Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Computer Graphics?

A computer graphics degree is a field is responsible for the use of computer-generated imagery to create images in whole or part. Such images may be constructed in sequence to create and animation that may be utilized as a special effect within a film, a composition to hide or add elements into a film, or to construct a completely computer-generated animated film. Individuals in this field are also responsible for the design and implementation of characters, settings, and imagery with a video game context, as well as the use of computer-generated imagery for the purposes of layout and design for advertising, title sequencing or other graphic design related functions.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,640

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

22.18%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

261,600

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Computer Graphics Degree

Primarily founded as the Carnegie Technical Schools in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University is a private research institution based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. CMU is renowned for its to-notch interdisciplinary programs. Moreover, CMU ranks among the 30 Best National Universities in the 2021 edition ranking by the U.S. News and World Reports.

CMU’s offers a top ranked computer graphics degree, a four-year degree program with three fields for specialization: Communication (graphic design), Environments (both physical and digital), and Products (industrial design). This degree highlights the significance of designing for correspondence between persons, the built world, and the natural world. CMU’s Communications specialization aims to convey and outline meaning in the field of design today. Moreover, the communication specialization helps students create the capacity to distinguish and communicate to particular groups of the crowd through visual and verbal channels that teach, illuminate, enchant, and welcome cooperation. CMU’s alumni have been associated with the design of several renowned products such as the Starbuck logo, Pinterest’s interface design, Spiderman’s title sequence, and custom typographies for The Guardian newspaper.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

With a mission to mobilize the community and improve lives through thorough academics, leading research, and committed civil service, the University of California Irvine remains steadfast with its mission.  UCI is a public research university founded in 1965 situated in Irvine, California. UCI comprises 82 majors and 72 minors with a population of 36,000 plus students.

UC Irvine proffers a top ranked degree in Computer Graphics and Electronic Art and Design (EAD).  The program is centered in the university's Art Department. EAD provides a minor in Digital Arts; this program gives a pool of chances to discover creativeness through digital media. Digital Arts Minor is offered to all students of UCI who want to obtain knowledge on digital media. Also, lectures in this minor program revolve around how today's digital culture evolves through the multidisciplinary partnerships among artists, engineers, scientists, and scholars.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Miami is a private institution founded in 1925. UM ranks as one of the Best National Universities across the nation by the U.S. News and World Reports. Admission is a bit selective, with an acceptance rate of 27% and an advance acceptance rate of 31.8%.

OM offers a degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia under the Electronic Media Department. This program centers on teaching and empowering rising artists, designers, and video artisans by giving undergrad and graduate-level instruction that creates self-discipline, inspiration, mastery, and independence in its students. Enrolled learners will acquire a solid core of studio tracks to discover art and conceptual knowledge. This curriculum is enhanced by Power Macintosh computer laboratories where students can exhibit their best outputs.

For complete details about UM’s Graphic Design and Multimedia program, students may explore the curricula’s internet site.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Started as Texas' first public institution, Texas A&M University or TAMU is a public agricultural school founded in 1876. TAMU is filled with opportunities being home to 133 undergraduate programs, 175 master's degree programs, 92 doctoral degree programs, and five first-professional degrees as choices for study.

TAMU offers a four-year degree in Computer Graphics and Data Visualization which is a program which aims to develop and engage students' creative and technical skills; this curriculum combines art and science centered on visual communication. Students enrolled in this degree will experience rigorous learning on three-dimensional design, programming, and digital technology; students may also get an Art Minor or Game Design and Development Minor. The degree trains students for a limitless visually-oriented career. Moreover, TAMU offers a Master of Science in Visualization and a Master of Fine Arts in Visualization.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Established after businessman John Purdue donated land and money to inaugurate a college of science, technology, and agriculture after his name, Purdue University-Main Campus is a public research institution based in West Lafayette, Indiana. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Purdue ranks 5th among the nation's most innovative schools.

Purdue University offers a BFA major in Visual Communication Design (VCD).  VCD aims to develop students to craft communication strategies and form powerful graphical products. This program is designed to prepare students for a career that is strongly influenced by digital technology developments. Purdue Students enrolled in this program will experience extensive coursework on typography, graphic design, new media, web design, packaging, poster, and color design. Purdue University's Visual Communication Design program is accredited by the National Association of Art and Design Schools.

