Getting Art Degree from TESU: My Experience

[CreativeLearner]

I just completed my BA in Art from TESU and will graduate this month. When I first started this journey, it was mentioned here that the Art degree at TESU is not well researched because few attempt it. I thought I would post my experience here to help add to existing information. My background: I started an art and graphic design based degree many years ago. When I applied to TESU, they took nearly all my old credits, even the older computer design classes. By comparison, my local community college practically laughed me out the door when I showed them my old Adobe classes. I was fortunate in that I did not have many studio classes left to complete. Studio classes are classes like painting, sculpture, etc and are very difficult to find online options for. TESU does not offer these classes and you have to bring them in from somewhere else. In my case, I was able to take my studio classes at my local community college, and TESU readily transferred them in. I also noticed they gave me upper level credit for some of my community college art classes which was helpful. If there is other information that would be helpful, please feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer!

[AprilsFool]

Hello,
I'm curious if you work in graphic design? If so, I'm looking for information on people with BAs in Art pursuing graphic design. From my understanding, the graphic design field places much more focus on portfolios than degrees, but I haven't seen much discussion on first-hand experience. My partner is currently studying graphic design at a public university, and the commute and tuition costs are becoming untenable.

[ss20ts]

Hello,
I'm curious if you work in graphic design? If so, I'm looking for information on people with BAs in Art pursuing graphic design. From my understanding, the graphic design field places much more focus on portfolios than degrees, but I haven't seen much discussion on first-hand experience. My partner is currently studying graphic design at a public university, and the commute and tuition costs are becoming untenable.

Has he checked out SNHU? They have an online graphic design program. 

https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/graphic-design

[CreativeLearner]

Hello,
I'm curious if you work in graphic design? If so, I'm looking for information on people with BAs in Art pursuing graphic design. From my understanding, the graphic design field places much more focus on portfolios than degrees, but I haven't seen much discussion on first-hand experience. My partner is currently studying graphic design at a public university, and the commute and tuition costs are becoming untenable.

I chose this degree because it best aligned with the accumulation of credits I had, so that I could complete my degree and get a BA, in case I ever sought a job that required I check the box. I also did it for the personal and learning experience. I did have to take some in person art classes to transfer to TESU and my impression from the students and professors is that portfolio and resume is what matters most. They talked a lot about building a body of work to demonstrate their skills and problem solving. The portfolio side of things was heavily emphasized. I think the only reason a BA is really needed in the art and design fields is to check the box for employers who require it or desire it. I also found the structured curriculum of the in person art classes helpful in keeping me on track and motivated to experience and learn a wide variety of skills. But I would not pay alot of $$$ to get this experience...a good community college combined with TESU can do the same

[AprilsFool]

Hello,
I'm curious if you work in graphic design? If so, I'm looking for information on people with BAs in Art pursuing graphic design. From my understanding, the graphic design field places much more focus on portfolios than degrees, but I haven't seen much discussion on first-hand experience. My partner is currently studying graphic design at a public university, and the commute and tuition costs are becoming untenable.

Has he checked out SNHU? They have an online graphic design program. 

https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/graphic-design

We have looked at SNHU. There was at least one other post on the forum discussing that pathway, and I think user LEVELUP created a degree plan on the wiki.

SNHU would be cheaper than our state university, but still a bit more expensive than a BA in art. I know the graphic design field is quite saturated, and I'm wondering how necessary a specific degree is to enter the field. 
Maybe a general BA in art would work well?