Online Schools for Bachelor's in Graphic Design?

[Hunter91]

Anyone know of any reputable schools that offer an online bachelors degree in graphic design without breaking the bank?

Been looking, but haven't found much.

Edit:
Looks like Penn Foster offers an associates...That's a start I guess.

[SweetSecret]

I've addressed this on here a number of times, but I am not really a proponent of graphic design degrees. Its a field that pretty much anyone can get into, and a strong portfolio means more than the degree, especially when more design work these days is being done by independent contractors. Its also a field, along with animation, that it's just really hard to compete in right now because of all the outsourcing to places like India. There are places online where companies can get pretty good quality logos these days for as low as $5, and even GoDaddy charges about $200... which can still be really low. Even US high schoolers are able to just pick this stuff up on their own and charge way less - like $10 - $12/hr. Its really hard to compete with that and do things like pay a mortgage or rent. My suggestion would be to go get a degree in something else more use-able (business or STEM) and specialize in design for a particular field using design skills one has learned on their own.

If however a person still really wants to go the traditional route, of the colleges I went to for art - my vote goes to the Academy of Art University. They let pretty much anyone in, and people pretty much fail out. The instructors are top notch though!

[dfrecore]

I agree with SweetSecret, this field is one that does not NEED a degree, and I wouldn't encourage someone to spend a lot of money getting it. My daughter is going to take Graphic Design in HS, the teacher is excellent there. People are figuring this stuff out on their own, or very early, and for free. But, I'm sure there are plenty of courses out there that would be interesting to take and there is plenty to learn.

That being said, Hodges has a competency-based degree for Digital Design & Graphics - both an AA and a BA. $2,750 for a 6-month term. I would advise anyone wanting to do this to do a lot of the Gen Ed stuff through ACE/CLEP/DSST/ALEKS, etc - Hodges accepts all of those. And then start the program when they've been assured that they will transfer in with the most credits possible so that they're not paying for anything they can get cheaper elsewhere, and that they don't end up having to take so many classes that they can't finish in the 6 months.

Good luck!

[bjcheung77]

Anyone know of any reputable schools that offer an online bachelors degree in graphic design without breaking the bank?

Been looking, but haven't found much.

Edit:
Looks like Penn Foster offers an associates...That's a start I guess.

Yup, I looked this up earlier like a couple of months ago. I think someone mentioned they were looking for this type of degree.
Your best option maybe Hodges University $2500-$3000/6 month term. It's competency based - meaning more hands on training!
I found the link! http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...ustry.html

[cookderosa]

Anyone know of any reputable schools that offer an online bachelors degree in graphic design without breaking the bank?

Been looking, but haven't found much.

Edit:
Looks like Penn Foster offers an associates...That's a start I guess.

I'll suggest your local community college. I know that's not online, but it will certainly be very affordable. It I were in your shoes, I'd take the classes locally so you can network and potentially land an internship while simultaneously working on your bachelor's in business from one of the big 3 using testing as much as possible. I think that's a rock solid combination.

EDIT to add: if you get an internship or some work under your belt, you can always go for the master's degree. Your bachelor's in business is your admission ticket to grad school, and you'll have saved money by not spending it on the bachelor's in graphic design. Anyone in any hands-on career will tell you that everything you need for the career you learn in the associate's degree anyway.

[jsd]

I'll suggest your local community college. I know that's not online, but it will certainly be very affordable.

Honestly, in 2016, a good chunk of these are more than likely available online at a local CC. I know my little no-where CC offers at the very least the general ed reqs online.

[cookderosa]

Honestly, in 2016, a good chunk of these are more than likely available online at a local CC. I know my little no-where CC offers at the very least the general ed reqs online.

You're absolutely right- it's a possibility. (For fun, I checked my local CC, and ours are not online, however a resourceful person could take the non-graphic classes through online or CLEP and cut down campus time)

[alleycat]

I second the local CC route.

It's not as easy as you think it is. Many times it is much easier being with people in the same situation to bounce ideas off of. Typography, color , digital design, illustration and such, are not easy classes. And I can say this first hand . It was nice having an instructor right there. It also great having lab time for projects. Because you have a ton of them.

[Hunter91]

Thanks for the feedback, y'all! Some good points in here.

[Hunter91]

EDIT to add: if you get an internship or some work under your belt, you can always go for the master's degree. Your bachelor's in business is your admission ticket to grad school, and you'll have saved money by not spending it on the bachelor's in graphic design. Anyone in any hands-on career will tell you that everything you need for the career you learn in the associate's degree anyway.

Are you referring to an MBA when you say "you can always go for the master's degree"?