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Online Arts and Design Degree Programs

An online arts and design degree can enable students to channel artistic talent into marketable skills. A degree in arts and design provides insight into integrating art and design methodologies, bridging the social to the personal, and connecting traditional techniques with contemporary technologies. Degree in arts and design are offered at a variety of colleges and universities; however, the typical independent school of art and design will offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs focused solely in this field of specialization. Read more about online arts and design degree programs.

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	Ashford University Request more info on these programs
Bachelors BA/Organizational Management - Art History BA/Organizational Management - Liberal Studies BA/Social Science - Art BA/Social Science - Art History

	DeVry University Request more info on these programs
Associates Associate in Web Graphic Design Bachelors Bachelor's in Game and Simulation Programming

Some Stats

In 2006, artists held 218,000 jobs, with more than six out of ten or 62% that were self-employed. (1) In 2007, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredited 282 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. (1)

Employment Outlook

Through 2016, the number of jobs for artists are expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations. (1) Particularly, graphic designer jobs are expected to increase by 10%. (1) Competition is expected to be strong for most jobs in art and design, so honing skills will be vital to the determined job-hunter.

Specialties

Graduates of arts and design degree programs have their choice of a variety of specializations, which share the common theme of communicating thoughts, ideas or feeling through their art. Craft Artist, Fine Artist, and Multi-media Artist are among some common focuses. Those can be specialized even further: illustrators, cartoonists, medical and scientific illustrators, sketch artists, printmakers, sculptors and painting restorers.

What to Expect

Courses for undergraduate programs in arts and design include core subjects such as Natural Science, Social Science, Math, Communications and English. From this foundation, students will explore the creative process, learning the function and importance of art and design by studying topics such as studio art and art history. Graduate arts & design programs focus more on the specializations. Studio training in the fine, craft and multi-media arts are more commonly found in independent schools. Furthermore, many arts degree programs provide training in computer techniques, following the advancing trend of visual arts in the digital arena. A portfolio is built over time, so students can display their skills.

The End Result

Graduates of arts & design programs have the potential to enter into a number opportunities in many areas:

Animator
Architect
Art Director
Art Teacher
Cinematographer
Fashion Designer
Graphic Designer
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Photographer

Jobs in arts and design are plentiful, but you'll have to hone your skills, as competition is likely to be fierce. Draw on all your talents to see if an online degree in arts and design is right for you.

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition