Graphic Design
Schools and
Colleges

Graphic Design Schools and Programs

There are a variety of graphic design schools and programs, ranging from programs in vocational schools and art schools to community colleges and four-year schools. These programs may culminate in a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree or master’s. Graphic design programs should equip students with the skills they need to create artwork by hand, use computer software to create text, and design and manipulate images. In addition, students learn the fundamental principles of design.

Upon completion of a graphic arts program, graphic designers might be employed to create a range of materials, which can include tasks like drawing comic book sequences, creating text and images for the movie and TV industries, creating websites, designing logos and creating product packaging. They may also end up designing T-shirts, billboards and just about every other object that contains words, photos or other images. A graphic design degree can lead to such careers as art director, video game developer or special effects artist.

Advice for Graphic Design Students

Graphic Design Schools: Must-Have Elements for a Quality Program

When on the hunt for a school at which to pursue their graphic design degree, prospective students must take extra care to ensure that where they eventually enroll has all the earmarks of what it takes to earn a quality education. As students vet each school, they should keep in mind the below program elements:

Graphic Design: Certificates and Degree Levels

There are five levels of graphic design degrees and certifications offered. The graphic design certificate varies by school, and can either be offered as an entry level program of 204 course hours – taking less than a year to complete – or as an advanced program that is usually 30 credit hours (or three classes), and could take up to three years to complete due to the lighter coarse load. Associate degrees usually take two years to finish and are roughly 90 credit hours. They prepare students to pursue more career options than graduates holding certificates. Bachelor degrees are four-year programs of study and average 173 credit hours. They provide more in-depth knowledge and can give job candidates a competitive edge in the marketplace. The master’s degree program is often a two-year program that includes 36 credits. It is an advanced program and can often lead to management positions such as art director or senior graphic designer.

Graphic Design Certificates

Graphic design certificate programs vary greatly. For example, in some programs, usually offered at vocational or community colleges, the graphic design certificate program is 204 course hours and is designed to be completed in six quarters. There are no prerequisites to enroll for these graphic design certificates – not even a high school diploma.

Other types of graphic design certificate programs – sometimes called advanced graphic design certificate programs and usually offered at art schools or four-year colleges – are comprised of only three classes (or 30 credit hours). However, it takes approximately three years to complete these certificate programs since students only take one class at a time. These advanced certificate programs are competitive and require a portfolio that demonstrates that the students have experience as a graphic artist (illustrator, photographer, painter, etc.). Students who don’t have previous experience are advised to take introductory graphic design classes before applying to the program.

Courses a student in a certificate program might encounter include:

Graphic Design Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in graphic design may be awarded as an Associate of Science in Graphic Design or an Associate of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. They are offered at community colleges, art schools and universities. An associate’s degree prepares students for entry-level positions, and generally take two years, or 90 credit hours, to complete.

Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degrees

The Bachelor of Arts in graphic design, or the Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, is typically a four-year, 173-credit program offered at a four-year university or art school. Students receive a more in-depth, comprehensive educational background, and spend additional time gaining experience through hands-on projects. Only junior- and senior-level students may apply for internships, which may be in a variety of settings, and are subject to availability. Applicants typically need an associate degree in graphic design or will have completed the school’s pre-graphic design program.

Graphic Design Master’s Degrees

The master’s degree in graphic design provides students with advanced knowledge in print design, web development and other aspects of graphic design. At this level, the philosophy of theory and practice are further developed, and students receive more real-world practice, participating in many various levels of actual design projects. The master’s degree typically takes two years to complete and consists of 36 credits. Students may be required to complete a final project or portfolio, and applicants will need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design prior to acceptance.

A Graphic Designer’s Toolbox

Graphic Design Career Snapshot

Graphic designers earn a median annual wage of $44,150 per year, or a median hourly wage of $21.22 per hour

From 2012 through 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be 17,400 new graphic design jobs

The BLS predicts overall demand for graphic designers to grow by 7% through 2022; however, demand for graphic designers in computer systems design and related services will grow by 35% through 2022

Specializations in Graphic Design

Graphic designers may draw, paint, photograph or create computer-generated images and text as seen in books and magazines, on menus, billboards and in other printed material. They may also design websites or create animated images. Many well-known logos that you probably see on a daily basis – like the Nike swoosh, the CBS eye or Apple’s bitten apple – were all created by graphic designers. Graphic designers who gain experience may advance in their careers to become art or creative directors, leading entire design groups or firms. Those who have risen through the ranks have typically done so because they chose to focus on the mastery of one or more specializations in the industry, becoming experts.

Some of the specializations include:

From the Drawing Board: An Interview with a Graphic Design Professional

After Graphic Design School: What’s Next?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 259,500 graphic designers actively employed in 2012. The five industries employing the most graphic designers are as follows:

• 14% Manufacturing
• 10% Specialized design services
• 9% Newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishers
• 5% Wholesale trade

Once they enter the workforce, environments may vary, but graphic designers usually work at computers and drafting tables. Some may work as part of a team, while others work independently. While many graphic designers work in an office setting, some go on to work as freelance designers from their home offices.

Those who have earned a degree in graphic design aren’t limited to jobs only in that specific field. Many other career paths are open to those who hold these degree, including:

• Web designer
• Type designer
• Advertising specialist
• Marketing specialist
• Motion graphics designer
• Art director
• Creative director
• Brand specialist
• Illustrator
• Animator

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Advice for Graphic Design Students