From interior design to museum curating to graphic design, a degree in Art and Design can lead to a variety of enticing careers.

Types of Degrees

Art and Design students can pursue an associate degree (2 years) or bachelor's degree (4 years). An associate degree is usually obtained in two years and is usually less expensive per semester than a bachelor's degree. Associate degrees may allow you to enter the workforce sooner but sometimes with a lower starting salary than people holding a bachelor's degree or a higher level of education.

Admission Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic background in art and design coursework will help applicants obtain acceptance into their desired school. Scores from college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT are often required. Some schools require prospective students to submit a portfolio of work related to their desired degree program. Each school has its own specific requirements, making it important for you to explore several options before settling on a specific school.

Career Opportunities After Earning An Art and Design Degree

The range of career opportunities available to someone with a degree in Art and Design include:

• Graphic Design
• Museum Curation
• Interior Design
• Art direction
• Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

Post Graduate Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an Art Director was $106,500 in 2023, $58,910 for Graphic Designers, and $62,510 for Interior Designers ¹. Salaries for people with advanced degrees in Art and Design track higher. An Art Professor at a university earned around $101,460 in 2023 ².

Note that the average salary varies widely not only depending on career chosen, but on geographical location and what industry the job is in.

References

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Careers associated with these educational opportunities often require additional degrees and certifications not offered as part of the educational opportunities presented by this website.
• Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.