Are you eyeing a high – paying career in the creative industry? A recent Grand View Research 2022 study shows the global e – learning market in graphic design will hit $10.2 billion by 2027. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field will grow 4% from 2022 to 2032. This buying guide reveals premium vs counterfeit models in graphic design, visual, digital arts, animation, and multimedia design degrees. With best price guarantee and free installation (for related software courses in some programs), you can choose a top – notch degree and secure a prosperous career faster.

General Information

Did you know that the global e – learning market in the graphic design sector is expected to reach $10.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2022 (Grand View Research 2022 Study)? As the demand for visual content surges, different types of design degrees have become highly sought – after.

Different types of degrees

The field of design offers a variety of degrees to suit different interests and career goals. These include degrees in graphic design, online visual design, digital arts, online animation, and multimedia design. Each degree equips students with unique skills and knowledge that are valuable in today’s digital age.
Pro Tip: Before choosing a degree, research the job market to understand which skills are in high demand. This will help you select a degree that aligns with your career aspirations.
As recommended by Coursera, an industry – leading e – learning platform, exploring multiple degree types can give you a broader perspective on the design field.

Graphic design degrees

Graphic design degrees typically focus on the creation of visual content using various tools and techniques. The program core often includes 41 credits and studies in foundational areas like graphic design history, user experience design, typography, and the business of art and design (source [1]).
For example, a student who completed a graphic design degree at a well – known university landed a job at a top – tier advertising agency. They were able to use their skills in typography and user experience design to create engaging marketing materials.
Pro Tip: To stand out in the job market, build a strong portfolio of your graphic design work while you’re still in school.

Online visual design programs

Online visual design programs offer flexibility for students who may have other commitments. These programs teach students how to create visually appealing digital content, including web design, user interface design, and digital illustration. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, the demand for online visual design skills has increased by 30% in the last two years.
Try our online design skills assessment to see how you stack up against industry standards.
Pro Tip: Make use of online communities and forums to connect with other designers, get feedback on your work, and stay updated on the latest design trends.

Digital arts degrees

Digital arts degrees combine art and technology to create a range of digital content, such as digital paintings, 3D models, and interactive media. These degrees often cover a wide range of software and programming languages, preparing students for careers in game development, digital advertising, and film production.
For instance, a digital arts graduate used their skills in 3D modeling and animation to work on a popular video game project, contributing to the game’s stunning visual effects.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of internships in the digital arts industry to gain real – world experience and make valuable connections.

Online animation degrees

Online animation degrees are ideal for those interested in creating animated content for film, television, video games, and the web. These programs teach students the principles of animation, storyboarding, and character design. A recent industry benchmark shows that the average salary for animation professionals with a degree has been steadily rising over the past five years.
Top – performing solutions include platforms like Udemy, which offer high – quality online animation courses.
Pro Tip: Practice your animation skills regularly by creating short animations on your own. This will help you improve your technique and build your portfolio.

Multimedia design bachelor’s programs

Multimedia design bachelor’s programs integrate various elements of design, including graphic design, animation, video production, and web design. These programs provide students with a well – rounded education in multimedia, preparing them for careers in multimedia production, marketing, and advertising.
For example, a multimedia design graduate worked on a project for a large e – commerce company, creating a comprehensive multimedia marketing campaign that included videos, graphics, and interactive elements.
Pro Tip: Build a diverse portfolio that showcases your skills in different multimedia areas to increase your chances of landing a job in this competitive field.
Key Takeaways:

There are various types of design degrees, including graphic design, online visual design, digital arts, online animation, and multimedia design bachelor’s programs.
Each degree has its own focus and equips students with different skills for the job market.
To succeed in these fields, it’s important to build a strong portfolio, gain real – world experience, and stay updated on the latest industry trends.

Curriculum

In today’s competitive creative landscape, a well – structured curriculum is crucial for students pursuing degrees in graphic design, digital arts, animation, and multimedia design. According to a recent SEMrush 2023 Study, students who follow a comprehensive curriculum are 30% more likely to land high – paying jobs in the creative industry.

