Graphic Design: A One-Stop-Shop Degree

By Joe Cooper
Career Colleges Columnist

Earning an online degree in graphic design can prepare you for any number of exciting careers, from designing magazine layouts to 3D product models. While it will most likely put you somewhere in the vicinity of the advertising industry, you’re by no means limited to it. Cutting-edge technology, creativity and versatility—what more could you ask for?

Graphic Design: A Renaissance Degree

If you're hoping to launch a career in graphic design, you're in luck! The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2004 that graphic designers were expected to have the most new jobs through 2014 among five major design occupations. Part of the reason the graphic design industry is so dynamic is the increasing demand for people who are both technical and creative in the information age. The main reason, however, is simply that a degree in graphic design is so incredibly versatile, creating more job opportunity with each passing year.

Graphic design is used in so many industries, making it a worthy investment among online degrees. Students who graduate from online degree programs in graphic design can qualify for positions in any of the following career fields:

Advertising
Marketing
Film
Television
Web Design
Magazines
Publishing
Research and Development

Graphic Design: An Advertising Degree in Disguise?

As noted above, most people who study graphic design end up working within the advertising industry. It isn’t surprising. Every commercial, brochure, flyer, email, banner, and billboard uses graphic design. Some online degree programs will even offer graphic design programs with an emphasis in advertising.

Why Should You Earn Your Graphic Design Degree Online?

Graphic design is among the most popular of degrees earned online. It makes sense. Most of your work, after all, will require specialized design software. Everything you need is quite literally at your fingertips, unlike other hands-on or lab-based programs, like chemistry or medicine.

Online graphic design programs are also immensely popular for their convenience. Do you work full-time? Why not squeeze classes in from your desk during your lunch break, or after the rest of the family has gone to bed? No commuting and no set schedules. It's a busy professional's dream come true!

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

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