Getting an Online Graphic Art Degree

Online degree programs are booming. See if earning your graphic art degree online will work for you.

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Why a Graphic Art Degree Online?

The better question might be, why not? Accreditation rates for online graphic art degree programs are continually rising, and their degree offerings are increasingly accepted by employers as equal—and sometimes even superior to—campus offerings. As the industry goes, so goes education. And since graphic designers utilize computers so heavily nowadays, it only makes sense that graphic design classes work well via computer as well.

Is an Online Graphic Art Degree Right for Me?

Since you'll spend much of your class time on computers anyway, the correspondence aspect of online programs can be as simple as clicking "send" instead of raising your hand. And graphic markup programs make getting peer feedback quick and easy whether it's from across the room or across the country.

Here are some characteristics that will help you succeed if you want to get an online graphic art degree:

Be a self-starter: If you are deadline driven and can stick to a syllabus without being held accountable to consistent class attendance and teacher reminders, you're on your way to online school success.
Get tech-savvy: The more tech-focused your specialty, the more naturally your online education will fit with it.
Stay busy: Online programs are perfect for busy folks who need to fit their studies into an already hectic schedule. Many programs are self-paced and some offer classes designed with working professionals in mind.
Quit your commute: If you want to enhance your career and increase your earning potential without having to relocate, enrolling in a well-known art degree program in graphic design online might be your answer.

What's It Like Getting an Art Degree in Graphic Design Online?

Getting your graphic arts degree from an online programs works like this:

Professors typically post lectures on class websites and ask for electronic versions of assignments
Discussions are conducted via forums, chat rooms or virtual meetings
Class materials can be ordered online, and many are available as downloads from a class website or portal
Many online professors hold office hours and reply quickly to questions from students

Of course, different classes will operate differently, so check with potential schools for a better idea of what methods your particular program uses.

How Do I Get Started?

Research online graphic design schools and request information from the ones you're interested in. Since location doesn't matter, think about things like cost per credit, program length, accreditation, technical requirements, class size and faculty.