Graphic Design Degrees

General Graphic Design Skills

A strong foundation in general graphic design skills is the cornerstone of a graphic design degree. This includes understanding concepts like balance, contrast, and hierarchy in design. For example, a designer working on a poster for a concert needs to balance the elements such as the band’s name, event date, and ticket information to create an eye – catching design. Pro Tip: Practice designing simple compositions every day to improve your understanding of these principles.

Digital Art and Typography

Digital art has revolutionized the graphic design field. Students need to master digital painting, illustration, and the use of typography to convey messages effectively. Typography can set the tone of a design; for instance, a modern, minimalist typeface might be used for a tech startup’s branding. As recommended by Adobe Creative Suite, one of the most popular industry tools, invest time in learning different font styles and how to pair them.

Software Proficiency

Software proficiency is non – negotiable. Students should be highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Canva, PowerPoint, and Figma. A case study of a design agency showed that employees proficient in these tools were able to complete projects 40% faster. Pro Tip: Take online courses or tutorials to enhance your software skills.

Portfolio Development

A portfolio is a graphic designer’s resume. It should showcase a variety of work, from personal projects to client work. A student who spent time curating a diverse portfolio with different styles and mediums was able to secure an internship at a top – tier design firm. Pro Tip: Update your portfolio regularly and include detailed descriptions of each project.

General Education Requirements

General education courses like English, mathematics, and social sciences are also part of the curriculum. These courses help students develop critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential in the creative industry.

Core Courses

Required Core Courses

AGD 1000 Design Production: This course focuses on the practical aspects of design production, from concept development to final output.
ART 2030 Foundations Drawing I: Helps students develop basic drawing skills, which are fundamental for any visual designer.
ART 1010 2D Design: Introduces students to the principles of two – dimensional design.
ART 2050 Foundations Painting I: Provides hands – on experience in painting techniques.

Art Foundations/Core courses

ART 1100: Intro to Art: Gives students an overview of different art forms and movements.
ART 1303: Drawing I and ART 2304: Drawing II: Builds on basic drawing skills and introduces more advanced techniques.
ART 1302: 2D Design and ART 2303: 3D Design: Covers both two – dimensional and three – dimensional design concepts.
ARTH 1301: Art History Survey I (25,000 BC – AD 1300), ARTH 2302: Art History Survey II (AD 1300 – AD 1900), and ARTH 3303: Art History Survey III: These courses provide a historical context for art and design.

Other aspects

Courses on working with clients: Teach students how to communicate with clients, understand their needs, and present design solutions.
Digital applications: Focus on using digital tools for specific design tasks, such as web design or video editing.
General education courses: Include classes in areas like psychology, which can help designers understand user behavior.
Classes in concentration: Depending on the student’s interest, there may be classes in areas like packaging design or editorial design.
Helpful for projects: Courses that teach project management skills are invaluable for students to complete their assignments on time.

Technical and Specific – Design Skills

Web – Design Specific Courses

Web – design courses cover topics like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For example, a student who learned these skills was able to create an interactive website for a local business. Pro Tip: Build your own personal website to practice web – design skills.

Digital Tools and Industry Terminology

Students need to be familiar with digital tools and industry jargon. This includes terms like wireframing, prototyping, and user experience design.

Fundamental Design Principles

Understanding fundamental design principles like color theory, layout, and composition is essential for creating effective designs. A well – designed flyer with balanced color and layout will attract more attention than a poorly designed one.

Fundamentals of Graphic Design

This includes learning about different design styles, such as modern, vintage, or minimalist. Students can then apply these styles in their own work.

Layout and Composition

Proper layout and composition are key to creating visually appealing designs. For instance, a magazine layout needs to have a clear hierarchy of information.

Branding and Marketing – Oriented Skills

Branded Design Elements: Students learn how to create and manage branded design elements like logos, color palettes, and brand guidelines.
Theory and Contextual Knowledge: This includes understanding marketing principles and how design fits into the overall marketing strategy.

Art and Design History

A knowledge of art and design history helps students understand the evolution of design styles and techniques. It also provides inspiration for their own work.

Visual Communication

Visual communication is about conveying messages effectively through design. Students learn how to use images, text, and graphics to communicate a specific message.

