Design degree programs cater to students with little or no prior experience in the field of design as well as those who are already working as professional designers and want to advance their careers. In design, a student can earn a certificate or an associate’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees are typically awarded after four years of study in design. There are also master’s degrees available. Graphic, web, and industrial design are examples of design fields in which a student can pursue a degree.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program is required for most entry-level positions. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete on average. Typically, a student will take courses in computer design, website design, and studio art during this time. Courses in liberal arts and art history may also be required.
An associate’s degree in design typically takes two years to complete, while a certificate or diploma in design takes even less time. A person may choose to work as a design assistant after earning an associate’s degree or certificate. He can also continue his studies by transferring his credits to a bachelor’s degree program. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to change careers, associate’s or certificate design degree programs might be a good fit.
Master’s programs in industrial design, graphic design, or design studies are available to professional designers who want to further their education. These programs usually take a year or two to complete. Before receiving a degree, many programs require students to complete a certain number of courses or studio hours. In graduate-level design degree programs, an internship may be required.
A small number of degree programs include an online component. Working people who want to get an associate’s degree in web or web graphic design can usually enroll in online degree programs. A bachelor’s degree in computer or web design may be available from the same school, depending on the program a student enrolls in.
People with a design degree can work in fields like media and the arts, designing magazine covers or posters for films and plays. Industrial designers can work in the automobile industry, designing automobiles, or in the electronics and appliance industry, designing cell phones and washing machines. Web designers can work for a variety of businesses that create websites. Designers of video games and computer software may have degrees in web graphics or multimedia design.