by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, computer graphics was the 277th most popular major nationwide with 2,988 degrees awarded. This represents a 5.1% increase in computer graphics degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 2,837.
This year's Best Computer Graphics Schools ranking compares 37 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer graphics programs later in this article.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
MS in Information Technology - Web Design
Build on your IT degree and become an asset to your company by learning to create and maintain interactive and e-commerce websites with this specialized online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts - 3D Modeling & Animation
Learn the cutting-edge skills to become a player in the multimedia design world with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts
Translate your creative ideas through concept, design and digital media with a bachelor's in graphic design online from Southern New Hampshire University.
Computer Graphics majors are found most commonly in careers in which giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times is important. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions are all required skills for careers related to this major.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic computer graphics program qualifications, to serve in some computer graphics careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Computer Graphics degree levels vary. Computer Graphics programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest computer graphics degree you can get. Depending on the computer graphics degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to computer graphics, with approximately 74.8% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for computer graphics workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 73.7% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 12.5% |
| Some College Courses | 5.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 4.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 2.3% |
Most workers in computer graphics have at least a bachelor's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in computer graphics careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the computer graphics career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your computer graphics degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer graphics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designers | 277,400 | 4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 273,600 | -7.2% |
As you might expect, salaries for computer graphics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer graphics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers computer graphics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | $89,580 |
| Graphic Designers | $54,680 |
With over 226 different computer graphics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased computer graphics school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Computer Graphics that might interest you.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts - Web Design
Gain a solid grounding in your online web design classes and exercise your creative muscle with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
One of 4 majors within the Computer Software & Applications area of study, Computer Graphics has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Web & Multimedia Design | 5,300 |
| Data Modeling/Warehousing & Database Administration | 3,756 |
| Other Computer Software & Media Applications | 1,438 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments & Simulation | 854 |
Image Credit: By Negative Space under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
