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Graphic Communications Degree - Online and Campus Programs

Graphic Art Communications Careers

Graphic artists, also called graphic designers, essentially communicate through visual means like illustrations in magazines, promotional displays, marketing brochures, or even animation on Web sites. To do this effectively, you may need to meet with clients, research the needs of consumers, or follow the instruction of an art director. As a graphic designer, you could work for the government, a large corporation, an advertising firm, or a newspaper. You could also establish yourself as a freelance graphic artist and take on clients in many different industries. Desktop publishers tend to have a background in graphic art communications, too.

How a Graphic Communications Degree Can Help You

Graphic communications programs teach you all the essential skills you need to succeed in this career, offering classes like:

Commercial Graphics Production
Computer and Web Site Design
Principles of Design
Printing Techniques
Studio Art

A graphic communications degree can also help you compete for that first entry-level job, particularly if your program helps you to develop a portfolio of work. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic artists with experience in Web site design or animation should have the best job prospects. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you can attend one of the 2- to 3-year graphic communications programs that focus on the more technical requirements of the field. The average graphic designer earns $46,750 annually, although salaries can vary widely depending on where you work. For instance, those in the newspaper industry may only average $40,680 annually while the average graphic artist working for the federal government earns $70,820.