Online Degree in Visual Communication
Visual communication degrees online cover a range of areas from graphic arts and game programming to network communication and technology management. There are various levels of degrees and an innumerable amount of jobs within the field.
Colleges for an Online Visual Communications Degree
Whether you are just starting out in visual communications or have some formal training, there are online college degrees at every stage of development for the visual communications professional.
Being Careful
People choose non-accredited universities and institutions for online certification or courses because they are more affordable and meets the general eligibility specifications listed to pursue the requested degree course online. It is advisable to choose an accredited university to pursue the courses since it affects your experience and may have adverse implications for the prospective job. Be careful when you choose an online program offered by various online institutions.
- DeVry University
- New England Institute of Technology
- Career Point College
- Bryant and Stratton College
- Keiser University
- Keller Graduate School of Management
- The Center for Digital Imaging at Boston University
- Lansdale School of Business
Some specific types of visual communication degrees include:
Associates degree: Network Systems administration
Bachelors degree:Game and Simulation Programming, Information Technology, Network and Communication Management, Graphic Arts, Business Administration with an Emphasis in Business Information Systems
Masters degree: Network Communication and Management, Network and Communication Management, Information Systems Management, Graphic Arts
Careers in Visual Communications
There are numerous careers for anyone interested in visual communications. You can concentrate on particular aspects of design, such as editing where you can focus on different types of editing careers in visual communications. You can also choose to be a director in your chosen field. Some of the industries in which you can work are: advertising, marketing, video game production and graphic arts.
Design jobs: graphic designer, internet web designer, new media production designer, graphic communications designer, production artist
Editing jobs: digital video editors, commercial production using nonlinear editing
Directing jobs:Art director (print, internet, video or multimedia director)
Salaries with a Visual Communications Degree
The salaries with visual communication degrees are varied. Much of the variation is due to degree and level of experience. Median salaries for various careers include: Graphic Designers make between $30,000 and $35,000, Freelance Designers make about $60,000, Web Designers take in around $45,000 and Design Directors average about $98,000 a year.
Pros and Cons of a Visual Communications degree online
Students benefit from seeking an online degree in visual communications. However, they must realize that if they are not disciplined that they will have problems with completing an online education.
Pros
Convenience :
No traffic jams, no parking fees and no weather related issues
Flexibility :
Read lectures, books and websites whenever and wherever you want as long as there is an internet connection
Independence : Good for those students who work well independently
Few tests :
More focus on projects and assignments
Professional growth :
Working directly with professionals in your line of work
Professionals: Mentors in your field from different parts of the world
Promotions: Students who pursue an online degree in visual communications get promotions
Salary: Salaries are higher for those who receive an online degree
Cons
Lack of benefits : No gym, stocked library, social programs or organizations
Inferior classes : Pre-structured classes can have mistakes or be outdated
Nonexistent student services : No financial aid counseling or career guidance offices
Loneliness : Lack of interaction with other students which makes some feel they are missing out on a “real” college experience
Cost : Online degrees can cost more out of pocket than traditional education
Waiting : Lack of real-time discussions or question and answer from professors. Also, waiting to hear from professors via email or conducting an online discussion can take a longer time to get a response. Sometimes you hear from other discussion participants or the professor days later.
Employment problems : Some of the higher paying companies prefer workers with a degree from a traditional college
