An online Design degree will give you a solid foundation in design work, which will help you start a career in a range of industries. The program will improve your knowledge of layout, typography, and design principles. Moreover, it will teach you how to communicate and create in inventive ways, using industry-standard technologies and tools.
If you want to explore your artistic side, then make sure you go through this detailed article. This guide will help you learn about different online design programs being offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
What Is Design/Graphic Design?
The craft that involves creating visual content to communicate ideas or messages is called Graphic Design. Individuals working in this field use page layout techniques, visual hierarchy, and typography to present messages to the audience.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Design?
After graduating with a Design degree, individuals can work as Creative Directors, Multimedia Designers, Graphic Designers, Web Designers, Production Artists, Logo Designers, and Marketing Specialists.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has been consulted to find out about the income and job prospects in this profession. Some important occupational statistics have been mentioned in this section.
Graphic Designers
These professionals are the creative geniuses behind the visuals found in consumer-oriented materials, such as brochures and advertisements. Graphic Designers use image, text, and color choices to set the tone for advertising campaigns, product lines, and websites.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $52,110 | 3% | $56,510 | California | 29,060 |
| District of Columbia | $79,450 |
Art Directors
These professionals usually oversee the work of other artists and designers who create images for video games, advertisements, film, and television. They determine which design elements to use to represent a concept visually.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $94,220 | 1% | $109,600 | New York | 8,720 |
| California | $135,410 |
Multimedia Artists and Animators
These professionals use illustrations and computer software to create animation and graphics for video, film, and computers.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $75,270 | 4% | $84,780 | California | 11,910 |
| Connecticut | $105,770 |
What to Expect from a Degree in Design?
The online Associate’s degree in Graphic Design helps students explore a range of specialized areas of design, such as web design, photography, and typography. Some online programs also offer training in design software programs, such as Adobe InDesign or Dreamweaver. As part of the program, students study a range of courses, such as Fundamentals of Drawing, History of Graphic Design, Web Design, and Digital Photography.
The online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Graphic Design and Media Arts program offers numerous specialization options, such as Web Design and 3-D Modeling and Animation. To graduate from the program, students are required to study a range of modules, such as Introduction to Digital Sculpting, Interactive Animation, Interactive Animation for the Web, User Interface and Experience, and Advanced Digital Imaging and Digital Publishing.
The online Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design program trains students to communicate in an aesthetically appealing way, through the use of design techniques, digital imaging, digital illustration, and typography. The curriculum of the program incorporates a range of courses, such as Publication Design, Interactive Design, and History of Graphic Design.
How to Choose an Online Design Degree?
Applicants should research about the college and the program before deciding on which Design degree to enroll in. They should check the ranking of the college, profiles of the teaching faculty, the course content, and the accreditation status. Other factors that should be considered include the cost of the program and the length of the degree.
Design Degree Admission Requirements
Usually, students who want to enroll in an online Associate’s degree in Graphic Design are expected to hold a GED or a high school diploma. Individuals who are applying to advanced courses (such as Bachelor’s and Master’s) might have to meet additional requirements. Generally, individuals are expected to send their admission forms when the application cycle begins. This cycle is different for every school, so you should conduct your own research to avoid missing out on important application deadlines. The admissions office also requires applicants to send their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement, along with an application fee.