Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Online
Is a Graphic Design Degree Right for You?
Graphic design degrees are tailored for creative and tech-savvy individuals. Ideal designers are those who want to learn effective techniques for making a visual impact on an audience. Individuals in a graphic design program learn about the art and business sides of graphic design, with courses often focusing on the software many graphic designers and other specialists use on the job. Students learn how to design effective websites, make good use of graphics in various publications, and design an array of other materials. The employment outlook for graphic design degree-holders is average, and graduates can expect keen competition for positions.
Advice for Earning Your Graphic Design Degree Online
Online graphic design degrees are a viable alternative to traditional degrees. They provide the same classes as campus-based degrees while offering students the flexibility to complete course work on their own time. Before enrolling in an online program, it is strongly recommended that prospective online college students make sure that their school of choice is accredited. Because of the numerous degree mills that are present online, employers want to see that the education a prospective employee received is credible. As a result, it is important to research the accreditation of every school of interest. It is also recommended that students research the agencies that granted the accreditation to make sure they have the support of the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Required Courses
Before students can take specialized graphic design classes, they must complete basic education requirements, such as English, math, and science courses. Students can then move on to concentrating on graphic design with courses that include color theory, fundamentals of design, concept development, history and analysis of design, digital image manipulation, graphic symbolism, mixed media, and digital illustration packaging design. Students will also takes classes that prepare them for the business side of graphic design as they learn the skills necessary to create images for a variety of print and digital media.
Common Career Paths
Graphic designers are trained to work with a variety of media. As technology has advanced, graphic designers have been able to expand their horizons and jump into technology-based fields. As a result, graphic designers have many career options. Common positions include (but are not limited to):
- Graphic Designers
Graphic designers are responsible for coming up with a concept to communicate a message through graphics. Those graphics might include photography, typefaces, colors, shapes, and text to make a strong impression on the viewer. Designers must be able to assess the needs of their clients, establish their primary audience, and come up with an artistic concept to satisfy their clients. They have the opportunity to design graphics for newspapers, magazines, journals, and newsletters. They can also work in brand design and development to come up with logos for new or existing businesses. Advertising is another popular field for graphic designers. Others may specialize in web design and work exclusively in making corporate and business websites attractive and easy to use.
Job prospects should be average for graphic designers, as employment growth is only projected at 13%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who have experience with web design or animation will enjoy the best job prospects. The average annual salary for graphic designers is $42,400.
- Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers
Graphic designers who find a solid niche in advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, or sales may choose to move up into a management position, where they can direct projects. Managers within these fields typically conduct market research and develop marketing strategies. Advertising managers are responsible for directing advertising campaigns for clients, which includes oversight of the creative team that develops the advertising concepts. Promotions managers oversee the creative team involved in coming up with publications, such as newspaper inserts and product endorsements. Public relations managers oversee a team dedicated to promoting the images of their clients, including the graphic design of any publications that are produced.
Management in any of these areas can be extremely competitive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports average job prospects and keen competition for positions. The average annual salary for these management professionals is $80,220 for advertising and promotions managers, $108,580 for marketing managers, $97,260 for sales managers, and $89,430 for public relations managers.
- Photographers
A background in graphic design is very helpful for those who wish to become professional photographers. Graphic design classes help students become familiar with the software used in creating websites as well as the photo editing software used to improve images. Photographers often specialize in a certain areas of the field, such as weddings/parties/events, nature photography, portrait photography, fashion photography, newspaper photography, and commercial photography. Employment within this field is expected to grow at an average pace.
Those entering the profession should expect to experience keen competition for jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual wages for salaried photographers varies. Some photographers work as freelancers, and others are salaried employees. On average, freelancers will make less than salaried photographers.
