If you're a creative person with a love for design, an associate's degree in design could be the perfect choice for you. Associate's degrees take about two years of full-time study to earn and leave students with a foundation of skills and knowledge to begin their careers in the world of design. A variety of design programs are available from community colleges and through online programs.
Benefits of an Associate's Degree in Design
A degree in design is a great way to express your creativity through your work. With an associate's degree in game design, graphic design, interior design, or a variety of other design fields, you can set yourself apart in the job market, give yourself the skills you need to qualify for a variety of jobs, and earn higher pay. An associate's degree in design is a great way to get your foot in the door at a variety of design firms and companies. The further you go in your education the more you can expect to earn, the better you'll stand out when applying for a new job, and the higher you will be promoted.
Popular Associate Design Programs
There are a wide variety of design programs available to suit different career interests. Depending upon your talents and interests, you might be interested in finding an associate's degree program in one of the following:
- Architecture
- Computer Animation
- Fashion Design
- Game Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Multimedia
- Photography
- Web Design
Potential Earnings with an Associate's Degree in Design
People who earn an associate's degree in design can go on to make excellent salaries. Depending upon the specific field of design you choose to enter, your potential starting salary could vary from a high hourly wage to about $30,000 per year. Below are some popular career choices for people with associate's degrees in design along with their median income.
Career Median Income
Graphic Artist $34,686
Senior Graphic Designer $42,171
Web Designer $38,974
Web Developer $31,375
Marketing Coordinator $34,000
Art Director $55,000
Graphic Design Specialist $40,494
How to Earn an Associate's Degree in Design
Associate's degrees in design can be earned from community colleges and junior colleges. You can also find a number of accredited online programs through which to earn your associate's degree in design. An online program is an excellent choice for someone who is already employed or who has a busy schedule. By taking your design classes online you can work around your own schedule and finish classes in your own time.