Students develop an understanding of color and composition, design and typography, and drawing board skills. Emphasis is placed on learning the skills and techniques of computer graphics, electronic imaging, and production. Tools include scanners, digital cameras, and computer-based hardware and software. By graduation, Graphic Design students have acquired the training and the portfolio necessary to interview for entry-level positions in advertising agencies, design studios, publishing houses, corporate communications departments, and television studios.

The Art Institute Online is a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The prospective student must be a high school graduate with a high school GPA of 2.0, or hold a General Education Development (GED) Certificate with a score of 225 or higher, or a bachelor's degree or higher as a prerequisite for admission.