If you love the arts and have a unique talent for creating or drawing, you may be able to direct your knack toward an artistic career. Graphic design-related occupations might be a good fit for you.
In this program, you will learn how to use your art to create virtual designs suitable for marketing, editing, publishing, advertising, websites, and many other job opportunities.
“Today, given the demands of digital design, there are plenty of graphic designer positions available,” said Mahrah Ali, professional recruiter at Robert Half.
To get into the best jobs as a graphic designer, among them web developer or software designer, you need creative skills and a diploma.
“Professionals with a degree in graphics or a bachelor’s degree have the biggest possibilities,” said Shankar Daruka, executive search at Russell Reynolds Associates.
However, if you’re dreading having to spend time and money to get it, you should know that the situation is quite different. Anyone who wants to study it can take an online course, usually in a shorter time frame and at a lower cost.
In this article, you’ll find some of the reasons why many individuals are choosing to earn graduate degrees in graphic design online.
Excellent employment prospects
“As evidenced by the careers mentioned above, this industry enjoys an excellent job stability,” said Ali. “At least, this is true for those willing to work in the digital field. Opportunities in these fields are growing at a rapid pace.”
In addition to the many graphic design graduates hired by web design firms and marketing companies, many operate as freelancers. So, once you graduate, you don’t have to look for a job; instead, you could embark on a career as a freelance graphic designer and become your own boss. This training will also allow you to do side jobs to gain extra money while keeping a steady job.
Flexibility is the key
Looking for a way to transform your artistic talents into a truly promising career? A graphic design degree opens the door to a wide range of options in various fields, making this course adaptable to any sector. Below is a list of examples of possible careers with this diploma:
Marketing Specialist: These specialists are gathering and analyzing information related to the various needs, habits, and predilections of not only users, but also competitors, in an effort to come up with marketing strategies. During 2017, they were making a salary of $63,230, or an hourly rate of $30.40, as reported by the BLS.[1]
Software Developer: This occupation involves creating, developing and adapting computer programs to meet user and system requirements. According to the BLS[2], the median salary for software developers was $103,560 in 2017, which is approximately $49.79 per hour.
Graphic Designer: This expert prepares graphics and layouts for a variety of projects, from logos to websites or magazines and ads. In 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[3], or BLS, the median salary for graphic designers was $48,700.
Web Designer: A degree in graphics may lead you to jobs as a web designer. Programming specialists use tools to design, create and maintain websites. According to the BLS[4], the average pay for those in web design in 2017 was $67,990, or $32.69 per hour.
Art Director: Responsibility for the comprehensive visual style and images contained in magazines, television programs, films, newspapers, and product packaging, among others, falls to these professionals. During 2017, they earned an average of $92,500, which equates to $44.47 per hour, reports the BLS.[5]
Choose your own educational environment
Like many creators, you may be put off by the idea of spending hours in a classroom each day. However, earning a graphic design degree online will help you determine the location of your studies. Of course, your class can be held at home, but it can also be held at the library, a coffee shop, or any other appropriate location. You can even study on your breaks if you have a full-time job.
Since you won’t be required to attend classes in person at a set time, you can study wherever you want – what could be more enjoyable?
Internet education is more accessible and less expensive
You might easily imagine there is no other way to earn a degree in graphic design than to attend a traditional four-year college or university. Sure, these institutions have many advantages, but nothing requires you to attend classes in person to graduate.
As a result, students are increasingly pursuing their education online, which saves them from paying too much tuition and gives them more freedom than in traditional schools. Schooling tends to be significantly less expensive for online programs due to lower overhead costs. This is because classrooms are completely unnecessary, learners do not have to travel or live on campus, and online textbooks can even be used.
Consequently, online colleges charge significantly less for tuition than traditional colleges. U.S. News[6] points out that a few institutions, such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, award online degrees for about $6,000, which is $35,000 less than the cost of an on-site education. Some schools, such as the University of the People, even go so far as to provide free tuition to their students.
In addition, you can graduate at your own schedule and pace. In most cases, online degree programs are delivered in an asynchronous setting, which implies that students complete their assignments at their own pace and can view the teachings and lessons at any given time. This option is especially suited for busy adult workers or those with heavy responsibilities.
Process for starting the online degree
Since you’re studying online, your geographic location doesn’t matter. In other words, you can search through many options across the country. Once you’ve determined which accredited institution meets your expectations, needs and budget, all you have to do is register. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design[7] has accredited approximately 350 graphic design programs, many of which are offered online. This is an interesting resource to turn to.
Of course, before making your final choice, we strongly recommend looking at several institutions. Take the time to carefully consider the positives and negatives of each so that your final choice is wise. Enjoy your studies!
