Accredited graphic design degree programs in Tennessee are growing in popularity as graphic design becomes even more important in the business world. In Tennessee, the average annual salary for a graphic designer is almost $43,000. Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over the next ten years there will be an increase of almost 20,000 graphic design positions available. Graphic designers create visual concepts using either computer software or by hand in order to draw the attention of consumers. Graphic designers create layout and design for advertisements, brochures, magazines and many other types of media. With electronic media growing in popularity, more and more graphic designers are working in computerized graphics, and as technology grows, the need for those who have completed accredited graphic design degree programs in Tennessee and other states will be in higher demand to employers than those without degrees.
Graphic design includes more than just creating graphics as there are many other careers available to those with strong computer graphic skills. Those with a talent for graphic design can easily move into fields related to web design and programming. Although there are graphic designers who succeed without accredited degrees, the job market in Tennessee and other states has grown extremely competitive, requiring those who wish to enter the field to have a stronger background and knowledge in order to stand out among others. Therefore, graphic design degree programs in Tennessee have grown extremely important to those that wish to be competitive in the profession.
Art Institute of Tennessee
Design Department
The Design Department at the Art Institute of Tennessee allows students to start with the basics such as color, illustration and image manipulation. As student’s progress through the program, they develop additional skills as they get instruction in concept development and implementation courses. Student are provided both classroom and hands-on instruction in order to provide them with a well-rounded education in graphic and web design. After the first year of study, students choose to focus in either Graphic or Web Design and focus their course of study in one concentration.
Web Design and Development Diploma
The Web Design and Development Diploma program at the Art Institute of Tennessee provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to create web pages for clients. The program is 52 credits, held in four 12-week quarters. Students are provided instruction on how to create web designs that effectively communicate the client’s message and meet their needs. Students also learn skills and knowledge to create mobile device applications. Students develop knowledge in web design, computer languages and multimedia applications. Students receive instruction on the most up-to-date programs, techniques and standards as well as how to adapt as those technologies change. During the program, students build a personal portfolio that can be used to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to potential employers.
Web Design and Interactive Communications Diploma
The Web Design and Interactive Communications diploma provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete websites with a specific emphasis on the look, feel and functionality of the site. The program extends foundation principles of visual communications and interactive media as related to delivery through multiple channels including mobile technology. Students develop skills in computer language, information architecture and usability principles using team-learning and traditional methods.
Associate of Arts in Graphic and Web Design
Students in the Associate of Arts in Graphic and Web Design with a graphic design concentration begin with courses in both art and design. They then move to focus on page-design theory, formatting as well as appropriate color and imaging. Students are also provided instruction on print and interactive production. In the web design concentration, students develop artistic skills in drawing and design as well as the fundamentals of digital imaging. Advanced courses include instruction in web standards, scripting, information architecture and other web-related subjects. In both concentrations, students create a portfolio that can be used to demonstrate their skills and knowledge to future employers. Students may choose to continue their studies towards a Bachelor’s degree or may seek entry-level positions in the increasingly competitive graphic and web design industries.
Graphic and Web Design Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Web Design at the Art Institute of Tennessee in Nashville provides students with a solid foundation in art and design. After students complete their core courses, they may choose a concentration in either Graphic or Web Design. Using conceptual thinking, creativity, problem-solving project management and art direction, students build a strong foundation in art and design. Students who choose the Graphic Design concentration may seek positions in design studios, digital production studios, publishing houses and other industries. Students who graduate from the Web Design concentration may seek entry-level positions as mobile app developers, timeline animation developers, project coordinators, digital media producers and other types of positions that require a background in web design.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
The Art Institute of Tennessee
100 Centerview Drive, Suite 250
Nashville, TN 37214-3439
Telephone: (615) 874-1067
Email: aitnadm@aii.edu
Website: http://new.artinstitutes.edu/areasofstudy/Graphic-and-Web-Design/detail/42/31
Belmont University
Colleges of Sciences and Mathematics
The College of Sciences and Mathematics at Belmont University works to stimulate students to explore critical mathematics and scientific ideas. Students are challenged to recognize the dynamic aspects of knowledge as a way to promote science and math principles. Students engage in practices that explore boundaries using established practices while seeking innovative ways to explore new frontiers in the subjects. Using technology, research and scholarship, students are encouraged to reflect on, and understand the science of knowing.
