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Interested in graphic design, but more rooted in business than studio arts, which degree or major should I research?
What degree is better for an aspiring graphic designer? BFA or BA or BS? I would really like to find a program more rooted in business, rather than studio arts, so I'm leaning towards a non-BFA program. However, finding non-BFA graphic design programs is difficult. Perhaps UX or Experience Design would be better suited for me?
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Srinivas Rao’s Answer
You’re on the right track: if you care more about business and problem‑solving than pure studio art, a non‑BFA, more business‑ or tech‑aligned degree will suit you better.
- BA in Graphic Design (or Communication Design) is often more flexible, with room for business, marketing, or management classes.
- BS in Graphic Design / Digital Design / UX usually leans more technical (web, UX, data, or product focus), which fits someone who wants design plus strategy and business.
- UX / Experience Design or UI/UX is a strong fit if you want to work where design, user needs, and business outcomes overlap; it’s less about “fine arts” and more about solving problems.
Given your interest in business,
Prioritize Communication Design, UX/Experience Design, or
a BS‑style graphic‑design program with marketing/business electives over a traditional BFA studio‑heavy degree.
- BA in Graphic Design (or Communication Design) is often more flexible, with room for business, marketing, or management classes.
- BS in Graphic Design / Digital Design / UX usually leans more technical (web, UX, data, or product focus), which fits someone who wants design plus strategy and business.
- UX / Experience Design or UI/UX is a strong fit if you want to work where design, user needs, and business outcomes overlap; it’s less about “fine arts” and more about solving problems.
Given your interest in business,
Prioritize Communication Design, UX/Experience Design, or
a BS‑style graphic‑design program with marketing/business electives over a traditional BFA studio‑heavy degree.
Thank you so much, Srinivas Rao!
Christian
Updated
Renee’s Answer
I agree with Srinivas; you're definitely heading in the right direction! Besides graphic design, many universities offer graphic communications, which opens up even more career opportunities. This might be exactly what you're looking for. A Graphic Communication major combines visual design, technology, and business skills to create and share media across both print and digital formats. Students gain hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite, web design, branding, and production management. This prepares them for exciting careers as graphic designers, production managers, or multimedia specialists in industries like advertising, publishing, and packaging.
Thank you, Renee! This is very helpful. Off to do some more research on Graphic Communications.
Christian
Updated
Vipin’s Answer
Hello Christian,
If you want to build a career in graphic design but are more inclined toward the business side, then a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) may not be the best fit for you because it focuses heavily on studio arts. Instead, a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and especially a BS (Bachelor of Science) are better options, as they combine design with practical, technical skills and some exposure to business concepts. The most suitable path for you would be UX/UI Design or Communication Design, as these fields integrate design with user psychology, branding, and business understanding, allowing you to be creative while also meeting industry and market needs.
If you want to build a career in graphic design but are more inclined toward the business side, then a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) may not be the best fit for you because it focuses heavily on studio arts. Instead, a BA (Bachelor of Arts) and especially a BS (Bachelor of Science) are better options, as they combine design with practical, technical skills and some exposure to business concepts. The most suitable path for you would be UX/UI Design or Communication Design, as these fields integrate design with user psychology, branding, and business understanding, allowing you to be creative while also meeting industry and market needs.
Thank you so much!
Christian