Art and Design Careers and Programs
Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in Art or Design and a detailed list of the programs that are offered. Tuition, financial aid, course offerings, online classes, and other options are available by request. For information about campus-based schools, click on the 'On Campus Degree' link above.
Skills Needed in the Art and Design Industry
It takes a lot more than unique ideas and an artistic eye to be successful in a creative industry. You need practical skills while maintaining the ability to be off-the-wall and innovative. Although the design world is 'fun' there is a level of expertise and passion needed to build a solid career in the industry.
Some of these skills include being passionate, tech savvy, a solid project manager, a networker, and a good communicator. To learn about other art and design skills that are in demand click on the link
Be Your Own Boss
You have a greater chance of being self-employed in the art and design fields than in any other profession. In fact, 60% of artists are self-employed. Many companies are choosing to outsource design work instead of hiring full-time employees. This has created a whole new market for freelancers who love to work for themselves.
A career in art and design is great for the free-spirited employee that doesn't mind doing their work from different locations. If you want to know more about being your own boss, click the link and learn about the pros and cons of being a freelance graphic designer.
Job Growth: Careers in Demand
There is an estimated 12% job growth for the art and design industry as a whole. The fastest growing job in the industry is interior design. The slowest growing is fashion design (the textile market is beginning to be outsourced).
Are You Comfortable with Change?
44% of designers left this field because they wanted a more permanent and stable position. This industry is known and loved for its constant change; however, for someone who is worried about a consistent income-flow this career may be too stressful.
Listed below are online Art & Design colleges and online Art & Design universities complete with the programs offered. Information about tuition, financial aid, course offerings, online classes, and other options are available by submitting a request to the school. For information about campus-based schools with degrees in Art & Design, click on the 'On Campus Degree' link above.
Use the following if you are interested in help with locating a college or university with an online degree in Art & Design.
Outlook for Art & Design Careers
Growing and Popular Areas of Design
A significant portion of the population works in design related careers. Over 70,000 people work as interior designers, nearly 23,000 people work as fashion designers, and over 286,000 people work as graphic designers.
The need for new employees in many design fields is expected to go up as fast or faster than the average profession over the next decade. Two of the fastest growing design fields are graphic design and web design. Creative people with strong computer skills are in high demand because more and more companies are putting their business on the web and because many people are starting entirely web-based businesses. The number of apps, blogs, and programs is growing at an exponential rate and many of them require the skills of a graphic designer and/or web designer.
Take a look at the following design careers and their predicted job growth through 2018
Design careers often offer a great deal of flexibility. Many graphic designers, photographers, fashion designers, and interior designers choose to start their own businesses and be their own bosses. Others telecommute while still others choose to take jobs in offices. Design professionals can find work all across the country, but some of the best places to find work in design are major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Chicago.
Salaries in Art & Design
There are good paying jobs available in the world of design. However, the right design career needs to be matched with the right education and experience qualifications. In design careers, you'll typically enjoy a higher starting salary with a higher level degree. Once you get started in your career, your salary will be most likely to increase as your skills improve, your client list grows, and/or you further your knowledge of your craft.
Career Forecast for Salary
The graph below shows the median art and design salaries for various careers. Art directors have a higher median pay than most jobs in the art and design industry.
Here are some average salaries for careers in the design industry
Salaries for Specific Design Careers
According to US News and World Report, one of the top design careers of 2011 in that of a multimedia artist, they made average salaries of $58,250 in 2009. The top ten percent in the design industry made over $99,000 annually.
Note: Salaries can vary widely for people with degrees in design depending upon their education level, choice of design career, drive to succeed, and creative talent.
Education Requirements for Careers in Design
Design with Education Behind It
Designers need to be creative but they can also use the right education and skills to back up their wonderful design creativity. Even interior designers need formal education behind them to obtain the very best career path,” The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) recommends that professionals attend a college or university that is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Education (CIDA)--formerly FIDER. This nonprofit organization has created standards for interior design education that will prepare students for the national certification exam administered by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ),” What Type of Education do Interior Designers Need.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with related Art & Design programs
University of Phoenix
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B.S. in Information Technology/Multimedia and Visual Communications
Focused on the acquisition of theory and application of technical competencies associated with the information technology profession, this concentration prepares students with fundamental knowledge in core technologies. The program's courses cover systems analysis and design, programming, database design, network architecture and administration, web technologies, and application development, implementation and maintenance.
