Online Degree in Graphic Design ~ A Comprehensive Guide

Graphic design is a highly-skilled and technical field. It gives room for people to get an online degree in graphic design. It requires an understanding of aesthetics, communication, typography, layout, photography, and more. There are a variety of different degree programs in Graphic Design that can be devoted to this field. Depending on your interests, several online degree in graphic design programs may be right for you.

Here are some things that you should know before deciding which degree program is right for you:

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the application of visual communication to the computer screen. It encompasses the use of color, design, and design techniques to create visual information. The field of graphic design has evolved throughout the years due to advancements in communication and digital technologies.

Once upon a time, people used to create art prints using cork pens and creating art with pencils was a very difficult skill to master. With the advent of the Internet and printing presses, the art print world has been transformed into a shared cultural experience for all.

Read: 5 Ways to Get Online Degree for Free

How to get an Online Degree in Graphic Design

When it comes to earning an online degree in Graphic Design, there are many different paths to follow. The first route is to choose a major that involves visual communication. The next is to choose a design field. There are many different design programs, including facility design, branding, branding and marketing, brand management, digital design, and others. You could also choose an interdisciplinary design field if you want to look at design across multiple disciplines.

What is the Required Curriculum For a Degree in Graphic Design?

Most Graphic Design programs require some type of design course. The design course should cover basic visual communication skills, such as using colors, patterns, and symbols to represent information. The required course should cover the development of visual communication to create original, engaging, and effective designs. There are, of course, options that focus on business design, but these are typically elective courses. The final choice is between studio art and illustration courses.

Which Degree Program is Right For You?

This is another important thing to know before deciding which degree program is right for you. The first thing that you need to decide is what kind of degree you want to get. There are a variety of different degrees that can be completed in one cycle. There are two types of degrees:

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Bachelor’s degrees require only basic visual communication skills, while Master’s degrees include more advanced skills. Bachelor’s degrees in Graphic Design can also be completed in one year. Master’s degrees require a single-semester course, while the Doctor of Design (DDD) degree can be completed in two semesters.

The DDD degree is an exclusive license that allows students to special order original work. The requirements for the DDD degree are more advanced than the other types of degrees.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of a Graphic Design Degree

Getting a degree in graphic design has advantages and disadvantages. The cost of design degrees is one of the main drawbacks. The courses can be challenging as well. But earning a degree in graphic design can have advantages. The degree most notably provides a graphic designer credibility in the design industry. A student will discover that having a degree or advanced degree in graphic design is important, if not necessary, if they wish to work for a top design firm. Additionally, lots of degree programs give their students access to free design tools. Getting such essential design tools “free” is a huge advantage considering that the well-known Adobe design software costs more than $1000.

You might select traditional and online colleges when obtaining a degree in graphic design. In 2012, US News and World Report placed Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, and Maryland Institute College of Art as the top three graduate institutions for graphic design in the nation. These institutions provide classic graphic design courses, and graduates from these institutions should have little trouble catching the attention of prestigious design businesses. You can take simple online courses from the comfort of your home at Sessions College and the Art Institutes, two well-known and efficient online options.

Top Graphic Design Universities

A degree in Graphic Design is an excellent way to learn more about the field. The program may lead to a career in digital design, branding, or even marketing. The requirements for a degree in Graphic Design are typically more challenging than those for other design fields. The requirements for a degree in Graphic Design also vary from state to state, so it’s important to talk to a local graphic design program advisor to get your thoughts on the best place to start.

  1. NC State University
  2. California College of the Arts
  3. Pratt Institute
  4. Drexel University
  5. Fashion Institute of Technology
  6. Kennesaw State University
  7. Portland State University
  8. University of North Texas

What to Expect From a Degree in Graphic Design

The coursework in a degree in Graphic Design can be a little different from other design programs. The requirements for a degree in Graphic Design are often more advanced than those for other design fields. The format of a course also may differ, but most programs follow a traditional four-semester schedule. Additionally, certain design technologies are only required for certain years, so you’ll likely have to choose between the iPhone app and the traditional office app when taking a design degree.

Do Graphic Design Degrees Pay Off?

Your chances of landing a design position are increased by a graphic design degree, which also raises your pay. While working as a graphic designer is doable without a graduate degree, it is simpler to find and get hired for top positions at prestigious design firms. Designers with postgraduate degrees in graphic design typically have a better chance of landing positions in bigger, more recognized firms.
For instance, the average yearly wage for a graphic designer is $48,800, whereas those employed at companies like Apple can expect to make $96,000 on average. Unquestionably, it is worthwhile to spend money on a graphic design degree.

The Bottom Line

The choice of design program is one of the most important factors in determining who gets into a university. Having a plan for when and how you’ll want to design is crucial. The choice of design program is also important during the application process for a university. There are many different types of programs, with various requirements for the design degree.

Therefore, it’s important to choose a design program that best suits your needs and personal style. If you’ve found the right degree for you, you’ll be able to focus on your career path and make an impact in the industry as a result. Not only will your design degree be a perfect fit for a career in branding and marketing, but it will also be a perfect fit for your budget and time horizon.

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