Online Design Degrees

Today’s design degrees focus both on digital and non-digital design and offer students the chance to move into a variety of careers. With the proliferation
of many different media and news sources, degree holders have a prominent place to play in the presentation of this material. With all of these developments, there are many opportunities for students of design to branch out in the business and entertainment world. A degree in design is very attractive to anyone seeking a career path that allows them to be creative and active in the workplace. In addition, with so many different types of employment that a design degree holder can take on, options for dealing with a tightening economy are vast. As a result of this diversity within the field, students must decide whether they are going to focus on breadth or depth in their undergraduate education with the option to specialize in graduate school.

A digital design degree covers a broad scope and a degree holder should expect to have skills in graphic design, the fundamentals of design, color composites, both design and layout, typography, composition, computer graphics and electronic imaging and production. Students will also gain experience with computer hardware and software design and computer peripherals. Typical classes for design degrees include graphic design, fashion, interactive media, interior design, game design, web design, photography, visual communications, animation and film and video. In addition, students should expect to take classes in advertising and marketing in order to apply their design skills to the business world. Graduate programs allow students to focus more deeply on specific areas within the field of design. In addition, a student can expect to learn the technological as well as the artistic side of design which allows graduates to be more involved in the entire design process.

By taking advanced courses in areas such as HTML or other software applications, degree holders can gain the skills necessary to move into many different arenas within the business world and will make themselves invaluable to any company. With a design degree, students will have the ability to move into either entry level positions within the field or into a wide array of graduate level education within fields such as graphic design, animation, and commercial and industrial design. Degree holders have a broad range of earning potential depending on the field they go into, but should expect to make anywhere from $25,000 to $70,000. Salaries can be much higher for those with a Masters or PhD in design.