Computer Graphics Degree - Online and Campus Programs

The field of computer graphics has taken giant leaps forward in the past 20 years. Computer graphics are now used in business presentations, movies and television, advertising, and Web sites. As computer graphics programs become more sophisticated, people who are adept at working in computer graphic design create increasingly compelling and imaginative computer-generated images.

How to Become a Computer Graphics Designer

You can earn an associate or a bachelor's computer graphics degree at many colleges, universities, and trade schools through on-campus or distance learning programs. Computer graphics classes that prepare you for a career in this exciting field include:

• Animation and Spatial Graphics
• Computer Programming
• Web Site and Internet Development
• 3D Computer Graphics Design
• Geometric Modeling
• Visualization and Communication Design

With knowledge and skills in these areas, you may find yourself in high demand in several industries that depend on visual communication.

Career Outlook for Computer Graphics Professionals

The employment outlook for computer graphics designers is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the field of graphic design arts is expected to increase by 13 percent by 2018. The demand is expected to be especially high in the interactive media arena, which encompasses Web sites, mobile phones, and other communications technology. Earning a computer graphics degree will ease out salary negotiations and advancement opportunities. In 2008, the median annual income for all computer graphics designers was $47,860. According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, entry-level computer graphics designers received median annual compensation of $35,000 in 2008. Freelance computer graphics designers reported a median income of $57,000.