Art and Design Degree Programs and Courses

For years, the art and design industry was perceived as being more of an elective than a respected career choice but today, this arena has expanded dramatically. As a result, many incredible programs have been created that allow a person to secure a great job or build a highly successful business. For someone who has a creative mind and has no problem in stepping outside the box, it would be worthwhile to consider art and design degree programs and courses.

Within the art and design sector are many job opportunities. What we see happening now is creativity being fused with a variety of career choices. As a result, whether looking at television, business, healthcare, education, or something else, the blending of art and design with industry principles has enhanced different fields, actually making professionals more proficient in the service being provided.

Another benefit of taking art and design programs for earning a bachelor or master’s degree is the preparation it provides to a person. Not only would the education be beneficial to a specific industry but using the same knowledge, it would prepare a person for a career in an entirely different industry or sector. Typically, programs to earn a degree in art and design are challenging but again, this prepares a person to enter some very high impact careers.

Degree Options and Potential Positions

The two primary degrees that could be acquired by successfully completing art and design programs include a Bachelor of Fine Arts of a BFA and a Master of Fine Arts of MFA. Although there are other possibilities, the most respected employers look for people with one or both of these degrees, making them highly recommended. Interestingly, for many careers within the art and design industry a bachelor’s degree is required, even for someone going to work for a company in an entry level position.

With a bachelor or master’s degree an individual could enjoy a stable and well-paying job. Additionally, with education enhancing natural talent, these two things combined give a person an edge not only for becoming established in the field of choice but also advancing within that same field or perhaps another. As stated, multiple career opportunities exist for the person with a degree in art and design, some listed below.

• Fine Artist
• Craft Artist
• Multimedia Artist
• Art Director
• Painting Restorer

Job Security and Earning Potential

According to experts, approximately 250,000 people in the United States hold positions within the art and design industry. Of these, close to 65% work as self-employed professionals although with an increase in demand by companies, it is believed that this percentage will decline slightly. While these professionals work in various fields related to art and design, the majority have jobs in technology, with emphasis on animation and multimedia.