If you're interested in pursuing a successful graphic design career, you can satisfy the educational career requirement by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in graphic design. An associate degree can be sufficient to land you an entry-level position. Typically, an associate's degree focuses on your graphic design career's more technical requirements, with courses covering studio art, principles of design, computer-aided design, commercial graphic production, printing techniques, and Web design. Training in computer oriented design and graphic design software is becoming increasingly important for graphic design careers in the digital marketplace, so your educational requirements should include courses in graphic design software applications. You can complete an associate degree in graphic design in two or three years, applying to entry-level graphic design assistant positions after graduation. Continuing education and on-the-job training may help round out your education and fulfill other graphic design career requirements.
Alternately, you can earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design through a four-year university program. Before you can begin training in graphic design, though, many bachelor's degree programs will enforce a requirement of up to a year of basic art courses. This broader liberal arts education can also include coursework in art history, writing, psychology, foreign languages, marketing, and business administration. Since graphic designers must work with diverse groups of people--from managers and IT personnel to marketing reps and clients--a broad education can help graphic designers confidently interact with professionals in different fields. Business courses can also help graphic designers who wish to build a freelance graphic design career, or start up their own graphic design firms.
Get Your Degree!
Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you.
Powered by Campus Explorer
