Why a degree in arts and design?

Art & Design is tough. Really tough. It is a constant competition to design something better. It is "thinking outside the box" so many times you've decided to forget the box altogether. Not to mention you will become a master at thriving with little to no sleep and develop thick skin from enduring brutal critiques.

How to prepare for an arts and design degrees

So, why put yourself through this? Passion. When you put everything into a project and it’s ripped apart, you get more coffee, improve the design, and come back with an even greater masterpiece.

But if passion alone isn’t enough, how about this. Median salaries for the top 10 design careers surpassed $50,000*. Art & design jobs are also expected to increase by 7% over the next eight years*. With higher salaries than most majors and plenty of career avenues, art & design graduates are cashing in on their passions. Graduating from an art & design program is a difficult and competitive feat. But if you can do it, you will create a growing career where your computer battery is your only limit.

What are the different degrees I can get in Art and Design?

Many undergrads pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. Most credits in this degree program come from core classes in art and design as well as specialized study in a chosen discipline, such as sculpture or illustration. Other students choose a Bachelor of Arts degree. This still gives students plenty of fundamental preparation for artistic careers and a strong background in their area of interest. However, liberal arts classes play a greater role in the overall experience than in BFA programs. Some of the more technical artistic fields, such as industrial design and architecture, may award a Bachelor of Science degree.

Master’s programs in art and design typically take one to three years to complete. Students build on their previous experience to become even better artists and designers. They also may delve deeper into the history of their discipline, work towards establishing their own style, and focus on specific skills needed for employment. People interested in art education may opt to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) rather than a Master of Fine Arts degree or a Master of Arts degree.

What are some of the skills and experiences I will gain through Art and Design?

Devoting so much time to practicing your craft can’t help but increase your competency and help you discover your artistic voice. You’ll also learn how to critique others and offer constructive criticism, which will come in handy when working with a team and in management roles. Interested in industrial design? You’ll likely become quite the expert at everything from InDesign to laser cutting. Graphic design more your thing? Be prepared for a capstone project that puts what you’ve learned about typography and design into practice. You may walk away with a website or a visual ad campaign to show prospective employers. And illustration majors, you’ll take courses related to virtually every professional application imaginable, from the artwork in children’s books to creating 3D imagery for computer gaming.