Computer Graphic Design Degrees: Bachelor's, Associate & Online Class Info

About this article
What kind of job can you get with an associate or bachelor's degree in computer graphic design? Find out degree program requirements, online options and info on courses and computer graphic design training programs.
  • At a Glance
  • Associate
  • Bachelor's

Studying Computer Graphic Design: Degrees at a Glance

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Computer graphic artists combine their creative skills with their technical knowledge to create visual products that communicate complex messages. The art of computer graphics combines illustration, image manipulation, desktop publishing and digital photography. Professionals in the industry develop strategies to communicate information and render model and animate images to create visual effects. Graphic artists and designers use their skills to create advertising, corporate branding, products as well as images for television and video games. Undergraduate programs provide an education that incorporates traditional and modern imaging techniques.

The associate degree program provides the education and skills required for entry-level opportunities in multiple industries, including advertising or product packaging. The bachelor's degree offers an in-depth education that leads to creative careers in and out of academic settings.

There was expected to be a large difference in the job outlooks of various careers in this field, depending on the amount of technological change that will affect the specialty. On the high end, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected a 13% increase in the number of graphic design jobs from 20102-2020. On the low end, the BLS reports showed an anticipated 15% decline in positions for desktop publishers.

Associate Bachelor's
Who is this degree for? Individuals interested in entry-level support opportunities People who want to work in multiple industries as graphic designers
Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) - Desktop publisher ($39,000)*
- Drafter ($48,000)*
- Graphic designer ($49,000)*
- Multimedia artist or animator ($68,000)*
- Art director ($96,000)*
Time to Completion 2 years, full-time 4 years, full-time
Common Graduation Requirements - Roughly 60 credits
- Internship
- Portfolio
- Roughly 120 credits
- Internship
- Portfolio
Prerequisites High school diploma or equivalent High school diploma or equivalent
Online Availability Yes Yes

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).

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  • At a Glance
  • Associate
  • Bachelor's

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Purdue Global

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
      • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
  • Oklahoma City, OK

    Oklahoma State University

  • Online Programs Available
    3. Keiser University

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • Associate of Sciences - Information Technology
      • Associate of Sciences - Information Technology
  • Online Programs Available
    4. Saint Leo University

    Program Options

    Associate's
      • AA: Information Technology
      • AA: Information Technology
  • Milwaukee, WI

    Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Scottville, MI

    West Shore Community College

  • Warwick, RI

    New England Institute of Technology

  • Ann Arbor, MI

    Washtenaw Community College

  • Flushing, NY

    Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Featured Schools

Purdue Global

  • Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology

Which subject are you interested in?

Keiser University

  • Associate of Sciences - Information Technology

What is your highest level of education?

Saint Leo University

  • AA: Information Technology

What is your highest level of education completed?

West Shore Community College

Washtenaw Community College