With the expansion of web design, graphic arts and digital media careers nationwide, accredited web design degree programs in Oklahoma are also on the rise. Not only does the graphic design industry employ hundreds of proficient degree-holders in major metropolitan areas, but jobs are also becoming more available in rural areas as the need for technology services grows due to mobile devices and e-commerce. This is also true in the Sooner State, where career opportunities in web design are increasingly available outside of the bigger urban centers of Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Moore and Norman. As this industry continues to grow in Oklahoma, graduates from accredited web design programs can look forward to sustainable careers working in a variety of business settings with advancement possibilities.
Cameron University
Department of Computing and Technology
Expanded from its roots in Lawton as an agriculture school in 1908, CU bills itself as “The University of Choice”, providing more than 50 degree options for study. Students can enroll in associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s programs in a variety of popular career choices, including multimedia design. The institution is so confident about the quality of its education that it has implemented a program guaranteeing its baccalaureate students are eligible for further training if employers find deficiencies in any core employment areas related to a graduate’s degree. Cameron is ranked #10 on the 4International Colleges and Universities website for the top universities in Oklahoma. In addition, Cameron was noted as being ranked in the 2014 edition of Best Colleges for Regional Universities (West), Tier 2.
Multimedia Design – Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
This associate’s degree in multimedia design prepares graduates to begin in entry level positions within the web design industry. The program encourages a team-centered approach to interactive, system design, while enhancing technical multimedia skills that work across a variety of computer platforms. The degree requires 61 credits for completion including 18 in general education courses, and the remaining 43 credits in core major courses that cover: fundamentals of multimedia design and production techniques, instructional design, multimedia authoring, communications, legal issues, audio-visual techniques, technical writing, computer information systems, and a capstone project.
Multimedia Design – Bachelor of Science (BS)
The bachelor’s in multimedia design is built upon the same foundation as the associate’s degree, but requires more in-depth study into technical development and management skills. This degree helps graduates begin careers at higher level positions and prepares them with the foundations for further studies at the master’s level if desired. Graduates with this degree also have more advancement opportunities within the field. Degree completion requires a minimum of 124 credit hours that come from general education, core major courses, electives and specialized study within one of the following concentration areas: instructional design project leader, 3D animation, or web development professional.
Accreditations
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA HLC)
Contacts
Cameron University
Howell Hall, Room 104
2800 West Gore Boulevard
Lawton, Oklahoma 73505
Phone: (580) 581-2335
Email: compandtech@cameron.edu
Website: http://www.cameron.edu/catalog/science/technology.html#major510
DeVry University, Oklahoma City Campus
College of Media Arts and Technology
As a national university, DeVry provides a wide variety of degree programs for popular career paths within the computer field. As most students at DeVry are currently employed, programs are offered through combinations of traditional campus classes and online coursework to accommodate family and work schedules. Students enjoy flexible formats that allow them to continue working while accessing further education in their chosen career. DeVry’s computer degree programs, including those in web design, are fully accredited and well regarded within the business industry. Graduates are prepared for the rigorous and fast-paced expectations of graphic design and multimedia jobs they will encounter in the field.
Web Graphic Design Associate’s Degree (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science in Web Graphic Design teaches the fundamental skills necessary to be proficient with applying design principles, using software applications, managing web content, and creating animation. Students completing this 67 credit hour program will be ready to tackle entry-level positions as web graphic and web page designers, instructional and informational designers, web graphic animators, digital graphics editors, and media communications consultants. For those interested in more advanced, managerial positions, this degree provides a solid foundation for further study towards a bachelor’s in the field.
Multimedia Design and Development Bachelor’s Degree (BS)
This Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design and Development expands on the fundamental principles of the associate’s degree. Students take active roles in designing, illustrating, and producing visual communications while learning how to manage and lead teams within the workplace. Degree requirements cover 124 credit hours of design and development classes covering: internet content, web pages, advertising, marketing strategies, instructional techniques, completion of multimedia projects, and team management concepts. Students also focus on one of four concentrations: graphics and multimedia management, graphic and multimedia design, web game programming, or web design and development. Once completed, graduates with this degree have a variety of industry careers open to them along with increased, advancement opportunities.
