Graphic designer: bachelor's in graphic design (or training after another degree) and a portfolio
Graphic designers usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field, and a portfolio that shows their creativity and originality. Many degree programs ask for a year of basic art and design courses first, and some schools ask applicants for sketches or other examples of their work.
For: Creative people who like solving visual problems for clients and can juggle several deadlines.
Route 1: Bachelor's in graphic design + portfolio Typical
More than 360 postsecondary colleges, universities and independent institutes are accredited with programs in art and design.
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Start here
High school: basic art and design courses
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Admission
Sketches or other examples of your artistic ability
Some schools require them; many programs require a year of basic art and design courses before admitting you to the degree.
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in graphic design or a related fine arts field
Studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques and website design.
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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While studying
Internships and a portfolio
Employers rely on portfolios in making hiring decisions.
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Graphic designer
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: Degree in another field + graphic design training Career change
People who have a bachelor's degree in another field may complete technical training in graphic design to meet most hiring qualifications.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree in any field
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Training
Technical training in graphic design
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Proof
A portfolio of completed work
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Graphic designer
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 3: Registered Apprenticeship Earn while you learn
DOL lists Graphic Designer as an apprenticeable occupation.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Find a program
A Registered Apprenticeship
Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
USDOL
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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3,000 hours
Graphic Designer (RAPIDS 0010)
Time-based minimum term: 3,000 hours.
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Goal
Graphic designer
BLS
Graphic Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Software certification
Software product vendors · Voluntary - Certification in graphic design software demonstrates competence and may give jobseekers a competitive advantage.
BLS
Graphic Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
What an art school publishes
There is no national rule for art school portfolios: each school sets its own. One school's published rule, as an example; check every school you apply to.
| School | What you need |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) First-year admission |
A portfolio of 12 to 20 examples of your most recent work, uploaded to SlideRoom after you start the Common Application ($60 application fee plus $10 for the portfolio). RISD strongly recommends some drawing or painting from direct observation; up to three slides may show research or preparatory work, and any use of AI must be described. RISDApply to RISD: first-year application requirements (portfolio)Rhode Island School of Design
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.