What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?
To be sure that future employers will be interested in your degree, it is important to know that your school has the appropriate accreditation.
For any higher education discipline, particularly for the arts and design, accreditation is crucial when choosing an institution.
The college or university is eligible for financial support if the Department of Education has recognized an association that provided the accreditation.
First of all, accreditation shows that an educational institution adheres to the standards.
Secondly, the program is relevant and continues to expand in its field.
There are institutional and programmatic accreditation processes.
One is required for schools, the other for a specific discipline and degree program.
Regional Accrediting Agencies
Regional and national accreditation agencies can provide institutional accreditation.
In short, regional accreditation agencies enhance reputation and credibility.
When studying the conditions of colleges and universities, it is advisable to obtain a “stamp of approval” from one of these accreditation agencies depending on the region:
- The Higher Learning Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
National Accrediting Agencies
As regards national accreditation agencies, the situation is different.
Sometimes, an accreditation agency that specializes in a specific program is important.
Some employers require you to obtain a degree in a specific program from a national accreditation course.
Although this is not a mandatory requirement in the field of art and design.
Therefore, regional accreditation is sufficient for this program.
However, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) recommends national standards for a degree in art and design.
Totally, NASAD has accredited more than 350 schools.
This shows that they all conform to the quality standards and curriculums by NASAD.
It’s a good indicator of loyalty to the program.
However, if your institution does not have national accreditation, this is not a violation of the agreement.
Accreditation from one of the 6 associations listed above is also the way for you to get the desired degree in art and design.
To determine accreditation status, you simply need to contact the chosen school.
Chiefly, the database of the Department of Education contains all accredited companies within its competence.
If you know about accreditation, you can consider several options for obtaining a degree.
What Kinds of Art & Design Degrees Are There?
Associate Degree in Art & Design
Many public and some professional colleges offer 60-credit two-year programs in Art and Design.
With this degree, you can start your career in the field or continue to study on your way to a bachelor’s degree.
After that, you will have a basic education in the most important art techniques and begin to immerse yourself in the great world of art history.
If the type of your program allows it, you will also be able to gain knowledge in a more specific field, such as graphic design or fine arts.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to start creating your own portfolio.
If you have the diploma of the junior specialist, you will receive be able to work in a printing house or to be the assistant of the photographer or to work as the self-employed drawing artist.
Consequently, the field of art is unique and accessible to all who are talented and purposeful, even without academic degrees.
However, if you want to work as a photographic editor for a well-known company, a bachelor’s degree will be an advantage for you.
Associate Degree is halfway through.
What Courses Will You Take?
- Introduction to Art History
- Design Principles
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Sketching and Illustration
- Computer-Aided Drafting
Bachelor of Art & Design
A bachelor’s degree in art and design provides basic education in subjects such as visual arts techniques and art history.
Furthermore, you will specifically explore your chosen area of interest.
Usually, 120-credit courses require 4 years of study, during which you can grow in the real range of your average level.
As a visual arts student, you will sharpen your skills to explore new forms of animated and inanimate objects and learn to understand more deeply certain moments in the history of art.
During your training, you will be able to learn new technologies, best practices, and opportunities for your creativity and profession.
It is related to all disciplines including photography engraving, animation, fashion design, computer design for games, advertising design and many others.
In addition to theoretical knowledge, you will gain practical skills to create innovative solutions in industrial design
This means that you will be able to create interesting advertising campaigns as a graphic artist or prepare your works to an exhibition in the gallery.
You can also continue to build your portfolio by creating a collection of the best works that your future employer or mentor will watch.
Incredible, you can apply a bachelor’s degree in art and design to get quick access to a wide range of professional opportunities.
If you are interested in the greatest coverage of professional knowledge, you should definitely continue your studies at the Master’s level.
What Courses Will You Take?
- Color and Design
- 3-D Drawing
- Sculptures and Ceramics
- Basics of Visual Arts
- Basics of Computer Design
- Principles in Art History
- Art and modern
- Integration of Art & Design
What’s the Difference between a BFA and a BS in Art & Design?
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is the best option for those, who wish to be art professionals.
This course combines creative direction with a range of arts disciplines.
A bachelor’s degree in art is well suitable for those who plan to use design practices in your career and architecture.
You will most likely have to continue your studies in architecture or engineering with a master’s degree in architecture and engineering, in order to obtain a diploma in architecture.
It is clear that a Bachelor of Arts and Design degree will help your future studies as an educational foundation.
Master of Art & Design
A master’s degree in art and design will allow you to reach the top position of the art department, director of a museum, restorer or art historian in the future.
Besides, you can also give lessons or teach art courses.
During your master’s program, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in your chosen field, develop your skills and portfolio within the field.
And in order to become a teacher in a public or private school, you will also need a government teacher’s license in addition to a master’s degree.
This is the next step towards obtaining a Ph.D. in art.
What Courses Will You Take?
- Contemporary Issues in Art
- Typography
- Critical Theory
- Digital Photography Editing
- Advanced Studies in Art History
Ph.D. of Art & Design
If you want to do serious research and study at the university level, you should consider a doctoral degree in art.
To become a professor of fine arts, you will need a doctorate in art history or design theory.
Commonly, renowned artistic associations, foundations, cooperatives, communities, and museum administrations value doctors of philosophy.
You will be able to continue working on your portfolio and select a topic for your dissertation project.
What Kind of Licensing or Certification Do You Need?
Upon completion of your studies in the field of art and design, you will receive a certificate of higher education.
This is required because most employers are more likely to hire certified professionals.
In addition, you can also get a certificate by taking additional courses.
For example, Adobe offers various certificates for course programs to become an adobe certified expert.
It will prove your knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator or Flesh.
It’s good for graphic designers or animators.
Popular Degree Programs
What Can You Do With This Degree?
Your degree will be the beginning of a dreamy career in art and design.
Here is a list of the best jobs in your field:
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Worker
- Set and Exhibit Designer
- Floral Designer
- Craft and Fine Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Interior Designer
- Industrial Designer
- Multimedia Artists and Animator
- Fashion Designer
- Art Directors
How Much Can You Make With This Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 employers offer the following basic wages for the best jobs in your field:
- Floral Designers — Mean annual wage of $27,200 per year
- Craft/Fine Arts — Mean annual wage of $ 48,960 per year
- Graphic Designers — Mean annual wage of $50,370 per year
- Interior Designers — Mean annual wage of $ 53,370 per year
- Industrial Designers — Mean annual wage $ 66,590 per year
- Multimedia Artists/Animators — Mean annual wage of $ 72,520 per year
- Fashion Designers — Mean annual wage of $ 72,720 per year
- Art Directors — Mean annual wage of $ 92,780 per year
What Professional Associations or Societies Should You Join?
The best way to establish new connections in your field is to join a professional association.
Here you can also learn about useful seminars or contests and improve your personal knowledge.
Obviously, your chosen career path will determine which associations you decide to join.
Find out about art and design associations that match your professional direction:
- American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
- Chartered Society of Designers
- Graphic Artists Guild
- The National Art Education Association (NAEA)
- National Association for Fine Art Education
- Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD)
- Society of Illustrators, Artists, and Designers (SIAD)
Summary
Now you have a more particular vision of your design career.
Choose your own path and start applying your talents in work.
The degree in art and design allows you to choose one or more interesting directions.
It’s a great opportunity to realize your creative potential and express unconventional thinking.
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