PhD in Graphic Design

<p>Graphic design programs, while more commonly found at lower educational levels, can be found for prospective Ph.D. candidates. Online doctoral degree programs in graphic design are not currently available. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Availability</b></td><td> Ph.D. in graphic design programs are available, but rare</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree or master's degree in a related study area, professional experience in the design field, plan for doctoral study, prerequisite coursework</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Interactive design, Web design, photography, advanced typography, digital design</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Mean Annual Wage (2020)</b></td><td> $58,370 (<i>for all graphic designers</i>)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% decline (<i>for all graphic designers</i>)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---AreThereAnyPrerequisites">Are There Any Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You must have a bachelor's or master's degree in design or a related area of study, such as art, technical communication or architecture. In addition, you should have several years of professional experience in a design field, as well as a well thought out plan for your doctoral degree studies. Applicants that are lacking foundational design courses or proficiency with industry-standard computer programs may be required to take prerequisite coursework prior to admission. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>The core of a Ph.D. in graphic design program includes courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and design theory and criticism. You'll also take courses in human interaction with designed objects, multicultural communication, design education or design history, depending on your chosen concentration. </p> <p>A thesis project or dissertation that requires original research is typically a requirement as well. You may also complete a teaching assistantship. Some courses to expect in a doctoral degree program in graphic design might include: </p> <ul><li>Advanced typography </li><li>Digital design </li><li>Web design </li><li>Interactive design </li><li>Research methods for graphic design </li><li>Photography </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do with My Degree?</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree is the most common requirement for a career in graphic design. Work experience and continuing education to stay up-to-date on design trends and new industry software are some ways for graphic designers to advance to higher positions. Doctoral degree programs in graphic design are typically designed for those who would like to teach graphic design courses at the collegiate level. You might also pursue a career researching the technical and creative advances in the field of graphic design. </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for graphic designers are expected to decrease by 4% from 2019 to 2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The mean annual salary for a graphic designer as of May 2020 was $58,370, according to the BLS (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).</p>