Are you interested in a career as a graphic designer? If so, you are not alone. It is one of the most popular careers for those who have a passion for visual aesthetics and communication.
But, how can you get your degree without moving from home or going to a local campus?
The answer is getting your degree online as an alternative learning program. There are many benefits to getting your graphic design degree online instead of on campus.
Perhaps you live in a remote location and cannot leave for extended periods, or perhaps you want the flexibility that comes with working from home. Regardless of why you want to get your degree online, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these programs and how they can help you achieve your career goals as a graphic designer.
What to Look for When Choosing an Online Graphic Design Degree Program
There are many factors to consider when choosing an online graphic design degree program. It should be accredited and recognized by professional organizations. It should also offer the specialization you are interested in and include a portfolio that you can present to prospective employers.
If you want to make sure you find the right online degree program for you, you need to make sure it meets the following requirements:
The program must be accredited by a recognized authority.
Accreditation means that the program meets or exceeds the industry standards set by the government and professional organizations. It means the program is safe to enroll in and will help you get your degree and get a job in the industry.
The program must have the specialization you are interested in A degree program should have the specialization you are interested in. It should have courses that give you the knowledge and skills you need for the profession. A degree in graphic design should include courses in visual communication, computer graphics, and art history. The program must include a portfolio that helps you get a job.
The program should include a portfolio that helps you get a job as a graphic designer. It should give you the tools and experience to create a portfolio that helps you get a job. It might offer portfolio reviews, assistance in creating your portfolio website, or give you access to industry professionals who can help you create a portfolio that helps you get a job.
Top Rated Online Graphic Design Degree Programs
The top online graphic design degree programs can be found below. All of these programs are accredited, recognized by professional organizations, and have the specializations you are interested in.
They are also accessible online and can be completed in 2-3 years.
Arizona State University – Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts with a focus in graphic design. This program uses an interdisciplinary approach to deliver the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a graphic designer.
Students in the program can choose their focus in one of three areas: creative direction, branding and creative strategy, or visual communication. This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is designed for students who cannot move to campus or attend classes in a traditional format.
It offers a flexible degree plan and is hybrid, which means students can take all of their courses entirely online or a combination of online and in-person courses.
California University of Pennsylvania – California University of Pennsylvania offers a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design online. This is a traditional program where students study in a classroom setting where they receive hands-on instruction in design software and have access to studio equipment.
Students in this program can choose to pursue a concentration in either advertising or marketing design. This program has the flexibility of a traditional program but is delivered entirely online.
Capella University – Capella University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree. This program is fully online, which means you can complete it from the comfort of your home. It is designed for students who want to work full-time and cannot attend a traditional program.
Capella uses a design-thinking approach to this program that helps you develop the skills needed to succeed as a graphic designer. It has flexible course options, so you can choose which type of project you want to complete for your degree and can easily transfer credits from other programs if you have some credits already earned.
Penn State University – Penn State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts with a focus on graphic design. This program emphasizes hands-on and creative learning while teaching you the skills you need to succeed as a graphic designer. This program is offered 100% online, so you can study wherever it is most convenient for you. It has three possible specializations: creative direction, branding and creative strategy, or visual communication.
Southern New Hampshire University – Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree. This program is 100% online, so you can study from anywhere in the world. It is designed for students who want to work full-time and cannot attend a traditional program.
This program uses a design thinking approach to help you develop the skills to become a successful graphic designer. It has two possible specializations: visual communications and integrated marketing communications.
University of Colorado – Boulder – University of Colorado Boulder offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree. This program is traditional, meaning students attend classes on campus for part of the program.
The on-campus portion of the program is facilitated through an interactive online platform that allows students to attend lectures and participate in discussions from their homes or workplace. This program has two specializations: creative marketing and creative communications.
University of Hartford – University of Hartford offers a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design online degree. This program is traditional and entirely online. It is designed for students who cannot attend a traditional program. The online format allows students to complete the program from anywhere with an internet connection. The program has two specializations: visual communications and integrated marketing communications.
University of Texas at Austin – University of Texas at Austin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design degree. This program is traditional, offering students the choice to attend classes on campus or online. The online platform allows students to complete the program from anywhere with internet access. The program has three specializations: creative direction, branding and creative strategy, or visual communications.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design degree online. This program is traditional, meaning it is completed in a classroom setting. It is designed for students who cannot attend a traditional program. This program has two specializations: creative marketing and creative communications.
How to Find the Right Online Graphic Design Program for You
If you are interested in getting a degree in graphic design, you have many options for completing the coursework. You can get your degree entirely online, a hybrid program (combination of online and on-campus classes), or an entirely on-campus degree program.
Before you decide where to get your degree, you must decide what is most important to you in a program. Here are some questions you should ask yourself: –
Where are you currently living? – Where are you currently living will play a huge role in where you can get your degree. If you are currently living in a remote area and cannot move, getting your degree online is the best option for you as it allows you to complete the coursework without leaving home.
How important is flexibility in your degree program? – While online degree programs are very flexible and allow you to work while completing your degree, hybrid programs allow you to have both the convenience of online and campus courses. Hybrid programs offer you the best of both worlds. You can complete the online courses at home while taking the campus courses at a convenient time.
What type of degree do you want? – There are a few different types of degree programs you can choose from to get your degree in graphic design. These are associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
Associate degrees are often used for associate-level jobs and take two years to complete, while bachelor’s degrees are more in-depth and take four years to complete. Master’s degrees are designed to be more in-depth and can take one to two years to complete.
What type of specialization do you want in your degree? – When choosing a degree program, you can also choose which specialization you want in the program. A specialization is a course of study in a specific area of your degree and usually comprises about 15% to 20% of your degree. Some of these specializations include digital media, marketing, and design.
A Guide to Finding the Right Online Course for You
While you can earn an entire degree through an online program, you can also select specific courses that are relevant to your career and interests. This means you can enroll in an online course in digital marketing to further your knowledge in that field through an online course.
If you want to get a degree in graphic design online, you need to understand that there is not a single online course or degree program that covers the entire scope of this field. Rather, you can select from a variety of online courses that cover a particular aspect of graphic design.
Conclusion
Graphic design is more than just creating visually appealing images. At its core, graphic design is communication through visual aesthetics. This makes it a popular choice for those who are interested in pursuing a career as a designer.
There are many online graphic design degree programs available for those who wish to pursue this career path without having to leave home or go to a local campus. All you need to do is narrow down your options based on your specific needs and goals before enrolling in an online program and completing your degree.