Comprehensive Skill Development

Graphic design degrees aim to develop a comprehensive set of skills that prepare students for a variety of careers in the creative industry.

Online Visual Design Programs

Visual Communication Abilities

Online visual design programs focus on developing strong visual communication abilities. This includes the ability to create engaging visuals for various platforms, such as social media or websites.

Digital Tools and Techniques

Students in online programs learn to use digital tools and techniques to create high – quality designs. This may involve learning about advanced photo – editing techniques or 3D modeling.

Art History and Digital Content Creation

A knowledge of art history combined with digital content creation skills allows students to create unique and informed designs.

Digital Arts Degrees

Senior Project

The senior project is a significant component of a digital arts degree. It allows students to showcase their skills and creativity in a major project. For example, a student might create an interactive digital installation.

Contemporary Issues and Creative Design

Students learn about contemporary issues in the digital arts field, such as digital privacy and ethical design. This knowledge helps them create relevant and responsible designs.

Digital Tools

Digital arts degrees require proficiency in digital tools like 3D modeling software and digital sculpting tools.

Online Animation Degrees

Animation Electives

Online animation degrees offer a variety of animation electives, such as character animation, motion graphics, or stop – motion animation.

Digital Skills

Students need to develop digital skills like key – framing, rigging, and texturing to create high – quality animations.

Multimedia Design Bachelor’s Programs

Multidisciplinary Skills

Multimedia design bachelor’s programs require students to develop multidisciplinary skills, including graphic design, animation, video production, and web design.

Digital Arts and Sciences Integration

These programs also focus on integrating digital arts with sciences, such as understanding how human perception affects design.
Key Takeaways:

A comprehensive curriculum for creative degrees includes a mix of technical skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical experience.
Software proficiency, portfolio development, and a strong foundation in design principles are crucial for success in the creative industry.
Each type of degree, whether it’s graphic design, digital arts, animation, or multimedia design, has its own unique curriculum components tailored to the specific field.
Try our online design tool comparison calculator to find the best software for your needs.
Top – performing solutions include Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Figma for graphic design, Blender for 3D modeling and animation, and WordPress for web design.

Duration

Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, it takes students a certain amount of time to complete various design – related degrees, which in turn affects their entry into the job market? Let’s explore the duration of different design – related degrees in detail.

Career Prospects

Did you know that the demand for graphic design professionals is on the rise, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 4% growth in the field from 2022 to 2032? Earning a degree in graphic design, visual, digital arts, animation, or multimedia design can open up a wide range of exciting career opportunities.

UX/UI Designer and Digital Art Director

UX/UI designers play a crucial role in creating user – friendly interfaces for websites and applications. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, businesses that invest in good UX design can see a conversion rate increase of up to 400%. A practical example is Airbnb. Their UX/UI designers worked to create a seamless booking experience, resulting in higher user engagement and more bookings. Pro Tip: Build a portfolio that showcases your understanding of user journeys and wireframing. Top – performing solutions include using tools like Adobe XD and Figma.

Visual Designer

Visual designers focus on the aesthetic aspects of digital products, such as websites and apps. They are responsible for selecting the right colors, typography, and layouts. Many e – commerce websites like Amazon rely on skilled visual designers to create an appealing shopping experience. The average salary for a visual designer in the United States is around $70,000 per year. Pro Tip: Keep up with the latest design trends by following design blogs and attending webinars. As recommended by Adobe Creative Cloud, continuously practice creating mock – ups for different types of projects.

Jobs related to Digital Arts

Jobs in digital arts are diverse and include areas like 3D modeling, animation, and digital illustration. For instance, in the film industry, 3D modelers create the virtual worlds and characters we see on the big screen. Disney’s animated movies are a great example of the high – end digital arts work. If you want to break into this field, learn software like Blender or Maya. Pro Tip: Create a showreel that highlights your best digital art projects.

Art Director

Art directors oversee the visual style of a project. They work on campaigns for advertisements, magazines, or films. A case study could be the art directors behind Apple’s product launch campaigns. Their work sets a high standard for sleek and modern design. Art directors typically need at least 3 – 5 years of experience in the field. Pro Tip: Network with other art professionals at industry events to build your reputation.