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1932 as a women’s university and 1969, it became a co-educational institution; Bennington is a private, non-profit, and non-sectarian institution located in Bennington, Vermont. The school nurtures students’ mindset for change through their hands-on experience in real-world situations.

Bennington’s Computer Graphics and Digital Arts degree is a concentration under the Visual Arts Department. The curriculum highlights the computer and coding as a medium in fine arts. In this program, students design screen-based and virtual output with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students enrolled in this program will experience attentive learning in animation, computer science, design, media studies, sculpture, social sciences, video and film, electronic music, and much more. Bennington College Digital Arts classes are held in the Macintosh computer laboratory and the digital arts studio.

Acceptance Rate

60.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University continues to advance students of spirituality, intellect, and morality who have the heart of serving others throughout their existence. BYU ranks first for student engagement in the West, according to the Wall Street Journal.

BYU’s Department offers degrees in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, Bachelor of Arts in Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, and a Minor in Design Thinking. The Graphic Design program mimics a proficient studio involvement with learners working to fathom complex visual issues. Learners enrolled in this program experience rigorous coursework on art, branding, history, illustration, interactive design, motion, typography, and more. BYU’s Graphic Design program has been producing award-winning student outputs. To get into the program, first, you need to apply and be admitted to BYU; once accepted, you have to sign up as a pre-graphic design major online or at the admissions center.  Interested students may send an email at [email protected] or may directly explore at https://designdept.byu.edu/graphicdesign.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Carolina-Wilmington or UNCW is a publicly-funded institution that provides a vast degree and programs to aid students in personal growth and career goals. It resides in an urban setting, and it follows a semester-based academic calendar.

The Computer Graphics degree program at UNCW is an interdisciplinary program combining Art and Computer Science. Students who opt to take the program will develop aesthetic, technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The program provides two significant concentrations students can select from: the Mobile Application and Web Development track and the Interactive Graphics track. The Mobile Application and Web Development concentration center the discussion on the design of software development for both web applications and mobile devices. On the other hand, Interactive Graphics focuses on designing interactive user experiences and three-dimensional graphics for applications such as movie animation, data visualization, and digital art.

Acceptance Rate

65.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Utah is the state’s top-tier institution for higher learning. The university is located in Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Range; it serves more than 32,000 students from across the United States and around the globe. The University of Utah comprises more than 100 undergraduate majors and over 90 main areas of inquiry at the graduate studies.

Under the College of Fine Arts, the University of Utah offers a highly regarded Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Graphics. This degree pathway is mainly concerned with graphical communication. Graphic Design majors will experience rigorous coursework in visual design principles, problem-solving approaches, theoretical thinking, image-making, typography, administrative structures, and analytical thinking. The department requires a maintaining grade of C- or 2.75 or higher, so students remain in good standing and graduate. Currently, the University of Utah is under the transition period from BFA in Studio Art-Graphic Design Emphasis to a four-year BFA in Graphic Design.

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, DePaul University is a private Catholic research school in Chicago, Illinois. The university is the nation’s largest Catholic school that utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. Moreover, DePaul has five satellite campuses in and around Chicago.

Under the College of Computing and Digital Media, DePaul offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Students enrolled in this program will have thorough training and learning on animation, digital illustration, photography, drawing, motion graphics, production design, semiotics, visual design, and typography. To practice the student’s skills in the field, DePaul provides state-of-the-art laboratories with Mac and PC devices. Graphic design students are expected to provide outputs such as advertisements, web designs, animations, social media content, and film title design.  Students may explore DePaul’s Graphic Design site to acquire more features about the curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

68.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion is a Christian comprehensive university affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion ranks 15th as Best Regional Universities Midwest. The university combines religion and academics in its curriculum.

IWU-Marion offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. This program offers extensive training in graphic design and related areas. The program allows the students to observe and evaluate current graphic design trends and apply the acquired knowledge in their future careers. Students pursuing this degree will get a strong background in color theory, digital photography, drawing, web design, graphics, and art history. As a Christ-centered institution, IWU integrates the program courses in improving the students’ skills as artists.

