Degree Options

[nylie]

I am currently a graphic design student in SF attending The Art Institute of California - San Francisco. I am working towards my bachelors of applied science degree in graphic design and am currently in my 7th month/third quarter attending AiCA-SF.

I just went to FIDM this week - The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (SF location). I went for informational purposes to see what my competition was and whether or not that school is better for my education in graphic design. What led to this was the web site designs and student work (artinstitutes.edu, fidm.com).

FIDM:http://fidm.com/features/student/gra...ign/index.html
AiCA-SF:http://www.aicasf.artinstitutes.edu/...ry.asp?pgid=50

The differences were that FIDM only offers specialized associates degrees and Ai offers bachelors degrees. Also, FIDM has better and stronger networking connections which I think is extremely important for job opportunities. Also, FIDM lets graphic design majors acquire an interactive multimedia degree in 9 months after a first or second year in GD.

The students who graduate with an associates degree from Ai make about the same average starting salary as those who graduate with a bachelors degree in GD at Ai - about 28k. With a few hundred dollars in difference.

So which is better? Is having a bachelors degree more important or do hirers in the industry care more about portfolio and experience in years? Will having an associates degree affect me negatively in any way at all once I graduate and start contributing to the industry?

Also, what do you guys know about these colleges, if anything? How do these colleges reflect the industry? I'd really like to know everyone's opinions.

Thanks.

[idaho]

I'm pretty sure this has been discussed multiple times on GDF. Do a search and you'll find lots of stuff.

If you're nice enough, our wonderful GDF Librarian Morea might be willing to point you toward a link or two.

[morea]

lol @ idaho.

Education has been discussed multiple times on the forum... you can check out a whole bunch of links here: http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/fo...ead.php?t=7892

Short answer: in the long run, a Bachelor's degree would likely open more doors for you to specific places like specialized ad agencies and certain places do request a bachelors... it really depends on what you want out of your career. I know many successful designers who are self taught, and many people with degrees who can't find work in the industry.

As long as you know how to do what is expected of you, including knowledge of design concepts like color theory, typography, composition, and layout, your experience and portfolio are often given as much weight as a degree.

Read over some of the advice in those links, they contain a wealth of information. You would also benefit considerably by getting some real work experience in a prepress environment... it will help you to see design in another light entirely.

This article provides some excellent advice for people who are new to the industry.

And A.J. Kandy's article "What to Expect out of a Design Career" is also an excellent read.

Good luck.

[idaho]

I told you she'd be helpful.

Thank you Morea!

[morea]

lol! I do my best.