Creative Director

Creative directors are in charge of the overall creative vision of an organization or project. They lead teams of designers, copywriters, and other creatives. A well – known creative director, like Sir John Hegarty, has made significant contributions to the advertising industry. To become a creative director, you need a combination of design skills and leadership abilities. Pro Tip: Develop your leadership skills by taking on small team projects and learning how to manage different personalities.

Creative Head

A creative head has a broad role in an organization, focusing on driving the creative process from concept to execution. They ensure that all creative outputs align with the brand’s identity. For example, in a large marketing agency, the creative head might be responsible for multiple campaigns across different clients. You’ll need a deep understanding of design principles and marketing strategies. Pro Tip: Stay updated on the latest marketing trends to bring fresh ideas to your projects.

Programmatic Advertising Operations Specialist

In the digital age, programmatic advertising is booming. Programmatic advertising operations specialists use data – driven strategies to buy and sell advertising space. According to industry benchmarks, the programmatic advertising market is expected to reach billions of dollars in the next few years. A practical example is a specialist working for a tech startup to target specific demographics with their ads. Pro Tip: Learn data analysis tools like Google Analytics to optimize ad campaigns. Try our ad performance calculator to see how well your campaigns are performing.
Key Takeaways:

There is a high demand for various roles in graphic design, visual, digital arts, animation, and multimedia design fields.
Different roles require a combination of technical skills, creativity, and leadership abilities.
Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are essential for career growth.

Evolution of Graphic Design Curriculum

In the last ten years, there have been profound changes in computer – generated visualization algorithms, techniques, methodologies, and applications of visualization (source similar to points [2] and [3]). These advancements have significantly influenced the graphic design curriculum, making it more dynamic and relevant to the industry’s current needs.

Integration of computer science

The advent of cinematic special effects and console gaming since the late 1990s shows an increasing emphasis on combining elements from the arts and computer science. For example, a degree program created in 2000 used this emphasis as a catalyst to build an undergraduate curriculum. This integration has made students more versatile, allowing them to create complex digital designs.
Pro Tip: If you’re a graphic design student, learn basic programming languages like Python or JavaScript. It can open up new opportunities in areas such as interactive web design. As recommended by industry professionals, mastering these skills can set you apart from your peers.

Incorporation of new visualization techniques

The use of visualization techniques in learning is not new; they’ve been used in maps and drawings for thousands of years. However, in recent times, novel visualization techniques have been incorporated into the graphic design curriculum. These techniques help students in finding and understanding educational resources, collaborating with learners and teachers, and self – reflecting on their progress.
A practical example can be seen in design schools where students are taught data visualization tools to represent complex information in an engaging way. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, businesses that use effective data visualization see a 30% increase in information retention among their audience.
Pro Tip: Practice using visualization tools like Tableau or PowerBI regularly to enhance your skills in presenting data creatively. Top – performing solutions include taking online courses that focus on these tools.

Interactive communication content

With the growth of the digital age, interactive communication content has become a vital part of the graphic design curriculum. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have influenced the teaching and learning of graphic design, bringing both opportunities and challenges to pedagogy.
For instance, students are now learning to create interactive websites and applications that engage users. In a case study of a design agency, projects with interactive elements received 40% more user engagement than static designs.
Pro Tip: When designing interactive content, focus on user experience. Test your designs with real users to ensure they are intuitive and easy to navigate. Try our interactive design mock – up generator to get hands – on experience.

Social media design teaching

In today’s digital world, social media has become a powerful marketing tool, and thus, social media design teaching has been incorporated into graphic design curriculums. Designers need to understand the unique requirements of different social media platforms to create effective visual content.
Industry benchmarks suggest that social media posts with high – quality graphics are shared 5 times more than text – only posts. A practical example is a digital marketing firm that hired graphic design graduates with social media design skills. These graduates were able to create eye – catching posts that increased the firm’s social media following by 50%.
Pro Tip: Stay updated with the latest social media trends. Follow top designers and brands on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to get inspiration. As recommended by leading marketing tools, use Canva or Adobe Spark for quick and effective social media design.
Key Takeaways:

The graphic design curriculum has evolved significantly in the last decade, integrating computer science and new visualization techniques.
Interactive communication content and social media design are now essential parts of the curriculum.
To succeed in the graphic design field, students should continuously update their skills and stay informed about industry trends.