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Houston or UH is a public research institution located in Houston, Texas. UH offers 250 undergrad majors and minors, 108 master’s degrees, 50 doctoral and professional degrees, and 36 research centers. The University of Houston trains learners to imagine their future, rise as leaders, and launch professions that change the world.

UH offers a BFA degree major in Computer Graphic Design; this program aims to impart students’ knowledge of graphic design through a comprehensive curriculum, which includes coursework in design, theory, methods, and practice. Students in this program use their skills in community extension with community leaders through lectures, gatherings, and project collaboration. Graphic Design majors will experience extensive discussions on principles of design, typography, form and image development, two-dimensional media exploration, concept development, graphic design history and software, and web and motion. UH, Graphic Design has no formal and credited internship program; however, faculty are being coordinated to endorse students to work as compensated interns.

Acceptance Rate

64.98

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The College of Our Lady of the Elms, also known as Elms College, offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and certificate choices for students to choose from as they pursue their career goals in life. It is a private, coeducational, and Catholic liberal arts institution in Chicopee, Massachusetts.  The

BA in Computer Graphics at Elms College provides students extensive graphic design courses, digital illustration, web design, imagery for business, animation, photography, game design, and video editing and production. The Graphics Design at Elms is offered in a small class-size, with 5-15 students per class to attend to the students’ growth in the program carefully. The Graphics Design classes are taught in its cutting-edge CIT Laboratory using state-of-the-art technologies and software. Additionally, Elms College offers an in-house summer internship, where students design graphic collaterals and websites for local businesses.

Acceptance Rate

75.09

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Known for its innovative curriculum, the School of Visual Arts is an exceptional college for Arts and Design located in New York City, New York. The college has been existing for seven decades already, and it continues to educate future artists, designers, and creative experts.

SVA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Design is an interdisciplinary program offering majors in graphic design, motion graphics, interaction design, and three-dimensional design. This program centers on instructing visual communication and problem-solving, skills needed to excel in rewarding professions in the discipline of design. SVA showcases their students’ design to several venues that are widely joined over the years. To supplement the students’ experience, SVA offers internship programs that will optimize their full potential in the industry.  To know more about the admissions process and other details, you may check BFA Design’s site.

Acceptance Rate

72

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Saint Norbert College (SNC) is one of the top-ranking private, liberal arts, and Catholic schools in the nation. SNC was founded in 1898, with roots going all the way back to 1120. SNC offers 13 is to 1 class sizes up to 20 average class sizes and a 79% acceptance rate.

SNC offers a particular arrangement in fine arts and graphic design, the Bachelor of Arts degree. This discipline highlights technical skills as well as modern art and design concepts and applications. SNC Arts Degree offers a concentration in Graphic Design where students experience rigorous training on digital art, computer graphics, advertising design, photography and digital imaging, and more.

Acceptance Rate

79.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The North Carolina A&T State University or NCAT provides vast academic opportunities to assist the students as they grow and achieve their career goals. It is historically a black public and land-grant research university in Greensboro, NC.

The Computer Graphics degree at NCAT offers three degrees students can select from, the BA in Visual Arts-Design, the BA in Visual Art-Visual Media, and the BS Art (Secondary Education). The BA in Visual Arts-Design track is a 124-credit-hour track, and classes are centered in drawing, design, color theory, painting and art history, and computer graphic design. Concurrently, the Visual Media Design Major takes a little bit longer-with 127 to 128 credit hours. Classes focus on studio courses in computer visual design, design, drawing, motion arts, and advertising design. Furthermore, the Secondary Education Art Major prepares future educators in the discipline’s field. The Visual Arts Program at NCAT requires its students a minimum grade of “C.”

Acceptance Rate

58.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Located in Dix Hills, NY, Five Towns College (FTC) Is an institution with an assortment of degree selections for students to choose from. It is a private school, and it is the only private residential school in Suffolk County.

The Interactive Computer Graphics degree at FTC offers two tracks, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and the Associate in Applied Science. The Interactive Computer Graphics prepares graduates to excel in the creative profession. Students who opt for the Bachelor of Fine Arts track will learn about design and drawing, 3D animation, computer programming for graphics, digital fabrication, and more. On the other hand, the Associate in Applied Science majors will learn about motion graphics, computer graphics, and creative problem-solving.

