Online Digital Design Programs

This article is a guide to digital design programs and the possible career paths one can pursue upon graduating with a digital design degree.

The term digital design is usually used to refer to graphic design programs. Digital design programs tend to encompass a number of techniques for using computers to create and modify visuals, such as illustrations, magazine and news layouts, and animations. People who graduate with a degree in computer graphics tend to be in high demand, since their skills can be utilized by a number of industries, including education, gaming, publishing, film, television, and fashion to create visually stunning images. Digital design programs therefore encompass a wide variety of computer related skills like web design, digital imaging, 3-D modeling and visual media. People who study computer graphics will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the discipline.

Selected Digital Design & Graphic Arts Programs

Full Sail University

• Bachelors - Computer Animation
• Bachelors - Digital Arts & Design
• Bachelors - Entertainment Business
• Bachelors - Film
• Bachelors - Game Art
• Bachelors - Game Development
• Bachelors - Recording Arts
• Bachelors - Show Production
• Masters - Entertainment Business
• Masters - Game Design

Art Institute Online and The Art Institute Campus

• Advertising — Bachelor of Science
• Digital Design — Diploma
• Entertainment Design — Bachelor of Science
• Graphic Design — Associate of Science
• Graphic Design — Bachelor of Science
• Industrial Design Technology — Associate of Science
• Industrial Design — Bachelor of Science
• Interior Design — Bachelor of Science
• Kitchen & Bath Design — Associate of Science
• Fashion & Retail Management — Bachelor of Science
• Digital Filmmaking & Video Production — Associate of Science
• Digital Filmmaking & Video Production — Bachelor of Science
• Game Art & Design — Bachelor of Science
• Media Arts & Animation — Bachelor of Science
• Photography — Associate of Science
• Photography — Bachelor of Science
• Visual Effects & Motion Graphics — Bachelor of Science
• Web Design & Interactive Media — Associate of Science
• Web Design & Interactive Media — Bachelor of Science
• Web Design — Diploma

American InterContinental University and American InterContinental University Online

• Associate's (AABA) - Visual Communication
• Associate in Arts in Business Administration - Visual Communications.
• Bachelor of Visual Communication
• Bachelor of Fine Arts - Digital Design
• Bachelor of Fine Arts - Web Design

Kaplan University

• Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems/Web Development
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Web Multimedia and Animation
• Internet and Website Development Certificate

International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) and International Academy of Design & Technology Online (IADT Online)

• Associate of Science in Building Information Modeling
• Associate of Science in Graphic Design
• Associate of Science in Information Technology
• Associate of Science in Web Design & Development
• Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media Production
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Production
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Internet Marketing
• Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development

University of Phoenix

• Visual Communication (Certificate)

DeVry University

• Web Graphic Design (Associate's)

Stevens-Henager College

• Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts
• Associate of Science in Graphic Arts

Bryant & Stratton College

• AAS - Interactive Media Design

Westwood College

• Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Multimedia
• Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
• Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising
• Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Design
• Bachelor of Science in Game Software Development
• Associate - Graphic Design and Multimedia

Art & Design Programs in Canada (Diploma Programs)

Visual College of Art and Design

Applied Arts Program

• 3D Animation, Modeling Art and Design
• Graphic Design
• Web Design and Programming

Reeves College

Department of Technology

• Computer Graphic Design (CGD)

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Digital Design Education and Training

Although most schools do not offer formal certificates for this discipline, it is possible to become a certified professional user of certain software products that are used by this industry, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro. These courses, however, are usually taken through specialized training programs outside of the university environment.

When studying for a digital design degree, students will be introduced to a number of different visual design practices and many will specialize in a specific area for their final projects. Some of the areas that students will study in both theory and practice include typography, branding, editorial and logo creation, and package design. Students in digital design programs can also focus on moving graphics, such as animations, as well as character and environmental construction as part of their digital design training.

Some of the digital design classes that students can expect to take as part of their digital design programs include, digital layout, fundamentals of photography, and the fundamentals of illustration. At digital design programs there will also be courses in print production, proofing, and the fundamentals of Web design. Most, if not all, courses will involve coursework based in using modern computer programs for creating visuals.

Digital Design Careers

Students with a degree from a digital design programs can apply for a number of jobs. For example, they can create layouts for newspapers, magazines, and books. They can also contribute original imagery for films, illustrated books, websites, video games, and advertisements. Some students also go onto creating logos and packaging for a wide variety of companies, including clothing and food manufacturers, while others choose to freelance.

Expected Income and Expected Career Growth

Since nearly every company needs highly skilled employees to create their graphics, the job market for skilled graphic designers is constantly growing. Jobs for skilled graphic artists are expected to grow by around 13% within the next decade.

Even in times of economic hardship, it is possible for a talented graduate of a digital design programs to gain employment. The Web is now a major source of employment for these professionals, and many well-known companies, such as Nike, Pixar, Disney, and Harper Collins Publishing, are consistently hiring new designers.

The average entry-level salary for this field ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 for graduates of digital design programs. Gaining employment with a well known company or a highly ranked startup will provide graduates with increased earning potential right from the start and the video game industry provides exceptionally high pay for their professionals. As graduates of digital design programs gain more experience, they can expect their salaries to range from $55,000 to over $100,000 per year. The highest salaries are awarded to those who are promoted to senior level and art director positions.

Online digital design programs and digital photography courses