If you have always loved to draw and are good with computers then graphic design may be a career path for you.
Below is a list of affordable online colleges that offer graphic design degrees and some basic information about graphics designing and the job market.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division: The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division is well known for its online creative approach to arts education. Graphics design graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment in areas such as computer artist, advertising designer, layout artist and freelance artist among others.
International Academy of Design & Technology– Online:International Academy of Design & Technology Online offers career focused graphics design degree program where you will gain the real-world skills and knowledge to turn your passion into a rewarding career.
Westwood College – Online Campus:Westwood College Online Campus offers courses that incorporate sophisticated audio/video technologies to ensure you receive an engaging virtual learning experience.
Academy of Art University – Online: Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is the largest private art and design school in the nation.
Rasmussen College Online- Rasmussen College Online offers a variety of degree programs as well as certificates and diplomas in a variety of career areas including Graphic and Web Design.
University of Phoenix Online- University of Phoenix offers convenient and accessible online classes. Your career goals are within reach much sooner than you think with University of Phoenix online degree programs.
Strayer University Online- At Strayer University Online you will receive quality higher education designed for working adults. The online programs are designed to provide you with a foundation for career and professional success.
Education in Graphics Design
An Associate of Arts degree and certificate will prepare you for entry-level positions in graphics design or you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis on graphics design. Whatever route you take make sure you keep a portfolio of a collection of your best work to shown prospective employers.
Qualities of Graphic Designers
Graphics designers must have the ability to communicate well with their clients in order to create a message through a visual form. Consumer tastes are always changing and you will need to keep up with current computer software and applications to be successful in this field. Creativity and the ability to work under pressure are also essential in this field. Equally important is a good business sense, management skills and sales ability especially for the self-employed.
Job Outlook for Graphics Designers
The market for graphics designers looks promising. Individuals holding a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software will have the best opportunity. Graphic Designers are likely to find work in advertising, computer design firms and publishing. You can also work in print, electronic media, and film, creating everything from business logos to the overall layout and design of newspapers, magazines and brochures. Some graphic designers teach, open their own firms or specialize in one specific area of graphic design.
Salary of Graphics Designers
According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, median annual total cash compensation for entry-level designers was $35,000 in 2007. Staff-level graphic designers earned a median of $45,000. Senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design, earned a median of $62,000. Solo designers who freelanced or worked under contract to another company reported median earnings of $60,000.
University of Phoenix offers an online MBA program for students who wish to complete the Master of Business Administration program online. The online MBA program prepares students to be effective in a fast paced rapidly changing business environment. So if you have what it takes to survive the business world, this online MBA program is for you.
About University of Phoenix
Since 1976, University of Phoenix has made higher education accessible to working students and professionals. University of Phoenix has provided over 400,000 graduates who have overcome difficulties and challenges of balancing work, family, and personal life to reaching their goals and earning their degrees that will enhance their lives.
Online MBA Program Curriculum
The online MBA is designed with the input of industry professionals to ensure that a rigorous, current and relevant curriculum is being delivered to students. All it takes is just one class at a time as you work your way towards your online MBA degree . The online MBA program is flexible and all course materials are distributed electronically, so you really have no excuses why you should not enroll in the online MBA degree program.
Online MBA Concentration
At University of Phoenix, you can create a customized education experience by focusing on one of the following concentration:
Public Administration
Accounting
Marketing
Health Care Management
Global management
Human Resource Management
Global Management
Benefits of Attending the University of Phoenix MBA Program Online
A great education from a quality university: University of Phoenix is a regionally accredited university of higher learning, providing students with a quality online education that is unmatched
Qualified faculty who are experts in their field: At University of Phoenix online, the instructors know what it takes to succeed, and they apply their knowledge and years of experience to the classroom. The instructors hold Master or Doctoral degrees and bring situation-specific relevance to every course, ensuring students will be prepared for real-life challenges after they graduate
Virtual classroom access from anywhere and anytime, 24/7: University of Phoenix has an amazing interactive virtual campus, which offers online students the same quality education and classroom experience as on campus. You will be able to communicate with your teachers and fellow classmates, view lectures, complete assignments and participate in class discussions. Depending on your online degree program, you are required to log in and participate four to five days each week; you can choose the days and times.
