by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Computer Graphics covers Computer Graphics. A Program That Focuses On The Software, Hardware, And Mathematical Tools Used To Represent, Display, And Manipulate Topological, Two-, And Three-Dimensional Objects On A Computer Screen And That Prepares Individuals To Function As Computer Graphics Specialists. Includes Instruction In Graphics Software And Systems; Digital Multimedia; Graphic Design; Graphics Devices, Processors, And Standards; Attributes And Transformations; Projections; Surface Identification And Rendering; Color Theory And Application; And Applicable Geometry And Algorithms. Read on to learn the key facts every computer graphics major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer graphics programs.
Across the country, computer graphics draws strong interest, with 3,312 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Graphics Schools ranking analyzes these 113 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer graphics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer graphics programs later in this article.
Studies in Computer Graphics emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer graphics graduates commonly enter.
Skills built by a computer graphics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a computer graphics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer graphics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 108 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 547 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,393 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,251 |
People currently working in careers related to computer graphics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 69.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 14.4% |
| Master’s degree | 4.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 4.1% |
| Some college courses | 4.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.1% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.9% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer graphics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in computer graphics prepares you for many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to computer graphics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer graphics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Graphic Designers | 267,813 | 4.6% |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | 202,912 | 0.6% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of computer graphics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $47,963 |
| 4 years | $41,500 |
| 5 years | $47,394 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer graphics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer graphics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $86,398 |
| Graphic Designers | $66,386 |
With 113 different computer graphics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer graphics school rankings to help you.
Students interested in computer graphics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design | 5,236 |
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration | 4,139 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications, Other | 1,866 |
| Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation | 1,028 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
