If you enjoy graphic design and like helping others learn, you may be wondering which path is right for you: a traditional graphic design degree or a graphic design teaching degree.
Both programs focus on creativity and design skills, but they prepare you for different careers.
Traditional Graphic Design Degree
Focus: Creating professional visual work for businesses and media.
What You’ll Learn:
- Visual communication and layouts
- Typography and branding
- Digital design tools and software (like Adobe Creative Suite)
Why It Matters: This degree prepares you to work in design, marketing, media, or freelance projects. Hands-on assignments and building a portfolio are a big part of the program.
Common Careers:
- Graphic Designer
- Brand or Visual Designer
- Web or UX Designer
- Marketing or Media Designer
Graphic Design Teaching Degree
Focus: Learning design and teaching skills together.
What You’ll Learn:
- Design skills like layouts, typography, and digital media
- Teaching strategies, lesson planning, and classroom management
- Student assessment and grading
Why It Matters: This degree prepares you to teach graphic design or visual arts in schools, from middle school to high school, or at technical programs. At BYU–Idaho, students earn an Idaho teaching certificate for grades K–12.
Common Careers:
- High School Art or Design Teacher
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher
- Community College or Technical School Instructor
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Traditional Graphic Design:
- You want to work in design, marketing, or media
- You enjoy creating and refining visual projects
- You want flexibility to freelance or work in creative industries
Graphic Design Teaching:
- You enjoy explaining ideas and helping others learn
- You want to teach design or art in a school setting
- You are interested in a structured career in education
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Graphic Designers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Art Teachers, Postsecondary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — High School Teachers
O*NET Online — Graphic Designers
O*NET Online — Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
CareerOneStop — Graphic Designers
CareerOneStop — Postsecondary Art Teachers