Overview

The Graphic Design programme at San Diego State University provides a rigorous studio-based environment where students explore design as a method for critical inquiry. This course is designed to equip undergraduates with the professional skills necessary to execute complex visual communication across various modern contexts.

Students gain a deep understanding of communication theories and human factors to create work that informs and persuades diverse audiences. The curriculum balances traditional design fundamentals with emerging digital practices, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in both the technical and theoretical aspects of the contemporary design landscape.

The learning experience is enhanced by the unique multicultural setting of the campus.

Why Graphic Design at San Diego State University?

The School of Art and Design offers a creative learning community supported by high-end facilities, including seven dedicated Mac computer labs and collaborative laptop spaces. These resources ensure that students have access to the latest software and digital fabrication tools required for professional-level production.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its strong connection to the professional design world through a close affiliation with AIGA. Students benefit from faculty and student exchange programmes that provide international exposure, alongside local opportunities to work with real-world clients and organisations through dedicated design studios.

The teaching approach emphasises social and environmental responsibility, encouraging students to address sociocultural issues through their creative work. By participating in the Internship and Design Studio programmes, students bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice before they graduate.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14130 per year
National fee: USD 14130 per year
Local fee: USD 6838 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured as a sequence of core studios that progressively build form and concept-development skills. Modules may include:

Typography
Image-making
History
Graphic Design
Multimedia
Interior Architecture
Time-based Media
Interactivity
Experimental Narrative
Motion Graphics
Web Design

Careers with Graphic Design

Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions across a broad spectrum of the creative industries. The programme focuses on building a professional portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in visual communication, making students competitive candidates for roles in various design sectors.

Potential career paths include positions in web design, interactive media, and gaming. Graduates also find opportunities in motion graphics, instructional systems, and traditional publishing. The skills acquired during the programme allow alumni to work within design agencies, corporate marketing departments, or as independent freelance practitioners.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The program is structured as a sequence of core studios in design fundamentals, typography, image-making, and history courses, that progressively introduce form and concept-development skills across a range of media.

As students enter their junior and senior years, they apply their skills to real-world, contemporary design problems by interacting with a wide range of clients, organizations, and local communities through the Internship and Design Studio programs.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Graphic Design View 609 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts/Academic Records: You will be asked to identify the institutions you attended and to provide dates and any certificates/diplomas or academic credentials earned. You will be required to enter your coursework only for U.S. high school and/or college coursework. (English translations of all academic records and certificates/diplomas will be required if the original language of the document is not English.)

English-Language Exam Results.

Test Scores: If you're currently studying in the U.S., you will report any applicable test results completed so far for the SAT, ACT, AP and/or IB as well as any future test dates.

A Method of Payment: You can pay the application fee by credit card or PayPal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14130 USD / year

≈ 14130 USD / year
Out-of-State

14130 USD / year

≈ 14130 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6838 USD / year

≈ 6838 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Graphic Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Diego

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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