Graphic Design Courses: What You'll Study

When you decide to get your graphic design degree, you'll have to make the choice between taking your graphic design courses online or on campus. Both options have benefits, and only you can choose which option is going to be right for you. Are you a self-starter? Graphic design courses online may work well for you. Do you need the added structure of a classroom setting? A campus program will help you keep on track.

Benefits of Graphic Design Courses Online

While most students can probably identify the benefits of classroom learning, for those who've never tried an online class, the advantages may not seem as clear. Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider taking your graphic design courses online:

• There's no need to relocate. You can choose a school in any location. If you're studying online, you won't have to move across the country to go there.
   
• You'll receive plenty of personal attention from instructors. While it may seem like the taking graphic design courses online would mean less interaction with instructors and peers, many online student actually find the opposite to be true.
   
• You can take class on your own schedule. Students in graphic design courses online have the flexibility to study when it's convenient for them. This is great for students who need to balance school with other commitments. However, different schools vary in how they structure their programs, so find out how your school's program works before you enroll.

Your studies in graphic design school will likely be comprised of traditional art classes, specialized graphic design courses and a variety of technical training. Each school's program is different, so if you are especially interested in one area of graphic design, you may want to check course lists or speak to school advisors before enrolling to make sure you will have the opportunity to explore your interests.

The following is a list of topics you may study:

• 2-D and 3-D design
• Art direction
• Branding and identity
• Building a portfolio
• Color theory
• Critical thinking
• Design theory
• Digital photography
• Drawing
• History of graphic design
• Illustration
• Layout
• Life drawing
• Packaging
• Print and editorial design
• Publishing processes
• Typography
• Web applications

In your graphic design courses, you will most likely be exposed to graphic design software. Here are a few common programs that you may use:

• Adobe Illustrator®
• Adobe InDesign®
• Adobe PageMaker®
• Adobe Photoshop®
• Quark Xpress®