ArtBistro

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online is an accredited school. 86% of their graduates find work in their chosen field. It's not for everyone-- you need to be a self motivated, self starter and enjoy working on your own. I've been taking classes online since April. Some of it has been easy for me because of my previous experience, but subjects I was not familiar with were enough of a challenge that I don't think I'm being ripped off. For instance, I can seriously discuss information, instructional and interactive design whereas I could not before.

Some people put down AIO, because it's a for-profit school with aggressive recruiting practices, but that doesn't bother me. If you want to get an accredited degree online in the field of graphic design at an accelerated pace, it's about the only option available. If you live close to a community college and have time for regular courses, that might be a better fit for you.

I'm going for a degree in web design. Anyone interested in graphic design should do the same. The age of printing on paper is disappearing. The best industry for designers outside of web design is advertising specialties like signage, t-shirts, coffee mugs, car wraps, point of purchase (POP) display, etc... this kind of printing will be around for a long time to come. Since a lot of these type of printers are small businesses, having a degree is not as important as having a portfolio that proves you can do the job. Entrepreneurs are more concerned with results than degrees. But, any business that's bigger than a mom and pop shop will filter applicants by degree. A good reason to get one.

Thank you so much for answering my questions. I much appreciate this. Now with the online schools since you have been in there how does this work?  Do they supply you with the needed tools like photoshop or do you purchase them on your own? I have never done an online class. Also, would I have to go to a site to show them I did the art work if any or just send a picture?

Spears , Do the research , and make sure on line classes are for you , as mentioned above they are not for everybody . If you think that is the way for you go for it , but starting out I'd go for the classroom as you have fellow students to interact with and importantly an instructor that is much more available for you . I'm not sure how that works but perhaps a little of both . Get a few credits in a school  and go the on line route  later if you feel ready for it . As far as paper going away , I seriously doubt it  will . The computer stuff Mason comments on is fine . Go into that but only if you think its something that you want to be doing the rest of your life and will enjoy doing . As far as all the George Jetson stuff goes , nobody knows for sure what direction things are actually going to go ., Too many factors , Books will NEVER go away . That is human culture and tradition that almost every literate culture on earth DEMANDS staying intact . yes the local rag paper or magazine will  be a comp sheet but thats about it . Things like culture , politics , traditions and economy have just as much influence on the future as technology . just because a technology exsits , does not mean it will be accepted by either a people or the government that is currently in control . Look at the Metric system . We don't use it a lot in the US as the general population views it as Unamerican . There is guaranted to also be legislation and regulation of its public use . The technology to have a driving billboard exsists right now . As a GD you may not be doing it  where you are as that method of advertising is banned by local ordanance. The guy on the street doesnt want to see it so they get the local politicians to pass  a law banning it . Things like that are also reality . politcal factors like another terrorist attack  for example . If it was found that a new technology aided the attack in some way ,the government could very well restrict its use in that country . Economy as well , if the economy continues to disintigrate , people will not risk the new unknown , new stuff .especialy if it costs anything to convert to it . they will be hanging onto what is at hand for as long as possible . also , if a new technology threatens job loss , you can bet their will be a lobby against it in Washington or the state level, and if its an election year , they will be heard . Do what is right for you . If you love  what you do , you will be a success at it  whatever that may be . I have been working as a sculptor in artificial habbitats and museums for over 15 years and absolutely love it . I also do my  own fine art and have an agent that sells the poop out of it , I will most likely stop working in the regular job to just do FA . Your career will also evolve , just go where your interests are , if they are technology , then that is where you need to be ." use the force Luke "