Graphic Design: Why Leave Home to Master a New Skill?

Graphic design online schools offer bachelor's, associate's, or certification in the lucrative field of graphic design. Online degrees can help launch a career in graphic design or the fine arts, or help improve chances of being promoted in an existing career.

Graphic Design Schools

Online colleges and schools offer programs that provide nearly identical curriculum as those of traditional campus-based schools. Many online graphic design schools offer bachelor's degree programs since most entry-level graphic design jobs require that degree. Students who have earned an associate's degree in graphic design should be equipped to operate the technical equipment used by graphic designers and to assist those who have completed higher degrees.

Graphic Design Online Classes

An overview of graphic design online classes includes:

• Principles of design
• Web site management
• Computerized web design
• Studio art
• Techniques of printing
• Commercial graphics

An online college degree in graphic design is a liberal arts degree. Several classes typically are included that help the graphic designer to develop successful products and market them in a modern business environment.

Subjects students can expect to study are:

• Business
• Culture
• Art history
• Business
• Principles of marketing
• Sociology
• psychology

An online associate's degree may require two or three years to complete. Online colleges offering bachelor's degrees generally offer four-year programs but several provide generous flexibility for the amount of time studies are completed.

Bachelor's degree programs frequently require a completed year of graphic design classes prior to being admitted to the program. A portfolio of original work is preferred and occasionally required as well. These are usually completed at the high school level.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits post-secondary institutions offering graphic design degrees.

Graphic Design Job Prospects

Over the decade from 2008-2018, it is expected that 124,800 jobs in graphic design will become open, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This would be a 7% to 13% increase over the 286,000 jobs in graphic design existing in 2008. Graphic designers earned a mean annual wage, in May 2009, of $43,180.

Higher paying graphic design careers and the mean annual wages paid in May 2009 include:

• Art directors $78,580
• Commercial and industrial designers $58,060
• Interior designers $46,180

The greatest number of new jobs are expected to be in the scientific, technical services, professional, and self-employment sectors.

Advantages of an Online Degree

Distance learning has tremendous advantages over campus-based colleges.

• Study from any location
• Study time is flexible
• Student and instructor contact is one on one
• Maintain present job and family responsibilities
• Less expensive tuition

Graphic design online classes are convenient, accessible, and affordable. A college degree in graphic design may be the perfect way to launch a new career into a challenging and rewarding field.