Accreditations
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contacts
DeVry University
Oklahoma City Campus
Lakepointe Towers
4013 NW Expressway Street, Suite 100
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116
Phone: (405) 767-9516
Contacts Page: http://www.oklahoma-city.devry.edu/campus_directory.html
Websites:
- Web Graphic Design Associate’s Degree (AAS): http://www.devry.edu/degree-programs/college-media-arts-technology/web-graphic-design-about.html
- BS in Multimedia Design and Development: http://www.devry.edu/degree-programs/college-media-arts-technology/multimedia-design-and-development-about.html
East Central University
Department of Art
ECU is a public university located in rural Ada, Oklahoma, with branches in Ardmore, Shawnee, and McAlister. Degree pathways are available for obtaining bachelor and master’s in more than 70 programs, including graphic design. The university believes in educating students to work within a rapidly changing and diverse society by providing them with real-world opportunities for learning. Flexible formats, including on-campus or online classes, benefit working individuals who wish to pursue higher education goals. Graduates holding a bachelor’s with graphic design emphasis are highly employable and have gone on to work for the government, literary publications, health care facilities, and legal agencies.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a Concentration in Graphic Design
Students pursuing a media graphics career will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts with concentrated studies in the graphic design field. Foundational studio art skills are taught via traditional methods but are enhanced and supported with state-of-the-art digital facilities and real-world experiences at various internship locations. The total degree plan is 124 credits and consists of: 45 hours of general education classes and 82 hours of core classes in art studio foundations, graphic arts coursework, related electives and a capstone project.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contacts
East Central University
Office of Student Development
1100 East 14h Street
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
Phone:(580) 559-5628 or (877) 310-5628 (toll free)
Email: ecurecruit@ecok.edu
Website: https://www.ecok.edu/administration/academic-affairs-programs/academics/colleges-schools/college-liberal-arts-and-social-sciences/school-fine-arts/department-of-art/art-department-studies
Northeastern State University
Department of Art
Started as the Cherokee National Female Seminary in 1846, Northeastern, State University is considered to be the oldest institution of higher learning in Oklahoma. Since that time, NSU has developed into the fourth largest, four-year educational facility in the state and continues to honor its Native American heritage with more than 30 tribes represented among its student population. NSU is also versatile, offering more than 94 different undergraduate and graduate programs for students to pursue. With small studio class sizes, the Department of Art offers a bachelor’s in graphic design that pays attention to teaching strong foundational skills while honing individuality. In addition, the degree prepares students for further graduate study in the field.
Graphic Design, B.A.
This bachelor of arts degree in graphic design emphasizes skill sets in core art foundations alongside graphic design fundamentals. It consists of taking a minimum of 99 credit hours covering: core art coursework, including drawing, design and art history; and graphic design courses in computer applications, typography, design theory, publication design, identity systems, advertising, illustration and web graphics. Additional coursework in general education classes may be required to complete the degree. Graduates with this degree find employment in graphic art firms and other businesses as web managers.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contacts
Northeastern State University
Art Program
601 North Grand
Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464
PHone: (918) 444-3600
Email: hunterla@nsuok.edu
Website: http://academics.nsuok.edu/art/DegreePrograms/GraphicDesign.aspx
Oklahoma Baptist University
College of Fine Arts, Division of Communication Arts
Located just outside of Oklahoma City in Shawnee, OBU offers degree tracks in more than 86 areas of study. The school enjoys national rankings from U.S. News and World Report, in Forbes listing of “America’s Best Colleges,” and through the Princeton Review. Though small in size, OBU is large in scope by blending traditional programs with cutting edge methodologies and encourages its graduates to be life-long learners and contributors to their communities. Case in point: the bachelor’s in digital media arts, which provides hands-on learning experiences in state-of-the-art facilities to learn audio/visual production techniques that are in high demand for digital media jobs.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Digital Media Arts
This baccalaureate degree requires 128 hours of classes spread out among: core general education courses (42 hours), flexible core offerings (13 hours), converged electives (nine hours), other related electives (21 hours), and specialization classes in the area of digital media (43 hours). The curriculum emphasizes art as it relates to digital media presentations. It also incorporates journalistic and communication skills in writing, editing, and speaking into the foundations of the degree. Hands-on projects and internships round out the degree experience. Graduates are successful in finding employment in media outlets across the country.
