College minor

Graphic Design Minor: What It Includes and Best Majors

Adds visual design, layout and design software skills.

How a Graphic Design minor complements your major

Graphic design helps marketing, communications, web development and business majors create professional visuals for brands, campaigns and products.

Skills a Graphic Design minor adds

  • Design software
  • Layout
  • Typography
  • Branding

Majors that pair well with Graphic Design

MajorWhy it works
MarketingLets you create the visuals behind campaigns.
Web Design and DevelopmentStrengthens the visual side of web design.
Instructional Design and Adult LearningHelps you create engaging course materials.
Public Relations and AdvertisingHelps you create campaign visuals.
Fine Arts and Studio ArtAdds commercial design skills.

Want to study it in depth? See the Graphic Design major.

Careers where a Graphic Design minor helps

Related career training

Graphic Designer Training

Online, self-paced · about 10 hours · $39.99

A self-paced online course on what graphic designers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.

Skills you build: typography, layout and composition, and adobe Creative Cloud

Why it fits: Builds practical knowledge for careers a Graphic Design minor points toward.

Graphic Design minor FAQ

What is a Graphic Design minor?

A Graphic Design minor adds visual design, layout and design software skills. Graphic design helps marketing, communications, web development and business majors create professional visuals for brands, campaigns and products.

What does a Graphic Design minor include?

A Graphic Design minor covers skills such as design software, layout, typography, and branding. Most minors require about 15 to 24 credit hours, often five to eight courses; each college sets its own requirements.

What majors go well with a Graphic Design minor?

It pairs well with Marketing, Web Design and Development, Instructional Design and Adult Learning, Public Relations and Advertising, and Fine Arts and Studio Art.

Is Graphic Design a good minor for Marketing majors?

It can be. Lets you create the visuals behind campaigns.

Is Graphic Design a good minor for Web Design and Development majors?

It can be. Strengthens the visual side of web design.

Is Graphic Design a good minor for Instructional Design and Adult Learning majors?

It can be. Helps you create engaging course materials.

What skills does a Graphic Design minor add?

Skills such as design software, layout, typography, and branding.

What careers can a Graphic Design minor help with?

It can support careers such as graphic designer, desktop publisher, and UX/UI designer, especially combined with a related major.

Is a Graphic Design minor worth it?

It is worth it if it fills a gap in your major or supports the career you want. Graphic design helps marketing, communications, web development and business majors create professional visuals for brands, campaigns and products.

What is the difference between a Graphic Design major and a Graphic Design minor?

A Graphic Design major is your main field of study (certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees) and prepares you for careers such as graphic designer, art director, and UX/UI designer. A minor is a smaller set of courses that adds graphic Design knowledge to a different major.

Can any major add a Graphic Design minor?

At most colleges, students in many majors can add a minor if they meet its prerequisites and can fit the courses. Check your college’s requirements.