If you’re looking for a degree that allows you to use your creativity and also establishes your credentials for several exciting and innovative careers, then an art & design degree might be right for you. Students are prepared for many careers in art & design, such as artist, graphic designer, illustrator, printmaker, and photographer. The courses you take while earning an art and design degree broaden your knowledge and give you the necessary tools to do your best creative work. [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is the process by which colleges and universities are evaluated and validated . Colleges and universities that have earned accreditation have met the standards set by accrediting organizations. These organizations are comprised of faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. Legitimate regional and national accrediting organizations are recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] (ED). Typically, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] (CHEA) recognizes the same institutions, although CHEA recognition isn’t mandatory. A college or university must be accredited by a Department of Education-recognized accreditor in order for its students to receive federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For a detailed look at the differences between regional and national accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]What Do I Need to Know About College Accreditation?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degree-types”]What Kinds of Art & Design Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”associate-art-design”]Associate Degree in Art & Design[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most community colleges — and a handful of vocational schools — offer two–year, 60-credit programs in art and design. An associate degree can get put you on the path to either an immediate art & design career or a bachelor’s degree. In an associate art & design program, you’ll gain introductory instruction in important visual art & design techniques and you’ll take your first steps into the expansive world of art history. This curriculum will typically be paired with an array of liberal arts and humanities courses (e.g. history, English, etc.).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the nature of your program, you may also have the chance for advanced study in an area like fine arts or graphic design. This will give you a chance to begin developing a portfolio of your own work. Once you complete your associate degree studies, you’ll be qualified to work as a printing technician, a photographer’s assistant, or even a freelance graphic artist. The field of art is uniquely accessible for those with talent and ambition, regardless of degree level. However, if you plan to seek work as a graphic artist, photojournalist, or printmaker with an established company, a bachelor’s degree will make you a much more competitive candidate. With an associate degree, you’re already halfway there![/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”associate-art-design-courses”]What Art and Design Degree Courses Will I Take in an Associate Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Computer Aided Drafting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Design Principles[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Drawing and Illustration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Intro to Art History[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Painting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sculpture[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now that you know what to look for, check out the following associate program rankings:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Graphic Design” href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-graphic-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”bachelors-art-design”]Bachelor of Art & Design[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As graphic arts student, you’ll learn your way around the technology, best practices, and theory for creating the best designs. This is true for students of photography, printmaking, animation, fashion design, interior decorating, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-video-game-design-schools/”]video game design[/hen-ui-link], publication layout, or any number of other subdisciplines. You’ll gain all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop innovative products as an industrial designer, to create exciting ad campaigns as a graphic artist, or to debut your newest photographic works at a chic metropolitan gallery. And of course, you’ll continue to build your all–important work portfolio, one that you’ll ultimately be showing to prospective employers or curators. The bachelor’s degree in art & design is a practical one that can provide you with immediate access to a wide range of professional opportunities. If you’re interested in a position of leadership within your field, then you may want to continue to earn your master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”bachelors-art-design-courses”]What Art and Design Degree Courses Will I Take in a Bachelor’s Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]3–D Drawing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Art and New Media[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basics of Design Computer[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basics of Visual Arts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Color and Design[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Foundations in Art History[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Integration of Art & Design[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sculptures and Ceramics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”bfa-vs-bs-art-design”]What’s the Difference Between a BFA and a BS in Art & Design?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An art & design bachelor of fine arts (BFA) is intended for those want to become art professionals . A BFA will pair your art concentration with an array of liberal arts and humanities courses. A bachelor of science (BS) in art & design is particularly suited for those who intend to use design and drafting skills in architecture careers . Though you will likely need to continue into an architecture or engineering-related graduate program on the way to becoming a licensed architect, your BS in art & design could provide an educational foundation for your future studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now that you know what to look for, check out the following bachelor’s program rankings:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”masters-art-design”]Master of Art & Design[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning your master’s degree in art & design is a good move if you plan to pursue either a position of authority — such as art director, museum curator, restoration specialist, or art historian — or if you plan to enter art education. During this one–to-two year program, you’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in your concentration area. You will further develop your techniques and add to your portfolio. In order to become a public school educator or art instructor, you’ll likely need to earn your master’s degree in fine arts, complete some schooling in education, and qualify for a state-issued teacher’s license. Your master’s degree could also be an important stepping-stone on your way to a Ph.D.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”masters-art-design-courses”]What Art and Design Degree Courses Will I Take in a Master’s Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced Studies in Art History[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Contemporary Issues in Art[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Critical Theory[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Digital Photography Editing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typographic Methods[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Now that you know what to look for, check out the following master’s program rankings:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”phd-art-design”]Ph.D. of Art & Design[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate in art and design is most valuable to those who either wish to conduct research or educate at the university level. The Ph.D. is also valuable to those working within prominent art associations, foundations, collectives, societies, or museum administrative offices. In addition to continuing work on your portfolio, a Ph.D. program gives you the opportunity to work with a mentor and complete a dissertation project on a subject of your own choosing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]What Can You Do With an Art Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your art and design degree can be the key to an exciting career in art & design. If you are asking yourself “What can I do with an art degree?”, then here are a few of the top jobs in the field:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Art Directors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Craft and Fine Artists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fashion Designers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Floral Designers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graphic Designers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Industrial Designers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interior Designers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Multimedia Artists and Animators[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Set and Exhibit Designers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”salary”]How Much Can I Make With an Art & Design Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following figures reflect median annual salaries as of 2018, drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for top jobs in your field:[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”organizations”]What Professional Art & Design Associations or Societies Should I Join?