Graphic Design Degrees for Military and Veterans

Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design

An associate’s degree in graphic design may take you appoximately two years. With an associate’s degree in graphic design, you can pursue entry-level graphic design work, web design, and desktop publishing positions. You could also work as an intern.

In an associate’s degree in graphic design program, you might take classes such as typography, 3D design, and computer illustration. Community colleges can be a great option for getting an associate’s degree in graphic design. They also might offer certificates in graphic design.

Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design

Getting your bachelor’s degree in graphic design is a must for many graphic design jobs. This will take four years, and you can do so online or in person, depending on what would work best for your schedule. Graphic design is a good major for attending school online and can work well if you can’t attend in person.

Some of the class options include visual design, graphic design technology, and typography.

When looking for programs, The Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, and The Pratt Institute are all highly rated. For online programs, The University of Florida, Maryville University, and Bellevue University are all highly rated.

Jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design

• Graphic Designers, who create visual concepts using software or possibility by hand for brands, companies, or other organizations, have an average salary of $46.894, according to Payscale.
• Multimedia Animators, who create special effects and animations for different projects for anything from TV to video games, have an average salary of $57,476, according to Payscale.
• Web Designers, who plan, create, and code internet websites and pages using media elements such as graphics and video clips, have an average salary of $52,247, according to Payscale.

Master’s Degree in Graphic Design

If you want to go further along the graphic design career path, you should go on to get your master’s degree in graphic design. Most programs will take around two years and you should be able to find either an in-person or online program.

In a master’s of graphic design program, you might take classes such as design history and theory, design research, and open studio time. You might also need to complete an internship.

When looking for programs, Yale University, The Rhode Island School of Design, and North Carolina State University are all highly rated. For online programs, Syracuse University, Samford University, and Radford University are all highly rated.

Jobs you can get with a master’s degree in graphic design

• Creative Directors, who focus on the bigger picture when it comes to designs and other creative decisions, have an average salary of $90,111, according to Payscale.
• Brand Managers, who control and oversee the company’s trademarks and work with graphic designers, have an average salary of $71,695 according to Payscale.
• Graphic Design Teachers, who teach students about the best practices and help students understand all the production stages of a design, have an average salary of $55,683 according to Glassdoor.

Doctorate in Graphic Design

If you are interested in holding an academic position at a college or university or go into the research side of graphic design, you would want to go on to get your doctorate or Ph.D. in graphic design. Most people who do so become college professors or senior researchers.

Related Majors

• Commercial Art
• Commercial Photography
• Interior Design
• Fashion Design
• Fine Arts

Dream in Color Grant

Vera Bradley and awards fund this grant to qualifying women of color who are making a difference in their communities. One will go to a student and one a woman working on an exciting project celebrating diversity and inclusion. Students must self-ID as a woman of color, be currently in school pursuing a creative career, or pursue a creative project that celebrates diversity. For more info, please go here.

VA-Approved Schools with Design Degree Programs

The New School

The New School has approved programs covered by the GI Bill.  Their campus is in New York, NY, but they also offer many online options. The New School offers Associates and Bachelors in Design.