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B.S. in Information Technology/Web Development
The Web Development concentration of the BSIT is designed to provide specific theories, competencies and skills necessary for success as a web professional. The Web Development concentration prepares the student to design and develop websites for commercial operation.
Rasmussen College
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Associate - Multimedia Technologies/Digital Design and Animation
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Associate - Multimedia Technologies/Web Design
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Bachelor's - Game and Simulation Programming
Video games have evolved since the original Pong, continually changing and
becoming more innovative and entertaining every day. After you earn your Online
Game and Simulation Production Bachelor's Degree, you will be prepared to be a
part of that evolution and work to make games better. No matter which aspect of
gaming you decide to tackle, you will have confidence in the skills you have
earned from your Online Game Design degree coursework. In the Online Game and
Simulation program, you will understand and be able to apply the technical
concepts and knowledge needed to develop games and simulation projects from
concept to finished product. This Online Bachelor's degree will enhance your
critical thinking and reasoning abilities, information literacy, and
communication skills. The knowledge you gain will enable you to begin a career
in the game and simulation production industry.
Full Sail University
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Music Production (Bachelor of Science)
Full Sail University's online Music Production Bachelor's Degree Program gives you the tools needed to pursue a career in writing, producing, and recording music for all types of media. Your classes focus on the music-making process, from music composition and arranging, to theory and ear training. You will also learn the recording and production process using various software and hardware technologies. You'll develop a Digital Portfolio showcasing your work and learn to effectively market your talents to the entertainment and media industry.
Course Highlights:
- Music Composition Programming
- Audio File Management and Documentation
- Music Genres
- Music Business Marketing
- Audio Workstations
- Digital Audio and Theory
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Music Business (Bachelor of Science)
Full Sail University's online Music Business Bachelor's Degree Program is designed to give you a practical, real-world music business education. From tour managers and promoters to publishers and accountants, the behind-the-scenes figures of this business have always been a key component in some of the industry's biggest successes. By learning the core fundamentals of business as well as concepts that are more specific to the world of music, you can become a part of the next phase in this ever-evolving industry.
Course Highlights:
- Record Label Development
- Concert Management and Publicity
- Artist Development
- Music Distribution
- Music Copyright and Publishing
- Music Business Law and Contract Negotiations
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Graphic Design (Bachelor of Science)
Full Sail University's online Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree Program gives you an in-depth look at the world of design. From print publishing to package design to website interfaces, the demand for well-designed graphics of all types has never been so high. This degree program prepares you to enter the industry with the ability to meet client demands and work under hard deadlines while still producing creative results, all with the convenience and flexibility of online education.
Course Highlights:
- Color Theory
- Digital Audio Design
- Motion Graphics
- Graphic Web Design
- Flash Media
- Interactive Media Design and Usability
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Digital Cinematography (Bachelor of Science)
With the impact of viral videos, streaming-video options, and growth of independent films, the applications of digital video and demand for quality projects are crucial. Full Sail University's Online Digital Cinematography Bachelor's Degree Program explores how these new technologies can create inspiring cinematic and commercial works. You'll learn the creative process within the context of the film industry – from lighting, scripting, HD video production, to shooting in a variety of styles – to prepare you for your career path.
Course Highlights:
- Directing
- Editing and Visual Effects
- Producing Independent Film
- Storytelling
- Digital Audio Production
- Art Design & Location Shooting
Westwood College
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Computer Aided Design/Architectural Drafting (A)
Students studying for this associate degree will use computer software to create the plans and drawings used to construct buildings. Faculty members with related professional experience can provide:
• in-depth training in industry-standard software such as Autodesk®, AutoCAD®, AutoCAD® Architecture, and 3D Viz®
• exposure to REVIT® Architecture, a premier software program that showcases buildings in a virtual world
• assistance to students in creating a portfolio demonstrating skills and expertise to prospective employers
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Graphic Design (A)
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Graphic Design: Major in Visual Communications (B)
Students studying for a bachelor's degree in the field of visual communications will enjoy rich course content including instruction in web and package design, page layout, print production and more. Taught by working professionals in their field, students will:
• learn about web design, copy layout and packaging design
• courses that help prepare you for Adobe* certificates* such as InDesign®, Illustrator®, Dreamweaver® and Photoshop®
• complete a comprehensive portfolio to showcase expertise to prospective employers
*Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass any applicable tests/exams.
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Graphic Design: Major in Web Design (B)
