Degree Overview: Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree in Computer Graphics
Majors Overview February 18, 2015Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programs in Computer Graphics will teach students how to edit and create images with the aid of manipulation techniques and special computer programs. Communication and visual arts skills are polished, allowing graduates to translate concepts and thoughts into images.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Degree Programs in Computer Graphics
Given the staple character of digital media, there is a burgeoning demand for skilled workers in the video game, software, Internet interactive media, and film industries, wherein these professionals would be busy producing and tweaking images.
Websites for businesses may also be designed by computer graphics artists, thereby increasing the need for good communication skills. Simply stated, the program is devised to teach students about ways of conveying an idea or message via the computer graphics medium.
Programs may incorporate internships within them. A general graduation requirement is the building of a portfolio devised to demonstrate the student’s best creative work.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Schools may also expect incoming students to submit academic transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Additionally, a portfolio review including computer artworks and drawings may be requested by schools that offer fine arts programs.
Coursework
Computer programs are devised to teach students different hands-on technical skills, and a variety of studio courses help them develop artistic and creativity skills. Coursework in a B.F.A. in Computer Graphics program may include these topic areas:
•Computer graphics development
•Computer animation
•Photography
•2-D and 3-D design
•Digital illustration
•Art history
•Printing
•Digital publishing
•Web design
•Media aesthetics
Career Choices
The better job opportunities in the field are expected to be enjoyed by graphic designers with varied skills and experience, including proficiency in animation and Internet media design (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Computer graphics artists may seek entry-level jobs in various industries given the varying needs of clients. A graduate may aim for job titles such as:
•Animator
•Internet advertisement designer
•Online newspaper graphics designer
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of seven percent has been predicted for graphic designers, while a job growth rate of six percent has been projected for multimedia artists and animators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, graphic designers took home an average annual wage of $44,150, while multimedia artists and animators grossed $61,370 on average (BLS).
Continuing Education
Given the continual development of new technology, there is a need for computer graphics artists and related workers to stay abreast of advances related to new software, hardware, and techniques during their careers. Accredited schools across the country offer formal education in graphic design at the master’s degree level. Incoming students to these programs are taught about character animation, artistic critique, and concept development.
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