Acceptance Rate

33.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

California State University-Chico is a public institution founded in 1887. CSU Chico utilizes a semester-based academic calendar, and it ranks among the Best Regional Colleges in the West. The university is situated in a comfortable and beautiful campus with devoted faculty and a welcoming community that makes everyone feel at home.

CSU Chico offers a degree in Computer Animation and Game Development Program; this program aims to provide students with essential skills needed in the ever-challenging technology, especially in game development and digital animation. This program also offers a minor in Applied Computer Graphics where students learn on Computer-Assisted Art, Digital Photography, Concept Design and Storyboarding, and more.  For further features of the program, you may explore its website.

Acceptance Rate

72.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) is a private and not-for-profit institution in Warwick, Rhode Island. NEIT ranks 15th in Best Regional Colleges North, 7th in Best Colleges for Veterans, and 12th in Top Performers on Social Mobility by the U.S. News and World Reports.

NEIT offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design that prepares students for multimedia and desktop production careers. The Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design majors will develop multidisciplinary skills in computer graphics, digital photography, web design, graphic design, typography, e-publishing, branding, and interactive digital multimedia. NEIT provides its students with cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art software to use in its courses. At NEIT, students will most of the time build their portfolio for their future employment in the industry. On the other hand, NEIT also offers an Associate of Science  degree in Computer Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design. 

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Providing career-centered professional education has been at the core of the New York Institute of Technology. It operates as a private institution with locations in Long Island (Old Westbury) NY, New York, NY, Jonesboro, AR, Vancouver, Canada, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and China. The Bachelor of Computer Graphics Digital Arts is a 120 credits hours program that enhances students' creative potential. Students in this program are prepared for careers as 3D Modeler, Animator, Digital Artist, Motion Graphics Designer, and other similar positions. At NYIT, students who take the program will have rich coursework in computer animation and digital art production. NYIT provides the students with well-equipped laboratories and state-of-the-art software. To help the students round their experience, NYIT also offers impactful internships at the institution where the founders of Pixar began.

Acceptance Rate

67.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Champlain College is a small, private, and non-profit college founded in 1878. Champlain is situated in a suburban setting in Burlington, Vermont. Champlain College is one of the most innovative schools in the nation, ranked by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Champlain’s Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Visual Communication Design is a four-year bachelor’s degree structured for students to discover areas of interests and build their own profile and hone their professional skills. Enrolled students will enjoy typography, digital imaging, publication and web design, graphic design, and business graphic design. To round the student’s education, the program provides intensive personal support from the faculty by giving them quality instruction, specialized knowledge, and mindful advising. To cap off their learning experience, students in the program will have the chance to experience internships with globally renowned companies and with a non-profit organization in the nation. Champlain’s Visual Arts Design program is accredited by the National Association of School of Arts and Design or NASAD.

Acceptance Rate

85.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Nampa, Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University is a private comprehensive Christian university that provides an assortment of programs and opportunities for students. NNU offers small class sizes with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio in its undergraduate programs.

Developing the students’ abilities in print and online design skills has been at the core of the mission of NNU’s Bachelor of Arts in Computer Graphic Design. At NNU, Classes for the program are held in its cutting-edge Macintosh laboratory and studios, where students work on assigned projects and further their technical and conceptual abilities. Upon NNU’s alumni tracking, students who graduated from the program have secured positions with leading creative firms. The BA in Graphic Design is offered as a major and on-campus.

Acceptance Rate

85.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Established in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a not-for-profit and private institution with four campuses situated in Providence, Rhode Island; North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. The university operates a quarter-based academic schedule. Moreover, JWU ranks among the nation's best undergraduate teaching by the U.S. News and World Reports.

Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design is a program designed to solve visual communication issues using design and digital instruments. Graphic Design majors will hone their knowledge and skills by designing, editing, and introducing visual collaterals such as branding logos, packages, publications, photography/video, typography, and webpage design. Students in the program will gain experience in presenting concepts to actual customers from community-based associations within the Providence area during the senior year. Students unleash their full potential in graphic design as they take their classes in the program's specialized laboratories and studios.

For additional information about JWU-Providence Graphic Design, students may take a look at the program's webpage.

