More Information About Advertising Design

What should I know when considering a degree in Advertising Design ?

Entering the advertising design field is an appealing choice. After all, it can pay very well, and workers in this field enjoy the chance to be creative as part of their job description. It is no wonder that advertising degrees are growing in popularity. While the courses that lead to such a degree might vary depending on an individual student's focus, advertising training might include classes in communication, visual arts, market research, economics, consumer psychology, and public affairs.

Career Opportunities

Within the field, individuals can pursue positions in management, which may require courses in areas such as business law, finance, statistics, and business administration in addition to other advertising courses. Other students may wish to focus on public relations, which demands skills in public speaking, journalism, and technical or creative writing.

Those who pursue careers in promotions will also need a blend of these skills in order to provide consumers with purchasing incentives via product displays, special events, Internet advertising, or television and radio commercials.

For students who are specifically interested in the visual communications aspect of advertising, a graphic design degree is desirable, as is experience with the latest multimedia technology. Although advertising designers need top-notch artistic skills and the ability to use design software, they also need the same understanding of consumer behavior and communication techniques that other areas of advertising demand.

Earning Potential

Depending on a worker's specialty within the advertising field, he or she may earn over $100,000; for instance, the median salary for marketing managers in the computer systems design industry was $119,540 in 2006. For graphic designers in advertising generally, it was $41,600. Salaries in the field vary widely depending on responsibilities, experience, and education.

Where a Degree Will Take You

Generally speaking, a bachelor's or even a master's degree is preferred for entering the advertising field. Entry into this field is highly competitive, so students should try to supplement their education in advertising with related jobs and internships. For design students, building a strong portfolio is critical. Students who are pressed for time or money may find that earning an advertising degree online is a good option. Advertising is an interdisciplinary field, so students should seek a program that offers the breadth of study that many employers are seeking. While a student's primary interest may be in the visual communications aspects of advertising, knowledge of market research or business management can add value.

A degree in advertising can lead to a wide variety of jobs: managing a sales team, developing Internet ad campaigns, creating public service announcements for television, or designing a company's entire "look" for a rebranding initiative. Those who are creative and enjoy working with other people will do well in this field. Since advertising is all about sending a message, it is critical for students to develop sensitivity to audience behavior and reactions.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in advertising are expected to experience average growth-not surprising, since advertisers experience growth in tandem with their clients. However, competition for jobs is fierce; students with advertising degrees will be able to take advantage of their education during the job search.

Article References

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Advertising, Marketing, and Promotions: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos020.htm
Graphic Designers: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm
Artists and Related Workers: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm

What are the leading schools offering programs in Advertising Design ?

• International Academy of Design and Technology Online A vibrant and growing college since 1977, the International Academy of Design & Technology Online has been committed to providing its students with an education that delivers today's technology into the classroom and tomorrow's creative professionals into the workforce. IADT launched IADT-Online, a virtual campus for individuals wishing to pursue a degree entirely online, in 2007, offering training and education in the information, design and technology-based communications industries, with Associate and Bachelor degree programs structured to prepare students for professional opportunities and career success in select design fields. ( More Info )
• Academy of Art University Online Established in 1929, Academy of Art University Online prepares students for a career in art and design in an environment that is both challenging and supportive. The Academy offers cutting-edge facilities as well as a faculty of working artists. After graduation, students are at the forefront of the industry. ( More Info )