careers, even if a few take them in unexpected directions.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Graphic Design graduates (this is across all Graphic Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to School of Visual Arts):

What kind of career trajectories do Graphic Design graduates from School of Visual Arts have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Graduates from the School of Visual Arts tend to have pretty solid career trajectories in graphic design. It looks like most of them land their first jobs in related roles right after graduation, often starting out as graphic designers or in creative assistant positions. For example, many graduates from the 2010s timeline began their careers as graphic artists or assistants, working their way up through various companies. These initial jobs usually provide a good foundation, enabling them to build a portfolio and gain valuable experience in the field.

Fast forward five to ten years, and many of these graduates have moved into more senior roles, like art directors or senior designers, often at well-known companies or organizations. While some have ventured into freelance work, which can be a mixed bag depending on the clients and projects, a significant number have secured steady positions in established firms. However, there are also some graduates who seem to have veered off the traditional graphic design path, taking on roles that's not directly related, but they are in the minority. Overall, it looks like a degree from the School of Visual Arts often leads to a fulfilling career in the creative sector for most graduates, making it a great option for anyone interested in graphic design!

How hard is a Graphic Design degree from School of Visual Arts?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, especially at a place like the School of Visual Arts, can be pretty challenging, but in a good way! You’ll be diving into a lot of creative projects, and while that sounds fun, you’ll also face tight deadlines, heavy critiques, and a constant push to refine your skills. The coursework typically involves a mix of design theory, hands-on projects, and software skills, which means you’ll be juggling your time pretty well. So, it's definitely not a walk in the park, but if you’re passionate about design and willing to put in the work, you'll find it to be a rewarding experience!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.

Do Graphic Design graduates from School of Visual Arts tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates from the School of Visual Arts, it seems like many of them are doing pretty well in their careers, with a mix of steady jobs and freelance gigs that show they’re able to keep their skills in demand. Those who graduated earlier, like in 2010 and 2011, have bounced around some cool companies and eventually landed positions with solid responsibilities, which usually means decent pay. More recent grads seem to be starting off strong too, especially those landing roles at big names like Calvin Klein and Disney, which typically come with good salaries. Of course, the world of graphic design can be hit or miss, especially for freelancers, but overall, I'd say most of these folks appear to be making a decent living in a field that’s not always the most lucrative!

What buzzwords do Graphic Design graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design (this is across all Graphic Design graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to School of Visual Arts). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Graphic Design?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design (ordered by the average relevance score of their Graphic Design graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
ArtCenter College of Design 97 10
Florida Atlantic University 95 11
Rhode Island School of Design 93 12
Brigham Young University 92 10
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 90 14
Massachusetts College of Art and Design 90 10
University of Houston 89 14
Kendall College of Art and Design 87 15
Auburn University 85 11
George Mason University 85 18
Savannah College of Art and Design 85 47
California State University-Sacramento 83 13
Iowa State University 82 16
Louisiana State University 82 13
San Diego State University 82 17
Liberty University 81 21
Drexel University 81 13
School of Visual Arts 81 18
Illinois State University 79 15
Utah Valley University 78 10
University of Central Florida 77 10
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 77 12
Towson University 76 15
Portland State University 76 18
Kean University 76 12
Saginaw Valley State University 76 11
California State University-Long Beach 75 14
Colorado State University 74 12
Virginia Commonwealth University 74 10
Art Institute of Pittsburgh 74 11
Pennsylvania College of Technology 72 10
University of Wisconsin-Stout 71 13
The Art Institutes 71 34
James Madison University 70 14
Brigham Young University - Idaho 70 15
Columbia College Chicago 69 18
State University of New York College at Oswego 69 10
Pensacola Christian College 69 11
San Jose State University 68 17
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 68 10
University of Massachusetts Lowell 63 18
Queens College 62 21
Oakland University 59 10
Southern New Hampshire University 50 16
Full Sail University 50 47
Georgia Southern University 50 10