Research graphic design schools to find one that offers a program that meets your educational and vocational needs. Things to consider when choosing a school include tuition costs, available financial aid, length of the program, the program's reputation (if known) and any other additional requirements or projects you will be required to complete beyond your coursework.
Apply to several different schools to ensure that you get admitted to at least one. Most colleges and universities have similar admission requirements which include the submission of an application (either online or via mail), submitting the appropriate application fees, copies of your standardized test scores on the SAT or ACT, a letter or statement of intent about why you want to attend that school, high school transcripts and possibly letters of recommendation from teachers or school administrators.
Complete your general education coursework. These are courses that you will be required to take as part of your undergraduate curriculum that are needed to provide with a broad-based education in the liberal arts. Most colleges require you to complete specific courses which are common to all undergraduate students. Typical fields of study include areas like history, math, biology, physical science, humanities, speech and communication, sociology, psychology and English. Most will require a foreign language course as well.
Finish your graphic design degree by completing the coursework that is specific to your graphic design degree. The number of credit hours will vary based on the school. Some schools maintain the traditional semester credit courses while others like the Art Institute use a quarter credit system and may require a greater number of overall credit hours. Typical coursework for a graphic design degree will include studies in advertising copywriting, photography principles, image manipulation, digital layout, color theory and print production, Photoshop, principles of web page design and portfolio design, among others.