SCHOOLS

4-Year College or University
Best if you want a complete liberal arts experience or if you’re on the fence about being a G.D.

• 4-yr. Undergraduate Program - gets you a BS (Bachelor of Science) or BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree
• Typically offer a broad, liberal arts program
• Gives you a well-rounded education
• Design programs may not be as comprehensive as those in art schools
• Graduate degree – MA (Master of Arts) or MFA (Master of Fine Arts). Unless you want to teach college kids, a graduate degree isn’t expected.

4-Year Art Schools (a.k.a. institutes or schools of design)
Best if you know for sure you want to be in design or the arts.

• A more intensive design education than colleges or universities
• Typically offer a comprehensive Graphic Design major within its own department.
• Some offer an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree
• Offer fewer science, humanities and social studies courses than colleges or universities

2-Year Programs
Best if you are strapped for cashola or just don’t want to spend 4 more years in school.

• Leads to an AA (Associate in Arts Degree)
• Found at community colleges and trade schools
• Focus is primarily on computer skills, but you probably won’t get into much depth in core design fundamentals like color theory or typography
• Gives you technical skills to become a production artist (i.e. someone who prepares art for printing)
• Graduates with an AA degree might work as assistants in the design or printing industry.
• Gives you immediate marketable skills but advancement in the field may be difficult without additional study

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