Graphic Design Degrees


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Salaries For Degrees in Graphic DesignThose who majored in Graphic Design can be employed in a variety of jobs.  It is impossible to say what you personally will do with a degree in Graphic Design, our survey panel picked the following jobs as likely options:

Salaries are highly dependent on individual negotiating skill, experience, policies at your employer, area, and more.  The estimates we show on these pages are just that: estimates.  Your individual experience will likely vary.

Where does this come from?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a unit of the US government, classifies all workers into some 800-odd occupational categories.  We paid a team of freelancers to solicit their opinion on what type of degree a holder of each type of job would likely have majored in.  For pairs which had a high degree of consensus, we created a link between the degree and the job.

From this, we calculated the average salary for Graphic Design degrees and converted it into a lifetime value.  We then compared it against other degrees at the same level of schooling (such as associate's, bachelor's, or master's), so that you can make informed educational and employment decisions.

What Can a Graphic Design Student Expect to Learn?

Graphic Design requires aesthetically selecting, arranging, or creating shapes, colors, text and images to form a pleasing presentation. A bachelor’s degree is recommended for a career in Graphic Design. Many graduates in this field hold a regular job, but do freelance work on the side for greater creative freedom. Others decide to become self-employed and are their own bosses.

The main goal of graphic design is to creatively get a message across efficiently to an audience using visual media. Graphic designers utilize copy fonts, layout, color, photographs, and illustration to provide a specific image for their client. Inspired by their creativity, graphic designers use all forms of technology available to make new visual concepts defining the company’s promotions.

Career Opportunities

An associate’s degree might help some professionals acquire a technical position assembling someone else’s creative input. An associate’s degree program includes very little liberal arts studies. Two-year programs qualify the graduate to work as assistant to a graphic designer or in positions which allow him to utilize his technical skills.

Anyone desiring to get an entry-level position as a graphic designer needs a bachelor’s degree. Four year bachelor’s degree programs provide a general liberal arts education and specialized training in all areas of graphic design. Graphic designers ought to take advantage of internships that allow them to make pieces for their professional portfolios. A quality portfolio is required to get a good job in the world of graphic design.

Today, most graphic design jobs are related to computer technology and the internet. New jobs are continuing to open in these fields. Individuals with website design experience (through class work, online studies, or internships) have more opportunities for consideration. Graphic designers may find employment at large advertising agencies, large design firms, publishing companies, or small employer-owner design consulting firms. Printing companies, architectural firms, or print media producers may also make use of graphic designers’ skills.

An individual with a degree in graphic design will make an average income of $40,000 USD annually. At entry level, beginning work experience, salaries are around $23,000 USD, and an experienced designer with an excellent resume and work history can make more than $100,000 USD per year. Being a partner in a graphic design firm, or owning his own business, can bring even higher income.

Online Schools Offering Accredited Graphic Design Degree Programs

There are many excellent schools offering degrees in graphic design. Whether an online education is desired or a physical university campus is preferred, the student can find a school in his area of the country by checking online.

An Associate Degree in Graphic Design may be acquired through The Art Institute University (AIU) online. Their program provides the skills and techniques of computer graphics: using scanned images in production, electronic imaging, digital camera images, and computer based applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. All essential skills necessary to begin working in graphic design can be learned with these online courses. The graduate will leave with the portfolio and training needed to succeed in a career in graphic design.

Other online Graphic Design colleges and universities are:

Top Colleges & Universities Offering Campus-based Graphic Design Degrees

Berkeley College offers instruction in the techniques and skills of computer graphics, electronic imaging, computer based hardware and software, and use of scanners in the production of graphic art. Unique among colleges and universities, Berkeley College’s proven approach gives a foundation for career entry with corporations, educational institutions, (local, state and national) government agencies, entertainment media, or advertising agencies in graphic design. Berkeley College provides the advantages of small classes giving each student more personal attention. Class scheduling is flexible; most courses are available day, evening or weekend, and online. Campus locations may be found by checking online under the university’s website. On-the-job internships are considered part of the curriculum.

Here are some of the more renowned Graphic Design colleges and universities:

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Pratt Institute
  • Maryland College of Art
  • University of Delaware
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Drexel University

A graphic designer actively creates a design work by bringing together typography, images, and/or motion graphics. All famous graphic designers worldwide disseminate information to attract attention and be easily remembered. Today’s graphic designers show great versatility and work in mediums including electronic media, various printing processes, and all fields of publishing. Although the vast majority of graphic designers do their best work for little more than a paycheck, some have gained international fame. Most of these individuals have gained fame for the influence their work has had, rather than any specific design piece.

Famous Graphic Design Students Famous Graphic Designer

An American graphic designer who became well known throughout the world is David Carson (pictured right). He became prominent toward the end of the 20th century and influential in typeface designs. Carson went against convention and became known as someone who followed his own preference. His success came from his unconventionality. Carson became famous as someone who created his own signature through his design work. He has won many awards, is still working, and is one of the most famous graphic designers today.

Neville Brody is a graphic designer from Great Britain, who became popular in the 80s. He was working with typography at that time for a number of magazines and publications. Brody took many little known publishing tools, such as desktop publishing, and brought them into mainstream use. He created “Research Studios” in 1994, and he was among the founding members of Fontworks. His creative talent is in great demand to this day.

Milton Glaser’s famous design logo: “I Love (heart) New York” for the New York State Department of Commerce became an icon of American culture. He has worked with numerous advertising campaigns, created slogans and logos, and contributed to other marketing areas of graphic design. In 1968 Glaser co-founded the “New York” magazine. His advertising posters, soup can labels, and record covers are still used to teach creative graphics to those learning the craft.

Graphic design offers creating, challenging, and inventive career opportunities for those who want to work in an extremely dynamic, growing field.

 

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