First, some facts. Of the Graphic Design graduates from Towson University 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 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 76%, Graphic Design graduates from Towson University have a higher likelihood (+9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 6% 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:
Relevance score: 73%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2017 from Towson University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Graphic Design. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGraphic DesignerHuman Rights Campaign Apr 2018 - Jul 2019 Rising Innovator Tech Prep Rising Innovators Mar 2023 - Jul 2023 Contract Graphic Designer Freelance Graphic Designer Jun 2017 - Present Assessment Graduate Intern North Carolina State University Apr 2020 - Dec 2020 Graduate Assistant Admissions North Carolina State University Aug 2019 - Jul 2021 Arts Outreach and Engagement Graduate Intern North Carolina State University May 2020 - Jul 2021 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Education - MEdNorth Carolina State University 2019 - 2021 ABOUTHi there! I'm a graphic designer and dedicated higher education professional who enjoys solving problems with visual communication. Over the years, I have worked with a variety of clients and organizations and have learned to create designs that not only look good but also convey the intended message effectively. My education has given me a strong foundation in design principles and an eye for detail that allows me to create solutions that are valuable, viable, feasible, and usable for the public.My experience in higher education has given me a unique perspective on human factors, as I have had the opportunity to work on projects for audiences that require collaboration with diverse teams. In my current role, I have honed my skills in project management, communication, and advising.My strengths of connectedness, positivity, and adaptability allow me to find meaningful relationships between ideas and values. I approach each project with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job trajectories of Towson University Graphic Design graduates, it seems there's a mixed bag of outcomes. Many have pursued careers that align closely with their degree, such as graphic designer roles at various organizations, project management positions that require design oversight, or even freelance graphic work that allows them to flex their creative muscles. For example, roles like Graphic Design Specialist, UX Designer, and positions in digital marketing are all strong indicators of how graduates are using their talents in professional settings. However, there are also many who have ended up in jobs that don't seem to relate much at all to graphic design, like in banking or retail management, which highlights that not every path taken post-graduation is directly linked to their education.
Overall, it’s clear that while a good number of Towson grads are landing jobs that directly utilize their graphic design skills, a significant portion have found themselves in unrelated fields, either out of necessity or choice. This variability suggests that having a degree in graphic design opens many doors, but it doesn’t guarantee a straight line into a design role. For those looking to stay in the design world, it might be worth honing specific skills or networking within creative communities to secure those relevant roles that align with their passion for art and design.
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 Towson University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graphic design graduates from Towson University, it seems like they've generally found their footing in the field after a bit of wandering. For many, their first jobs right out of college are often a mix of freelance work, junior designer roles, or more general positions that, while not directly related to graphic design, still build relevant skills. For example, several graduates started as freelancers or took on junior graphic design titles, helping them gain some much-needed experience. However, a few grads ended up in unrelated roles like sales or client services, showing that not everyone manages to jump straight into a design-centric position.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the picture gets a bit brighter. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into solid design roles, such as graphic designers, senior designers, and user experience designers at reputable companies. It's clear that those who stay in the graphic design lane often see growth and advancement in their careers. On the flip side, there are also examples of folks who've drifted into less design-focused careers, which suggests that while a graphic design degree can open doors, it's up to the individual to keep pursuing those design opportunities. Overall, it appears that graduates with persistence generally find their way back to fulfilling careers in graphic design, making it a promising path for those interested in the field.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design at Towson University, or really anywhere, can be a bit challenging, but it’s not impossible. You’re going to dive into a lot of creative projects and learn all sorts of software, which can be tough if you’re not already familiar with things like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. There’s also a fair amount of critique and feedback, so you’ve got to be open to improving your work and sometimes hearing tough love. Overall, the workload can feel pretty manageable if you’re passionate about design, but that passion is key—if you really enjoy being creative and working on design projects, it’ll feel less like a grind and more like a fun challenge!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Graphic Design.
So, looking at the career paths of these Towson University Graphic Design grads, it seems like they've had a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. The older graduates, like those from 2010 and 2011, bounced around various roles, with some stepping into better-paying positions later on, especially in UX design or senior roles at companies like Under Armour and T. Rowe Price. But others took more non-linear paths, dipping into freelance or lower-paying jobs along the way. Newer grads, like those from 2020 and beyond, are still getting their feet wet, often starting as interns or juniors, so they might not be raking in the big bucks just yet. Overall, while some have definitely landed solid gigs, others are still climbing the ladder, which is pretty common in creative fields where experience and networking play a huge role in salary growth.
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 Towson University). This may or may not be useful:
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: