vincevaughnxy: Professional Graphic Design Degree: A New Career Path

Saturday, 7 April 2012

Professional Graphic Design Degree: A New Career Path

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A graphic design degree will empower the artist and professional designer with critical analytical methods, technological tools and practical applications for stimulating visual communication. Degree programs are available online and at traditional university settings. Costs vary and online programs offer flexible admissions, schedules and competitive tuition, fees and minimal material requirements. Graphic designers will enjoy a growing demand for services as social media, marketing and technological advances continue globally.

Community colleges, online universities and traditional universities offer accredited two-year and four-year programs. Selecting a degree program should include the following criteria. Accreditation is very important for credit transfer and continuing education. The faculty needs to be professional artists and developers. Is the curriculum modern and reflective of current art and design, theory and practice? Does the program maintain industry-standard design technologies? Additionally, peer review, critique and fostered learning collaboration models are essential. Finally, does the program offer a well rounded liberal arts curriculum, student portfolio development and career placement? Online programs offer the best flexibility and course structures and quick completion for non-traditional students and occupation focused professionals.

Graphic design degrees follow similar core requirements and general education studies. Traditional colleges and universities require textbook, lab and basic drawing implements. However, online degree programs require students to have their own labs, i.e., a computer, a high-speed Internet connection, compatible operating system, professional creative software suites, word processor and presentation programs, webcam, microphone and speakers. Basic drawing supplies include pencils, charcoal, newsprint, and sketch paper. No textbooks are required. Online programs outsource exams to unbiased third-party proctors.

Tuition for full-time, part-time and general fees vary for traditional colleges, their historical prestige and local costs of living. Online degree programs offer extremely competitive tuition and fees because overhead costs are minimal; online schools have no real estate to maintain or secure. Instructors are paid better and ensure you will experience a rich education, fellowship and professional development. Online programs also offer in-house financial aid, scholarships and special programs for gifted students. The difference between graduation from a traditional setting and the logical online, global setting, is student loan costs.

Graphic design artists will find demand for interactive media, e.g., Web sites, cell phones, print publishing, traditional and Internet advertising. Web site design and graphic animation skills will be highly needed, especially well rounded liberal arts graduates for communication strategies.

A graphic design degree will offer the graduate numerous opportunities in the global digital economy for decades.