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Design School Degrees: Choosing the Right Degree for You

The Art Institute Online The Art Institute Online
Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned professional, you can jump-start your career with an associate's or bachelor's degree from The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
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In 2006, there were an estimated 43 million web sites online. With more sites springing up every day, the demand for trained web designers is greater than ever. But choosing a degree program in design school can be mind-boggling—there might as well be as many programs as web sites. By identifying your goals and doing a little research, you can find the design program that’s right for you.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is the best preparation for design positions. Bachelor’s degrees related to web design include multimedia training, art, design, and computer science. Bachelor’s programs are ideal for people who want a broader education, as only about one third of your schedule will be practical design training.

Associate’s Degree Programs

If you don’t want to invest four years in design school to get a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree is an excellent option. Associate’s degree programs can be as short as 15 months to two years, and a wide variety of design training programs are available through online colleges. In associate’s programs you may exclusively study design and multimedia.

Diploma Design Programs

Web design diploma programs are ideal for designers who already have professional experience, or for people who want to learn a specific multimedia or design skill. Your training may include coursework in computer programs like Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Flash Multimedia. Diploma programs, often available online, are a great way to beef up your resume and add impressive work to your portfolio.

Once you’ve selected the right degree program, you may want to look up school rankings online and check the accreditation of your school.

Posted on September 18, 2007

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