Acceptance Rate

92.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1919 by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Emmanuel College (EC) is a four-year Christian school situated in Franklin Springs, Georgia. The institution is one of the country’s most economical schools, with a tuition fee of 49% below the national average rate.

Emmanuel College offers a degree in Communication with a Major in Graphic Design. This curriculum is structured to prepare students with the abilities required to work skillfully upon graduation.  In this program, classes combine instruction, dialogue, activities, and modern technology to engage students easily. Graphic Design students experience thorough learning on design and design technology, typography, digital media production, digital cinematography, web design, page layout and publication design, motion graphics, and more; students are also required to take classes in foreign language and communication core to complete their education.

Students who would like to get more about EC’s Graphic Design Major may take a look at https://ec.edu/communication/.

Acceptance Rate

46.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The graphic design degree program at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor is a highly competitive academic pathway for students of all backgrounds.  The BFA degree program is curated to optimize a professional trajectory in the field of graphic design.  The interdisciplinary approach at UMHB helps students effectively communicate a message in a sea of marketing messages.  Regardless of the industry a student would like to pursue after graduation, the UMHB graphic design program is a highly rated program worth considering.  Courses you will find in the catalogue include typography, color theory, 3D design, photography, and interactive design.  Learn more today at the UMHB website and obtain admissions information to help make a great decision about your future in graphic design.

Acceptance Rate

87.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Top Degrees in Computer Graphics

In this section of our portal, you will find a summary of the most popular online degrees in computer graphics. The programs range from certificate programs through graduate-level degrees from the nation's top ranked colleges and universities for a high school graduate to consider. Utilize this guide to help collect vital information about the degree pathways that may be best for you.

Certificate in Computer Graphic Design

An in-class or online certificate program in computer graphics is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in computer graphics. Certificate programs are generally less than one-year programs for undergraduate programs and one to two-years at the graduate level. The undergraduate certificates in computer graphics help students understand basic concepts to begin a career in the computer graphics business. Graduate certificate programs, on the other hand, are most often utilized by working professionals to upskill or prepare them for a career transition.

Online Associate Degrees in Computer Graphics

The online associate degree in computer graphics is a 2-year program providing students with a blend of liberal arts classes and core curriculum. General education courses such as philosophy, English composition, and communication are coupled with core computer graphics classes to help students think differently and more holistically. Core classes in computer graphics will typically include: 2D design, 3D design, drawing, media writing, graphic communication, project management, computer programming, and still imaging. Associate degree bachelor can be conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) depending on the curricular design of the program.

Computer Graphics Bachelor Degree

Traditional classroom-based programs or online bachelor's degrees in computer graphics is a four-year program with degrees conferred as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). The bachelors degree provides students with additional general education courses and core curriculum compared to the associate degree. According to a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 80% of computer graphics professional have a bachelor degree master or higher with the balance earning a certificate or associate degree. University bachelor degrees include core courses to provide students with a deeper understanding of design theories, software applications, and computer programming concepts.

Master Degree Schools in Computer Graphics

The online masters degree in computer graphics is a 12-year graduate-level program intended for computer graphics specialists to gain additional knowledge and skills. The masters degree program is conferred as either a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) relative to the program emphasis on the science or art components of the computer graphics degree. Upper-level courses are correlated to the area of specialization which can include concentration areas such as web design, print media, or animation.

Educational Information in Computer Graphics

Adegree in computer graphics provides individuals with the skills necessary to work in the entertainment or design industries. Education in software, hardware, technique, mathematics, art, painting, design and more is necessary to compete in the realm of computer graphics. Degree programs will focus on imparting the necessary skills and education to find entry level work, though master's degrees are typically sought after by those who have been in the industry for several years.

An education in computer graphics will expose students to the various software and hardware used in design and combines it with an education in the arts to provide students a complete education in the field. Software and hardware used vary in popularity, with some being considered industry standard. As new versions are developed, programs in this area must update their curriculum accordingly, particularly if a new standard is chosen for the field due to technological advancement or increased toolkit capabilities.

Niche Information in Computer Graphic Design

Understanding how one will manipulate objects in computer, be it two or three dimensional, requires an understanding of a variety of principles and techniques which are the focus of a computer graphics degree program.

