Why Is a Graphic Design Degree Important for Your Career?

Graphic design involves textual and visual content and communicates a specific message to the viewer. Graphic designers create a variety of products when using these practices, and the artists could develop anything from minimalized business logos to complex magazine spreads. You cultivate strong career skills by learning the tools and concepts of graphic design, and a graphic design degree offers the foundation for a lucrative career.

Jobs in Graphic Design

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 265,000 graphic designers employed in the US. Many workers perform graphic design in-house or hold telecommuter jobs. Projections show an increase in graphic designers and artists by up to 24,000 annually. A bachelor's degree in graphic design helps prepare these workers for the field and increases their value in the job market.

Fine Arts Are the Building Blocks of Graphic Design

In a graphic design program, you learn how to draw, design arts and crafts, paint, and sculpt. Each skill is vital to your career as a graphic designer. You can conceptualize and create art in different media at the end of the program without being restricted to digital tools alone. As you advance through the courses, you'll complete digital illustrations after you've developed your fine arts skills.

What You Learn From Graphic Design Electives and Core Courses

As you explore the degree program, you'll find several graphic design electives that offer advanced skills, hands-on experience, and introductions to the software you'll use in the field. Here are some of the graphic design electives and why they are important.

• Graphic Design I-III: These three courses are critical to your career success. You'll begin with website maintenance strategies, editing and processing images, and design development. As you advance through the courses, your graphic design skills will evolve fast, and you'll know the fundamentals required for related jobs. Each company follows a particular format and practices. By completing these courses, you'll know how to build upon your skills to fulfill specific business needs. 
• Computer-Assisted Graphic Design: In this course, you'll learn how to use software to generate graphical designs. Proficiency with specific software and applications can help improve your job prospects. In addition, certification in graphic design software will help make you a great asset to any organization.
• Typography: Typography is vital in graphic design. The courses teach you how to create text and lettering for your development. Instructors will show you the best practices for selecting each letter's structure, font style, and appearance to capture the audience's attention.
• Intro to Digital Media: Digital media includes content and technology practices. You'll gain e-commerce, gaming design, social media, and animation skills. You could land entertainment, tech, marketing, or publishing jobs with these skills. Digital Media I and II courses build onto these skills and help expand your knowledge of graphic design protocols and practices.
• Graphic Design Exhibition: Graphic design exhibition courses prepare you for working in teams and creating large-scale exhibits. You could put these skills to the test when creating corporate events or working in an art gallery or a museum.
• Portfolio Courses: These courses offer step-by-step instructions for building your graphic design portfolio and showcasing your skills to prospective employers.

After you complete a graphic design degree program at Fort Hays, the sky is the limit. You'll have opportunities in website design, user experience design, motion graphic design, and more. In addition, the skills you cultivate during each course help prepare you for graphic design jobs in many fields and sectors.

After graduation, doors open to entry-level jobs, and the average graphic designer salary is $50,710. By obtaining a graphic design degree, you can showcase your creative genius, establish yourself in the field, and earn top salaries.