B.S. in Web Programming and Development
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Web Programming and Development program develop skills and knowledge through teaching excellence that encourages them to analyze and seek that knowledge through mathematics and computer science instruction. Instructors strive to challenge students in order to develop independence and creativity in fields that are often not recognized as unique. Courses required include:
- Introduction to Digital Imaging
- Principles of Web Page Design
- Interactive Medai
- Senior Exhibit/Portfolio
- Database Administration
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Seminar in Computer Science
- Programming I and II
- Website Development
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses in order to satisfy the perquisite requirement.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212-3757
Telephone: (615) 460-6000
Email: andrew.miller@belmont.edu
Website: http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2014jun/csm/comsci/index.html#comp_sci
Chattanooga State Community College
Business and Information Technologies
The Division of Business and Information Technologies at Chattanooga State Community College helps students join artistic technology and creative entrepreneurship. Students to use innovation in technology designed for the future in order to enter the business world ready to push the envelope. Programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an industry that is highly competitive. Graduates of the programs at Chattanooga State Community College have a 94 percent placement rate. The division offers seven Associate of Applied Science degree programs.
Web Design
The Associate of Applied Science in Web Design provides students with the skills and knowledge to develop and create websites using text, images and other interactive elements. Students are trained for positions in a variety of industries ranging from advertising agencies to print industries. However, positions are available in almost every industry for the skills of web designers and many work in the freelance world. The program focuses on web page design and courses specific to that field. Basic professional equipment will cost students between $200 and $250 during their first year in the program.
Web Programming
The Associate of Applied Science in Web Programming prepares students to work as computer programmers. Students are provided instruction on technical and non-technical subjects to develop a better understanding of application areas as well as to help them develop skills in supervisory and leadership roles. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work as computer programmers, control clerks and operations librarians. Courses include technical, such as writing mark-up and coding, as well as non-technical, such as web design and web content development. Students are also provided instruction to help them develop skills to take on supervisory and leadership positions.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Chattanooga State Community College
Main Campus
4501 Amnicola Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Telephone: (423) 697-4404
Contact Form
Website:
- Web Design: http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/program/bit/web-design
- Web Programming: http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/program/bit/web-programming
DeVry University
College of Media Arts & Technology
The College of Media Arts & Technology at the DeVry University provides students not only with classroom training but also practical experience in their career oriented degree programs. Students develop the skills and knowledge to succeed as a media designer, promoting development in technical, creative and problem-solving skills. Students develop strong digital imaging, design and visual concepts in a practical, professional atmosphere. Students may attend traditional classes or online. DeVry’s associate’s and bachelor’s degree are ranked number four of the “Top 10 Best Online Web Design Schools and Degrees” by our editors.
Web Graphic Design
The Web Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science allows students to master software applications, develop knowledge in design principles and skills in web-content management. Students are also provided instruction in animation and web-enabled graphics. Students learn to produce high-quality graphic media including web pages, marketing products and other media designed to capture the attention of consumers in web-based, print or video media. Students create an extensive portfolio of work samples that may be used to demonstrate to potential employers their knowledge and skills in web graphic design. Graduates of the program have found positions in advertising agencies, marketing firms and in-house corporate communications.
Multimedia Design and Development
The Multimedia Design and Development Bachelor of Arts provides students with the knowledge and skills to design, illustrate, manage and produce visual communications. Students learn to master key software applications as well as fundamental design principles. In addition, students develop skills in web content management and graphics animation. Students can specialize in four areas of study:
- Graphic and Multimedia Design
- Graphics and Multimedia Management
- Web Design and Development
- Web Game Programming
Specializations require students to dedicate 30-credit hours to their chosen specialization. Students gain skills to create various types of content, including web pages, marketing collateral, instructional material and multimedia projects. Upon graduation, students will have a full professional portfolio of a wide range of digital media to present to potential employers.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
DeVry University
Nashville Campus
3343 Perimeter Hill Drive, Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37211
Telephone: (615) 445-3456
Website: http://www.devry.edu/degree-programs/college-media-arts-technology.html
Graphic design degrees are growing in importance throughout the country, and the state of Tennessee is no exception. Those who successfully complete graphic design programs have the knowledge and skills to work in a wide range of media. It is expected that positions in the graphic design field could grow us much as seven percent over the next few years. Therefore, those who successfully complete accredited graphic design degree programs in Tennessee will have better success within the state and throughout the country than those without a degree.
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