Online Graphic Design Degrees

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by korr4, Aug 20, 2003.

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  1. korr4

    korr4 New Member

    Does anyone have any experience with any of the online graphic design bachelor's degrees out there? We'd appreciate ANYTHING that anyone could share.
    Thanks,
    Kevin
     
  2. Myoptimism

    Myoptimism New Member

    Hello. Are you inquiring about nationally accredited schools or regionally accredited schools?
    If you are asking about NA schools (specifically the Art Institute Online and/or the Academy of Art College,) get out your checkbook. The tuition would be roughly $45,000+ (AIO) or $65,000+ (AofA.) OUCH!! If you do decide on one of these schools, I think you should seriously consider using CLEP tests or CC courses to cover the required general education credits.
    As far as RA schools, there is one Graphic Design BA/S listed when I searched the degreefinder database. Unfortunately it is exclusively for students of the female persuasion. How much do you desire the named degree. Would a generic degree (liberal studies) covering much of the same material be sufficient? I ask because I have to believe you can find a much less expensive degree if you go with an RA school (if you can find a program, that is.) Also, a degree from an RA school will likely have more utility and portablility.

    Good luck,
    Tony
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 20, 2003
  3. korr4

    korr4 New Member

    Thanks, Tony. Actually, I am seriously considering the Art Institute Online. I already have a BS in education, so I'm hoping that I can get some (or most) of the gen-ed courses waived. I was also looking at American Intercontinental Online and Westwood College Online. Both offer "Visual Communication" Bachelor's degrees, which appear to be somewhat similar to the Art Institute path (although shorter in duration, and possibly less comprehensive). Do you happen to know whether these schools are regionally or nationally accredited? Does regional accreditation mean that the school's degrees are only honored in the region in which they are accredited?

    Thanks, much.
    Kevin
     
  4. korr4

    korr4 New Member

    Sorry for my accreditation question. I was able to answer it myself with a bit of snooping around previous postings. American Intercontinental is the only one I mentioned that is regionally accredited. The other two: Art Institute Online, and Westwood College Online, are accredited by other organizations--ACICS and ACCSCT, repsectively, which apparently accredit these types of technical/specialized schools.

    Another question arose, however: I can see the importance of American Intercontinental, who grants undergrad and grad degress in a variety of fields, having regional accreditation. But, The Art Institute (and Westwood, to a lesser extent) are far more narrow in their academic focus. Is it, therefore, reasonable to expect that their accreditation would be different? AI, for example, is accredited by the same organzation (ACICS) that has accredited the Academy of Art College.
    Thanks,
    Kevin
     
  5. Myoptimism

    Myoptimism New Member

    Hi Kevin,
    I apologize for taking so long to answer, I just took a much needed break from the cacophony of half-truths manufactured by some of our distant cousins. Anyway, let me answer your questions as best I can. First of all, with the fact that you already have a bachelor's degree (assumed RA), the importance of attending an RA school is lessened. What your choice will come down to is asking yourself which school prepares you the best for your goals, while comparing outcome and cost. Another consideration, Academy of Art has a second degree program in which you only need to earn an additional 66 credits. While still expensive (~30,000,) I find myself drooling at the curriculum. The same can probably be said for the Art Institute, although I don't know if the student would need to earn more or less additional credits there.
    Your situation is one of the few that might benefit more by going with a NA school, because of the specificity of your goals. Good luck!!

    Tony
     
  6. korr4

    korr4 New Member

    Thanks for the input, Tony. I was thinking the same thing regarding school accreditation for my interest in graphic design.

    Oddly though, in talking recently with several people in a bit of a better position to know than I (a college admissions official and a professor of graphic design at a large nearby university), it was recommended (by both, independently) that, given my existing bachelor's and master's degrees (both in education), an associate's degree would be the best path toward my pursuing a career in graphic design. The courses would deal specifically with the professional training that I wish to gain, with few (or none) of the gen-ed requirements. Obviously, this was welcome news, as not only is it FAR less money to get an associate's, there are far more adult-friendly options for pursuing it. The stress in graphic design, it seems, is on the quality of the portfolio. I'm going to bank on this advice, so to speak, and go for the A.A..

    Thanks, again.
    Kevin
     
  7. Joe Z

    Joe Z New Member

    online graphic design degrees RA

    There is a graphic design program online accredited by the Middle States College & Universities. It is Mohawk Valley Community College which is part of the State University of New York system (suny). The tuition (both in state and out of state) are comparatively modest. You can also check out the SUNY Learning Network (SLN) for a list of schools in the system that give individual courses in computer graphics.

    Does anyone know of about the online degrees in their state college and university system having to do with graphic design?

    I contacted UCLA & a Community College in California, but, here was some on campus attendence required.....which was impossible in that I live on rhe East Coast.

    A year or so ago, I attempted to take an online computer graphic course at Mohawk Valley Community College. It was canceled for lack of enrollment.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 6, 2003

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