Graphic Design Degrees

Graphic Design Degrees Resource Articles

Thank you for visiting Graphic Design Degrees, a site devoted to providing accurate easily accessible information and resources for students who are considering obtaining a graphic design degree. Below you will find resource articles on:

• Online Graphic Design Degrees
• Graphics Design Degree Programs
• Online Graphic Design Degrees
• Graphic Design Degree Online v. Campus
• Graphic Designer Degree Options
• Accredited Graphic Design Schools
• Degree for Graphic Design Online
• Online Graphic Design Degree Schools

1. What Types of Online Graphic Design Degrees and Programs Are Available?

Graphic Design Certificate (GDC): Go straight to the core classes with these certificate programs. They can be achieved in as little as nine hours and focus mainly on software and design.

Associate of Arts in Graphic Design and Multimedia (AA/GDM): Students learn to create effective designs that visually communicate a message in a variety of multimedia environments. They also develop skills in critical thinking, logic, communications, and problem solving.

Associate of Science in Graphic Design (AS/GD): The goal of this degree is to provide a focus on conceptual thinking while developing graphic design technical and creative skills. This includes an introduction to the theory and practice of design production, electronic publishing, graphic imagery, and sales promotion.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (BFA/GD): This degree is designed to provide graduates with advanced skills and training in graphic design that enable them to keep up with the changing technology and trends in the industry.

Master of Arts in Graphic Design (MA/GD): A graduate degree in graphic design enables students with more career choices on graduation. Course load may include mastery of different softwares, advanced projects, and even the role of design in social awareness.

2. What Education, Training, and Experience is Required to Become a Graphic Designer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, those seeking a career in graphic design are expected to face keen competition. A stand out feature of these candidates will be their education, knowledge of software, particularly those in website design and animation. An exemplary portfolio is crucial as well.

A Bachelor’s degree is required for many entry-level positions, but an Associate’s or relevant experience may do. In addition, about a quarter of graphic designers are self employed and focus on freelance work or do it as a secondary career.

Excellent elective and alternate courses to take for graphic design include writing, foreign languages, cultural studies, marketing, and are useful in helping designers work effectively.

Beginning graphic designers normally need one to three years of on-the-job training before they can advance to higher positions. Experienced graphic designers may advance to chief designer, creative director, or other supervisory positions. Some experienced designers may even open their own firms.

3. Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Graphic Design Degree:

Accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education is key when choosing a graphic design degree from an institution or university. Accredited by the department is The National Association of Schools of Art and Design. They approve approximately 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, the average tuition and fees for the 2006-2007 academic year was $2,727 at public two year schools and $5,836 at a four year public institution. These costs can be decreased with loans, grants, work for study, and even scholarships. Financial aid (FAFSA) is also available online and should be applied for every year.

With a degree, graduates can find positions such as advertising and design coordinator, graphic designer/artist, web designer, or production manager.

4. What Schools Offer Online Graphic Design Degrees?

Sessions Online School of Design

Graphic Design Certificate

Choose from a Foundation, Advanced, or Master’s certificate at this online school. The Advanced and Master’s certificates offer single or dual career concentration and a portfolio review.

Westwood College

Associate in Graphic Design and Multimedia

This two year degree features courses in digital illustration, image editing, 3D modeling, web page design, and more. Study online or in campuses at five different states.

International Academy of Design and Technology

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Many courses such as digital imaging, project management, and web design are required for this degree. They also offer an online Associate of Science in Graphic Design.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Associate of Science in Graphic Design

Degree requires 104 total credit hours with seven quarters, some offered on a rotating basis. There is also a Bachelor’s degree in the same field offered by the school.

Savannah College of Art and Design

Master of Arts in Graphic Design

Students who have an applicable four year degree can complete their Master’s in as little as 45 hours. The school also has a variety of other graphic design degrees available.

5) What Career and Salary Opportunities are Available to Students With a Graphic Design Degree?

As demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer firms, job expectation is expected to increase at about the same average as other positions. Those who can design for interactive media such as websites, video games, cellphones, and other technology will be in higher demand.

Graphic designers can be employed by large advertising, publishing, or design firms generally working regular hours. Designers in smaller design consulting firms and those who freelance may work on a contract basis. Consultants and self-employed graphic designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller environments.

In 2006, the median average of salaries among graphic designers was $39,900. Entry level designers made an average starting salary of $35,000 in 2007. Senior designers, who may supervision duties or an advanced degree, earned a median of $62,000. Self employed graphic designers reported median earnings of $60,000. The creative heads of design firms or in-house corporate design, earned $98,600. Those who did best were the graphic designers with their own firm, or who were principals of the firm, earning $113,000.