Entry – Level Projects for Graphic Design Graduates

According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, over 70% of entry – level graphic design jobs require candidates to have hands – on experience with various design projects. For fresh graphic design graduates, taking on entry – level projects is a crucial step to build a portfolio and gain real – world experience.

Website Design

Importance

In today’s digital age, a well – designed website is essential for businesses. A study by Google shows that users are more likely to stay on a website that has an attractive and user – friendly design. For example, a local coffee shop increased its online orders by 30% after revamping its website with a modern and intuitive design.

Step – by – Step

Understand the client’s requirements, including the target audience, brand identity, and functionality needs.
Create wireframes to plan the layout of the website.
Design the visual elements, such as the color scheme, typography, and graphics.
Test the website for usability and responsiveness across different devices.
Pro Tip: Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool to ensure your website loads quickly, as slow – loading sites can lead to high bounce rates.
As recommended by Adobe XD, top – performing solutions for website design often involve using responsive design frameworks like Bootstrap. Try our mock website generator to practice creating different website layouts.

Social Media Design

Industry Benchmark

On average, brands post 1 – 2 times a day on social media platforms. A well – designed social media post can increase engagement rates by up to 40%. For instance, a fashion brand saw a significant boost in followers and likes after using eye – catching graphics for its Instagram posts.

Actionable Tips

Tailor the design to the specific social media platform. For example, Instagram posts are more image – focused, while LinkedIn posts may require a more professional and text – friendly design.
Use consistent branding elements across all social media posts to build brand recognition.
Incorporate calls – to – action to encourage users to interact with the post.
Pro Tip: Use Canva, a user – friendly graphic design tool, to create social media posts quickly and easily.
Top – performing solutions include using scheduling tools like Hootsuite to plan and publish your social media posts in advance.

Basic Layout Creation

Practical Example

A magazine company hired an entry – level graphic designer to create a basic layout for its new issue. The designer used a grid system to organize the text and images, resulting in a clean and professional look.

Technical Checklist

Choose an appropriate grid system to ensure a balanced layout.
Select complementary fonts and colors that match the brand or theme.
Pay attention to the hierarchy of elements, making sure the most important information stands out.
Leave enough white space to avoid a cluttered look.
Pro Tip: Study layouts from well – designed magazines and websites to learn different layout techniques.
Key Takeaways:
Website design projects help graduates understand user needs and create functional, visually appealing websites.
Social media design is crucial for brand engagement, and tailoring designs to specific platforms is essential.
Basic layout creation involves using grid systems, proper typography, and color schemes to create balanced and professional designs.

FAQ

What is a digital arts degree?

According to the article, a digital arts degree combines art and technology to create various digital content such as digital paintings, 3D models, and interactive media. It covers a wide range of software and programming languages, preparing students for careers in game development, digital advertising, and film production. Detailed in our [Digital arts degrees] analysis, students also work on a senior project and learn about contemporary issues in the field.

How to choose the right graphic design degree program?

First, research the job market to understand high – demand skills, as recommended by Coursera. Second, look at the curriculum, ensuring it covers areas like software proficiency, portfolio development, and design principles. Third, consider the delivery method; online programs offer flexibility. Unlike choosing a general arts degree, this method focuses on industry – relevant skills. Detailed in our [Different types of degrees] section.

Steps for creating an effective social media design as a graphic design graduate?

Tailor the design to the specific social media platform, e.g., image – focus for Instagram.
Use consistent branding elements across all posts.
Incorporate calls – to – action. According to industry benchmarks, a well – designed post can increase engagement rates. Detailed in our [Social Media Design] analysis, this approach helps in brand promotion.

Online visual design programs vs graphic design degrees: What’s the difference?

Online visual design programs offer flexibility and focus on creating visually appealing digital content for various platforms. Graphic design degrees, however, have a broader curriculum that includes foundational areas like graphic design history and business of art and design. Unlike online visual design programs, graphic design degrees often have more in – depth studies in typography and user experience design. Detailed in our [Online visual design programs] and [Graphic design degrees] sections.