If you’re looking for an artistic career that can pay the bills or even allow you to be your own boss, you may wonder what you will study in an online graphic designer bachelor’s degree program. A career as a graphic designer is an excellent choice for students who have both creativity and computer skills. Graphic designers are art and design professionals who create visual images and layouts that convey ideas and messages. You’ll learn to create everything from logos and illustrations to magazine layouts and websites. To do this you will need to study the theory and practices of art and design as well as digital design practices.
Art and Design
Because graphic designers are visual artists, they need to understand the concepts of art and how to apply them. Often, most of the core courses – that is, what you must study in an online graphic designer bachelor’s degree program – revolves around art and design, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Some of the art classes you take are meant to help you build a strong foundation in art and graphic design principles. For example, it’s common for graphic design majors to study the history of graphic design, color theory and design principles. Graphic design students also learn about the design process for a commercial, rather than a purely artistic, perspective. They might take courses in concept development and corporate branding.
A good deal of what you study in an online graphic designer bachelor’s degree program will be studio courses. It’s important for undergraduate students in graphic design to take plenty of classes requiring hands-on design experience, like drawing and illustration. The designs you create throughout your college career will become your portfolio. This a collection of your best work that you can show to prospective employers or clients.
Digital Media and Web Development
For today’s graphic designers, most job opportunities are digital. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects graphic design jobs in computer systems design to grow 21 percent over a decade. The same jobs in print media like newspaper and book publishing will drop by 35 percent. To meet these digital opportunities, students must take courses in the digital aspects of graphic design for the Internet. Some of the courses you study in an online graphic designer bachelor’s degree program may include:
- Web design
- digital illustration
- computerized design
- typography
- interface design
- advanced digital lab
If you’re interested in developing your digital and design skills, you may have what it takes to be a successful graphic designer. This career path offers flexibility Twenty percent of graphic designers in the U.S. are self-employed, the BLS reported. If you enjoy what you study in an online graphic designer bachelor’s degree program, you’re likely to enjoy the work and challenges of a career in graphic design.
Related Resources:
- 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs
- 5 Industries That Are Hiring Graphic Designers
- 5 Character Traits of a Graphic Designer
- 5 Career Options with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design
- 3 Types of Courses You Will Take in an Online Graphic Designer Bachelor’s Degree Program
- What is the Work Environment Like for Graduates of an Online Graphic Designer Bachelor’s Degree Program?
- What is the Career Outlook in Graphic Design?
- What is the Best Degree Path for Becoming a Graphic Designer?
- What is Graphic Design?
- How Important is a Portfolio in an Online Graphic Designer Bachelor’s Degree Program?