As long as humans have existed, so has artistic expression, from cave paintings to ancient musical instruments. In the modern world, art surrounds us in various forms, from the design of websites and billboards to the TV shows and movies we watch.
Earning a degree in art and design can help students prepare for a variety of careers in visual and performing arts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that, through 2033, overall employment will increase at a faster-than-average pace in entertainment-related jobs and as fast as the average for jobs in art and design.
Read on to learn more about the best art and design degree programs and get answers to frequently asked questions about art and design education.
What You Can Do With An Art & Design Degree
A degree in an art and design field prepares students for their chosen area of specialization by helping them develop their artistic technique and transferable skills like creative problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making.
Artistic careers tend to be non-linear, with many visual and performing artists working as freelancers or gig workers who choose projects based on their individual interests and opportunities.
Visual artists seeking traditional employment may go on to work with design agencies, art galleries, or the creative departments of digital or print publications.
Performing artists such as musicians often obtain work through an audition process and may be employed by bands, orchestras, or recording studios. Many musicians also work as educators, offering instruction through K-12 schools, arts organizations, or private lessons.
Career outlook
- Graphic designers: Create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and reports.
- Median annual salary: $58,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 2%
- New jobs projected: 21,000 per year
- Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design
- Art directors: Oversee the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design and direct others who develop artwork or layouts.
- Median annual salary: $106,500
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 5%
- New jobs projected: 11,700 per year
- Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design
- Producers and directors: Make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain, inform, or instruct an audience.
- Median annual salary: $82,510
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 8%
- New jobs projected: 13,900 per year
- Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in film
- Film and video editors: Arrange footage shot by camera operators and collaborate with producers and directors to create the final content for films, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and more.
- Median annual salary: $61,800 per year
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 3%
- New jobs projected: 7,100 per year
- Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in film
- Music directors and composers: Lead orchestras and other musical groups during performances and recording sessions. Composers write and arrange original music in a variety of musical styles.
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- Median annual salary: $62,590
- Projected employment growth (through 2033): 3%
- New jobs projected: 5,100 per year
- Degree required: Master’s degree in music
Frequently Asked Questions About Art & Design Degrees
Is a degree in art and design worth it?
A college degree is not necessarily required for many careers in the visual and performing arts. Many successful artists are self-taught or learn through informal training, and potential employers may prioritize demonstrated ability and artistic vision over formal education credentials.
However, there are numerous benefits to pursuing a college degree in art and design. They provide students with a supportive environment to learn and explore while honing their techniques. Most visual and performing arts programs include a theoretical component to their curriculum, which helps young artists develop their own unique style and voice.
Networking is also essential to building a successful career in the arts, and degree programs offer students many opportunities to connect with current professionals in their field. When considering programs, students should focus on those with reputable faculty, mentorship opportunities, visiting artists, and strong alumni networks to build the strongest network possible.
An arts education also equips students with a variety of transferable skills, including problem-solving, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence. These skills are valuable in artistic careers but can also be applied to many other careers and jobs.
How do I apply to an art and design degree program?
In addition to traditional application requirements like transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and standardized test scores, many visual and performing arts degree programs require applicants to demonstrate their current level of ability in their chosen medium.
For visual art and design students, this often means submitting a portfolio of recent original work that shows an understanding of basic techniques in foundational areas like color theory, composition, and perspective. Most art schools and programs will provide applicants with specifics they are seeking in a portfolio, including the number of pieces and mediums and whether students should include an artistic statement. For film programs, students are typically asked to submit an example of film work, such as a short film or reel.
Applicants to performing arts programs must typically participate in an audition process, either in person or by submitting a video. Specific instructions will vary by program and area of study, but students will have to demonstrate a baseline of ability to meet the program’s requirements.
Should I earn a degree in art and design online or in person?
While more schools are offering online art and design programs, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, there are numerous benefits to attending an in-person program for these areas of study.
For example, students in visual art programs will have more access to studios and materials in a traditional campus setting, while film and photography students will be able to use school-provided equipment, labs, and software. An in-person program will give performing arts students access to studios and rehearsal spaces and performance opportunities, which are integral to developing students’ abilities.
Additionally, the arts are inherently collaborative. For example, filmmakers need actors, writers, crew members, editors, and others to help fully realize their vision. Traditional on-campus film programs provide students with more opportunities to find these collaborators, while students in online programs may find it hard to make these connections.
However, deciding whether to pursue an art and design degree in-person or online comes down to individual needs and preferences, with some students needing the flexibility or accessibility provided by a virtual program.
Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Art & Design
Associate
Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits and can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.
Students who pursue an associate degree in an art and design field will learn foundational skills and knowledge they can apply in entry-level roles. This degree can also be a stepping-stone for students who want to go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The most common degree awarded at this level for art and design programs is an Associate of Arts (AA), although some programs may award an Associate of Applied Arts (AAA).
Bachelor’s
Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students usually complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.
For art and design fields, bachelor’s degree programs typically focus on deepening students’ theoretical knowledge of their art form while building their technique as artists. The curriculum also typically includes general education requirements in areas like English, social sciences, math, and foreign languages.
By the end of their programs, visual arts students typically have a portfolio of completed work that they can show to potential employers as a demonstration of their abilities. For performing artists, bachelor’s degree programs usually offer multiple performance opportunities through school and student-led productions, allowing them to hone their skills and create a reel or portfolio to show potential employers.
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art and design can earn the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Music (BM)
Master’s
A master’s degree is an advanced degree program designed to deepen a student’s knowledge within a particular area of study or prepare students for career advancement. Credit requirements vary by subject and program, with most requiring between 36 and 60 credits. Completion time also differs based on the total number of credits and whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time.
While most careers within the arts don’t require a master’s degree, students may choose to pursue this level of education to hone their technique and elevate their craft. Master’s degree programs in visual and performing arts give students a supportive environment to explore and create new work while building relationships that can lead to post-graduate opportunities.
For visual and performing artists, the most common master’s degree option is a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), although some programs award a Master of Arts. Music students typically earn a Master of Music (MM).
Online Art & Design Degree Programs
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Traditional Art & Design Degree Programs
Bachelor’s
Master’s
Learn More About Education and Teaching Degree Programs
- Do I Need to Take the SAT or ACT for College Admissions?
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- Can I Finish My Bachelor’s Degree Online?
- Can I Get My Master’s Degree Online?
- How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?
- How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
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