Accreditations
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contacts
Oklahoma Baptist University
Ronald Johnson, Associate of Digital Media Arts
OBU Box 61203
500 West University
Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804
Email: ronald.johnson@okbu.edu
Website: http://www.okbu.edu/admissions/academic_programs/digital_media_arts/
Oklahoma City Community College
Information Technology and Arts Departments
As the fifth largest college in Oklahoma, more than 28,000 students attend OCCC each year to earn associate degrees that can lead them into successful careers in competitive job markets around the country. The college is recognized as a leader in technology education and its degree tracks in multimedia and web design are some of the most popular programs that OCCC offers. Graduates with with applied associate degrees from the school’s media and web design programs are prepared for immediate employment opportunities.
Digital Media Design AAS
The applied associate degree in digital media design teaches students how to present media content using text, graphics, sound, animation and video to convey ideas. Math, reading and writing competencies are important prerequisites for this area of study. Degree requirements are a minimum of 64 credits in general education and specialization coursework that emphasize graphic design, interactive web design, motion design and video production. Graduates with the appropriate skills will find immediate employment opportunities working in fields such as: web design, graphic arts, digital and interactive media, 3D modeling, animation, special effects, and photo and video editing.
Computer Science AAS, Web Design and Development Option
This applied science associate’s degree is designed to give employers what they need most from computer science employees: skilled web designers and developers who know how to update content regularly and keep it relevant to attract customers and maintain business protocols. Students learn how to create user interfaces that are readable and engaging, while implementing background coding that enables the site to function properly. The degree requires 61 credits of study covering general education courses, coursework in the specialization area, and electives. Students should feel comfortable integrating math and science concepts to complete programming and database operations.
Graphic Communications AAS, Multimedia Emphasis
This degree emphasizes design theory and production skills leading to jobs with multimedia agencies, advertising companies, television outlets or graphic design firms. Degree completion involves taking 61 credits of general education and core major classes that concentrate on interactive study of: digital imaging and video, video-computer drawing, sound, electronic publishing, multimedia authoring and presentation production. While some math is required for this degree, it places more emphasis on English and writing proficiencies.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contacts
Oklahoma City Community College
7777 South May Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159
Phone: (405) 682-1611
Email: psst@occc.edu
Websites:
- AAS in Digital Media Design: http://www.occc.edu/academics/programs/digital-media-design.html
- AAS in Web Design and Development: http://www.occc.edu/academics/programs/web-design-development.html
- AAS in Graphic Communications: http://www.occc.edu/academics/programs/graphic-communications.html
Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
Science and Engineering Division
OSU-OKC is a branch of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater with a focus on technical education. Programs are geared towards associate’s and applied science degrees that make students career ready or provide appropriate educational foundations for further study to obtain baccalaureate degrees. With flexible scheduling and format options, students can also take advantage of earning a degree while working around current employment and family obligations. An estimated 5,000 students enroll each year at OSU-OKC to pursue their educational goals.
Graphic Design AAS, Internet Administration/Web Page Design Option
Internet administrators and web page designers are the behind-the-scenes magicians who help computer users to access information on demand everyday through their computers. This specialized, AAS, graphic design degree provides students with a general education background and supporting coursework concentrating on web development. Students take required general education classes to complete the 60-credit degree along with core classes focusing on: database management, programming fundamentals, webpage design, multimedia computing, LAN fundamentals, graphic illustration, desktop and web publishing, digital media basics and completion of a capstone project. Graduates with this degree will find successful careers working in numerous parts of the communication and computer industries, including: internet administration, systems development, network operations, network administration, technical support, multimedia and web design, graphic design, computer graphics and animation, on-line content development, telecommunications marketing, commercial art, illustration, publication development, technical writing and content editing.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA HLC)
Contacts
Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
Attention: Jackie Artmayer, M.S.
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
BT-105
900 North Portland Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107
Phone: (405) 945-3316
Email: jartmayer@osuokc.edu
Website: http://www.osuokc.edu/engineering/graphics.aspx
As long as computers, mobile technology and e-commerce is part of daily life, the need for qualified graduates with web design expertise will be a top priority for employers everywhere. Qualified candidates will be at the top of the list for competitive web design positions as web developers, database administrators, computer programmers, writers, editors, multimedia designers, graphic designers, and desktop publishers. Growth for each type of job varies, with web developers having the best outlook for occupational success through 2022. Growth will be also most apparent in rural areas where employers are beginning to realize they need workers with web design experience, such as those who attended accredited web design degree programs in Oklahoma.