Classes in computer graphics may include:

  • Computer Animation
  • Image Manipulation
  • Computer Information Technology
  • Principles of Creative Design
  • Web Design
  • Computer Science
  • Game Development

Best Colleges Offering Computer Graphics Degrees

The best college in computer graphics will depend on your priorities and career objectives.  In other words, the criteria used to rank schools by a media outlet looking to increase magazine subscriptions or a website hawking timeshare in Bermuda are less relevant to your life than taking the time to find schools that fit you best.  In order to determine which college is best for you, we suggest taking the time to read The Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process followed by How to Reduce the Cost of College and Getting Into Your Top College.

The combination of these resources will allow you to create a personal priority list to guide you in your college quest.  From there, you can simply request information from top schools listed on this page or utilize our proprietary matching tools for college degrees or online colleges.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Outlook in Computer Graphics

Though a degree is not necessary to pursue a career in computer graphics, it is highly recommended that those who do not have a background or experience in the field pursue a degree as it will provide a structured environment for learning the skills necessary to obtain work. A career in computer graphics can be engaging and lucrative but is dependent upon skill and experience. The type of work also dictates the salary earned. Those who prove to be quite skilled at what they do can dictate terms for services, especially in areas where specialization is necessary, such as computer-generated films or motion graphics.

Demand for qualified individuals is expected to grow steadily over the next decade as the use of computers to manipulate images becomes integral to a variety of businesses, primarily through the expanding need for web presence and the desire for content by consumers. Individuals pursuing a career in this field would do well to regularly pursue courses to upgrade one's skills, particularly in the face of new technologies, and to remain current regarding trends and techniques used as part of an evolving industry standard. Such information may be gleaned through online resources, printed materials, and other relevant visual and analytical sources.

Some jobs available for those who pursue a degree in computer graphics include:

  • Video Game Artist
  • Web Designer
  • Technical Illustrator
  • Motion Graphics Animator
  • CGI Animator

Salary and Jobs in Computer Graphics

Due to the varied nature of the professions that one may pursue, one's income will be tied to his or her position, area of work, expertise, education and experience. Additionally, supervisory positions are typically given based on success and experience rather than seniority or education, and often paying significantly higher salaries. Of the industries one may enter, CGI animators and video game designers/artists are paid among the highest due to the size of their respective markets.

How Much Can I Make with a Computer Graphics Degree?

How much money you can make with a computer graphics degree will be dependent on the job you end up securing after graduating from an accredited college or university. Your income will also be dependent upon your geographic location, work experience, market demand, skills, organization type, aptitude, and work ethic. As a result of this span of industries and jobs available to a computer graphics major, we have aggregated an array of job types adjacent to the computer graphics degree program to help you understand average income across the sector. Jobs you may be qualified for after earning a computer graphics degree include:

Web Developers: The mean income for a web developer is $72,150 a year based on the most recent data available. The job growth for web developers is forecast to skyrocket by 27% adding approximately 39,500 jobs to the sector.

Technical Writers: Median annual income for technical writers is $69,850 with a 10% job growth expected over the next decade which adds 5,300 jobs to the sector. Top employers of technical writers are computer design firms, technical consultants, engineering firms, and architects.

Animators: The mean annual income for an animator is $72,200 with an expected job growth rate of 8% over the coming decade adding some 3,900 jobs during that time.

Industrial Designers: Median income for an industrial designer is $76,790 a year with the top 10% earning $105,690 a year. The top employers for an industrial designer include specialized design firms, architectural organizations, and engineering firms.

Desktop Publishers: Mean annual income for a desktop publisher is currently $44,380 with the largest employers being publishers, printers, management companies, and advertising firms.

Drafters: Annual median wage for a drafter is $51,640 with a steady job growth predicted in the coming years. Common drafting industries include architectural, civil, electronics, and mechanical.

Graphic Designer: The mean annual wage for a graphic designer is $52,290 with job growth forecast to be steady over the coming decade. Largest employers specialized design firms, advertising companies, and public relations corporations.

Computer Systems Analysts: The median annual income for a computer systems analyst is $87,220 with the upper ten percent averaging $137,690 a year. The expected growth rate of 21% over the coming decade adding some 118,600 jobs during that time.

Those individuals interested in a degree in computer graphics may wish to consider degrees ingraphic design,web and digital design, andcinematography and film.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com