Is There Only One Right Web Design Degree?
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by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@webdesignschoolreview.com
Web Design School Review Columnist
What type of web design degree is right for you? A two-year associate’s degree or a four-year bachelor’s? An art institute degree or a university degree? These questions are on the minds of many considering formal training in professional web site design. Here are a few tips to guide you toward the program that’s best for you.
First, decide what kind of web design career you want. Do you see yourself working for a large, high-profile advertising firm on Madison Avenue? Or would you rather work as a corporate graphic designer in a mid-size city? Maybe your dream is to one day run your own web design consultancy.
Advantages of Web Design Bachelor’s Degrees
The more ambitious you are, the more likely a four-year degree from an accredited university or art institute will help you. High-level jobs at agencies are the most competitive so you’ll want to have every advantage on your side. Even the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most graphic design jobs require a bachelor’s degree. If you want to become an art director or design professor, you may even consider completing a master’s degree.
The Appeal of Two-Year Design Degrees
But a four-year degree isn’t necessarily the only path to a thriving professional web site design career. Some designers get started after completing a two-year graphic or web design program from a community college, technology, or art school. These degrees can help you get your foot in the door, landing you an entry-level job. That’s no small accomplishment as creative jobs such as those in professional web site design are traditionally very competitive.
And you can always complete your bachelor’s degree at a later date, when you have more time and money. Some employers provide tuition assistance, which can substantially lighted the burden of covering the cost of tuition, books, and related expenses on your own.
As you can see, there is more than one academic path that can lead to a rich, rewarding career in web design. It’s an exciting journey that will evolve as your knowledge and experience in design grows.
About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.
Posted at 11:20 AM on February 25, 2007
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