Small class size: Each student gets the personal attention they deserve. University of Phoenix is committed to all students and constantly working hard to find new ways to help students reach their academic goals.
A growing community of successful graduates: University of Phoenix ultimate goal is to prepare students academically, professionally and personally for successful careers in their chosen field. University of Phoenix is proud of the accomplishments of all its’ graduates.
Diverse Student Body: At the University of Phoenix you will have a diverse online student body. You will enjoy learning, communication and building long term friendships with people of all ages and various backgrounds.
Real world knowledge and skills: University of Phoenix provides a quality learning experience that will give you then necessary skills, and tools to apply in the real world.
Electronic Library: University of Phoenix has full-time online professional librarians who are available to assist you with all your academic research needs, anytime, any day, anywhere.
Admissions and Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to all eligible students. There are several ways to finance your online education at University of Phoenix, including loans, financial aid and tuition reimbursement. Tuition varies by online degree program and campus.
Financial analysts work for insurance companies, banks, investment firms or any companies that require an analyst to manage their funds. They advise on market trends and help companies research, analyze and recommend stocks and investments to benefit the company. Financial analysts can track and trade stocks for their companies and help determine which stocks should be bought, sold or kept. The Financial analyst’s recommendations are important to the company that employs them as they can guide and maintain the company’s growth. Financial Analysts work within a business or organization to help determine the needs of a company and determine its course of action based on those needs. The analyst has to be aware of all current developments in their particular field to be able to prepare financial reports and analyses.
Education Required to become a Financial Analysts
In order to become a financial analyst a college degree is needed. Courses in math, accounting, business and economics are recommended as a start. Once a career path has been determined, students can continue their education through completion of the Bachelors degree. At this level of education, even with backgrounds that include biology, computer sciences and engineering, many graduates start out as Junior Analysts and are hired by firms to begin a an early career.
Taking courses that involve software applications are beneficial to the student as much of the analyst’s work depends on the use of databases, spreadsheets and the computer. Students who graduate with a Bachelor in Economics are prepared for entry and higher level positions in a wide variety of economic occupations. To move up the ladder of success as a financial analyst, the next step is to earn a Masters Degree in Economics/Business or an MBA in any of the related business fields.
An online Masters degree requires completing more than thirty credits of post Bachelor’s courses in Economics. Most Master in Economics programs take at least two years. At the Master’s level, students have the education and tools needed to apply key principles learned as well as conduct research in their chosen specialty. Entry level positions are available to holders of a Bachelors degree but for private sector work as an economist, a Master or PhD in Economics is required.
Online Programs That Can Get You There
University of Phoenix - University of Phoenix Masters programs were developed with industry and business leaders. Students learn by exposure to the latest business practices and methods. The MBA program at University of Phoenix is designed to provide students with the decision making skills that are required for managing and organizational business challenges. Students can choose to specialize in areas of economics including Global Management, Accounting, E-Businesses, Human Resources Management, Health Care Management, Economic Marketing, and Technology Management.
University of Iowa - Iowa offers a Masters program online as well as a PHD program in Economics for those who want to attain the levels needed for an Academic Economist to teach at the University level. The program is offered through the Tippie College of Business and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. University of Iowa, in conjunction with Tippie College of Business, offers a Master of Arts as well as a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics for those directed towards the Academic Economist profession. The Master of Arts is offered only to students working towards a PhD in economics through their programs. The Doctorate in Philosophy for Economics requires a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduated credit to complete. The college provides students with training in applied economics, economic theory, and econometrics.
Salary Range for a Financial Analyst
Economist salaries depend on education, with the highest salaries being limited to those with the highest level degrees. Incomes for employees in the private sector lead the list followed by federal government positions and ending with academia and secondary education on the lower end. Salaries for Financial Analysts with a Bachelors degree hovered around the $45,000 mark and, with a PhD in Economics, an average of $85,000. Some areas of overall median income showed salaries for a Financial Analyst between $63,500 to $67,000 and $85,000 at the PhD level.
