Arts & Design Degree Programs

Online graduate and undergraduate degree programs in fine art, fashion, graphic design, interior design and more.

Online Art & Design Degree Programs

Art and design degree programs feature a unique fusion of creative, technology, and business sense that prepares budding careerists for success in the industry. Degrees in this field are available on-campus or online, perfect for students juggling personal and professional commitments. This is high-impact career training designed for multiple learning styles and progressive employment tracks.

Available Art & Design Career Options

Two key art and design degrees--Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA)--are among the most sought after by employers. While the four-year program is fast becoming the benchmark for entry-level positions, the graduate degree emphasizes your commitment to academic preparation.

In the art and design field, diversity is the name of the game. Save for natural talent, graduates can continually refine and customize their abilities to take advantage of new opportunities. Career training through a formal program or mentor is the surest way to reduce the learning curve and become established in a field. A few of the top career options for professionals with degrees in art and design include:

• Art directors
• Craft artists
• Fine artists
• Multimedia artists
• Printmakers
• Painting restorers

Employment Outlook for Art & Design

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, artists and related workers held about 218,000 jobs in 2006; nearly 62 percent of these professionals were self-employed. The technology field, and multimedia art and animation specifically, employs the largest segment at over 87,000 workers. Art directors and fine artists also represent a significant portion of art and design graduates annually. Employment of artists and related workers is projected to increase by 16 percent over the decade through 2016, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.

With respect to salary, professionals with career training in art and design find a mixed bag, depending largely on talent, professional niche, and geographical location. For example, the mean annual wages for salaried art directors was $83,230 in 2007. Salaried multi-media artists and animators had mean annual wages of $61,010 for the same period.

Typical Art & Design Coursework and Online Study Options

Art and design degrees are typically liberal arts-based programs with an opportunity to specialize in a particular industry or field. Core curriculum courses include basic math, history, and natural sciences. As students move into their desired majors, courses such as programming languages, art and music theory, and drama are academic staples.

Online degree options allow art and design students to choose their own method of study. On-campus, online, and hybrid programs are available to address a variety of learning styles. The biggest benefit to earning your degree online is the inherent technological component that employers crave.

The Arts
Study of the arts encompasses the following subject areas:

• Applied Arts and Design - Computer Arts and Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Medical Illustration, Photography, Textile Design
• Architecture - Architectural History, Architecture, Building Science, Environmental Design, Historic Preservation, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design
• Art - Art History, Arts Administration, Art Therapy, Decorative Arts, Fine Arts, Museum Studies
• Film, Television and Video
• Performing Arts - Dance, Drama, Music, Theater

Online Degrees in Creative and Visual Arts

Online degree programs in creative and visual arts from accredited universities and colleges:

• Arts & Design