Is an associate degree in visual communication right for you?

Learn more about visual communication associate degree programs, including potential careers, sample coursework, and why earning your associate degree online might be your best option.

Why earn a degree in visual communication?

Visual forms of communication are all around us. From the commercials on television to the way products look at the grocery store, we're bombarded with images designed to tempt, inspire and persuade. If you've always had an artistic ability and an interest in how images can be used in different businesses, you could be an excellent candidate for a degree in visual communication.

Visual communication is the study of how various forms of visual art can be used to communicate information. The study can be applied to various careers in media, government, and private business. Any entity that requires a public face should have an interest in a skilled visual communicator.

You already have the artistic skill. Next, use an associate degree in visual communication to gain valuable tools, giving you the opportunity to create presentations, use advanced critical analysis to solve design problems, and apply research tools and techniques to real-world questions. In short, a degree in visual communication gives you the power to exercise your creative interests in the workplace.

Careers for visual communication degree graduates

With an associate degree in visual communication, you could qualify for entry level careers in industries ranging from advertising agencies to magazine publishers, corporate art departments to video game companies. Take a look at mean annual wages for a few popular careers for graduates with a degree in visual communication:

• graphic designers: $47,820
• desktop publishers: $38,960
• multi-media artists and animators: $62,810
• public relations specialists: $59,370
• media and communication workers, all other: $50,680

While entry level careers in media and design may be possible with an associate degree in visual communication, some graduates go on to earn a bachelor's degree in the field of their choice for further training and educational experience. For example, an associate degree in visual communication that leads to a bachelor's degree in marketing could make you a more attractive candidate to a competitive marketing firm.

Pursuing an online associate degree in visual communication

Training in visual communication blends artistic principles, business concepts, and technology training in relevant design software. Coursework in a typical visual communication degree program may include:

• Fundamentals of color
• Design principles
• Drawing concepts
• Creative research and development
• Foundation illustration and photography

If you're interested in career training but you're not sure where you'll find the time to attend school, consider an online associate degree in visual communication. Online education gives you the chance to schedule school around your needs, allowing you to keep a full-time job along with family commitments while you earn a college degree.

Whether you choose to attend school online or on-campus, you should look into financial aid options. Federal loans, grants and scholarships may be available and can go a long way to make it easier for you to attend school now. With an associate degree possible after 2 years of full-time study, a college degree could be closer than you think.

• Degrees by Level