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional Associations are a fantastic way to make connections in a field, learn about valuable seminars or certifications, and improve your own credentials. The associations you choose will depend on the career path you take. Look for art and design associations that correspond with your academic or professional concentration:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aiga.org/”]American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.csd.org.uk/”]Chartered Society of Designers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/”]Graphic Artists Guild[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.naea-reston.org/”]The National Art Education Association (NAEA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.nafae.org.uk/”]National Association for Fine Art Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://segd.org/”]Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.siad.org/”]Society of Illustrators, Artists, and Designers (SIAD)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Art & Design — From College to Career[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”/careers/career-guide/art-design-careers/,/rankings/rankings/online-colleges/,/careers/career-guide/art-design-careers/”][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An art & design degree studies different visual media like painting, drawing, sculpture, and graphic design. Art and design majors learn basic design principles, color theory, critical thinking, and artistic techniques. They are also educated in art history, which includes prominent art movements throughout history, world–changing artists, and famous works.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An art & design degree is a uniquely personal degree where you develop your very own portfolio of work. Contrary to any number of other degree programs, you will truly have a chance to express yourself in art and design.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you advance in your degree, you’ll also focus on the areas of art and design that interest you and make the most of your talents.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”what-can-you-series” class=”font-bold”]The “What Can You Do With This Degree?” Series[/hen-ui-heading]
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Are you ready to discover your college program?
- What is Regional Accreditation?
- Regional accreditation is the signifier of quality education; this includes the currency of curriculum, credentials of educators, and credibility of degrees. Regional accrediting agencies only accredit institutions in their geographical area.
- The Six Regional Accrediting Agencies
- [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.msche.org/”]Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.neche.org/”]New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hlcommission.org/”]The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nwccu.org/”]Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.sacscoc.org/”]Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wscuc.org/”]WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
- What Is National Accreditation?
- National accreditation is often perceived as a less rigorous standard than regional accreditation and is governed by educational accreditors agencies that are not restricted by region or geography. This means that one such agency can provide accreditation to any college or university in the U.S. that meets its criteria. National accreditation is commonplace among trade schools, religious schools, and for–profit colleges. Most regionally–accredited colleges do not accept or recognize credits or degrees earned from colleges that lack regional accreditation. However, national accreditation may be a useful indicator of quality for students pursuing vocational training, competency-based education, or other education models that operate under a for-profit model.
- What is Programmatic Accreditation?
- There is one additional form of accreditation that is distinct from regional accreditation and national accreditation. Regional and national accreditation are institutional forms of accreditation. By contrast, programmatic accreditation is typically given to specific departments, colleges, or degree programs within a broader institution. While programmatic accreditation agencies often have national jurisdiction, this form of accreditation is totally distinct and separate from institutional national accreditation. In fact, programmatic accreditation will often coexist with regional accreditation. In some disciplines, a degree with programmatic accreditation may even be required to earn a license or enter professional practice. Programmatic accreditation is not a necessary requirement for an art and design degree. In most instances, regional accreditation is sufficient. That said, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nasad.arts-accredit.org/accreditation/general-information/”]National Association of Schools of Art & Design[/hen-ui-link] (NASAD) maintains national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees related to art and design. Accreditation by NASAD — which has been awarded to more than 350 schools — denotes that an institution is maintaining the standards of quality and curriculum set forth by NASAD. This can be an indicator of program credibility.
[hen-ui-article-card title=”Animation” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-animation/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Film” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-film/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Graphic Design” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-graphic-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Graphic Design” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-graphic-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[hen-ui-article-card title=”Multimedia Design” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-multimedia-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Music” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-music/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Video Games” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-video-game-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Web Design” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-web-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Art & Art History” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-art-history/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Film” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-film/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[hen-ui-article-card title=”Graphic Design” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-graphic-design/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Video Games” href=”/rankings/best-video-game-design-schools/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[/hen-ui-grid] | Career | Salary |
|---|---|
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm”]Art Directors[/hen-ui-link] | $92,780 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/fashion-designers.htm”]Fashion Designers[/hen-ui-link] | $72,720 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm”]Multimedia Artists and Animators[/hen-ui-link] | $72,520 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm”]Industrial Designers[/hen-ui-link] | $66,590 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/interior-designers.htm”]Interior Designers[/hen-ui-link] | $53,370 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm”]Graphic Designers[/hen-ui-link] | $50,370 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm”]Craft and Fine Artists[/hen-ui-link] | $48,960 |
| [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/floral-designers.htm”]Floral Designers[/hen-ui-link] | $27,200 |