Digital Arts Associate's and Bachelor's: Degrees at a Glance
While a degree isn't required to work as a digital artist, enrolling in an associate's or bachelor's degree program will prepare you to work in the field by teaching you how to use software programs and computer applications to create artistic images. Earning an associate's degree will provide you with basic artistic skills while a bachelor's degree program will include advanced courses related to the field. Graduates of these programs will compete for entry-level jobs, and employers will look at applicants' portfolios to choose the right candidate.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), from 2010-2020, employment for multimedia artists was projected to increase eight percent. Duties will depend on the employer and can vary from creating graphics and effects to developing storyboards and make designs.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals who want to obtain basic digital artistic skills | Individuals who want more advanced skills in the field |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | -Multimedia artist ($68,000)* -Illustrator ($53,000)* | -Graphic designer ($49,000)* -Art director ($96,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years, full-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | -About 20-24 courses -Portfolio | -About 40-48 courses -Portfolio |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma | High school diploma |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
