Pages

Thursday 27 November 2014

Bachelor of Graphic Design: Degree Overview

Get information about bachelor's degree programs in graphic design. Learn about prerequisites, courses, career opportunities and continuing education, and find out the economic outlook for this field.

Essential Information
In graphic design bachelor's programs, students learn to balance words, icons, colors and perspectives to create aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching images or promotional publications. Applicants may have to present a portfolio of design work or complete prerequisite courses in order to enroll.

Through lecture-based sessions and hands-on practice, students focus on the use of graphic design software and other essential technologies, including cameras, sound machines and industrial printers. Completion of a final portfolio may be required, and a senior project is often required as well. Graphic design programs may be accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Bachelor of Graphic Design vs. Bachelor of Science

Bachelor's degree programs are available as a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Bachelor of Graphic Design (BGD) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design. BFA and BGD programs are 4-year professional degree programs that devote more than 90% of the curriculum to design-related and graphic design coursework. The NASAD and the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) recognize the BFA and BGD as preparation for a career in graphic design.

B.S. and B.A. programs are considered by the NASAD and AIGA as liberal art programs, because the programs typically devote less than half of their credits toward art and design coursework. The NASAD and AIGA stated that liberal arts degrees are not proper preparation for a professional graphic design career (nasad.arts-accredit.org).

Education Prerequisites

Usually a high school diploma or the equivalent is enough to meet the education prerequisites for enrolling in a bachelor's degree program. However, some programs may require students to complete specific coursework and submit a portfolio prior to entrance into the program, state the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Course Topics
Graphic design is an interdisciplinary field that may explore a wide range of topics, including marketing, visual arts, communications and computer sciences. Most programs require students to create professional portfolios to highlight their skills to potential employers. Additionally, programs may include a senior project. Common courses within these programs may include:

  •     Drawing
  •     Advertising design
  •     Computer graphics
  •     2-D and 3-D design
  •     Typography

Popular Career Options

Graduates are prepared to create publications, websites, branding systems and posters for in a variety of industries, including advertising, publishing and public relations. Popular job titles include:

  •     Computer artist
  •     Publications designer
  •     Art director
  •     Graphic designer
  •     Web designer
Article Source...

No comments:

Post a Comment