So you want to be a graphic designer? Great! The first step on the path to realizing your dream is choosing the right graphic design school. Many up-and-coming designers think that all graphic design schools are created equal, but in the field of graphic design this is not the case. Before you enroll, consider the answers to these questions

What Field of Study Do You Want?

Do you want to be an illustrator, animator, or online graphic designer? Remember, graphic design has several sub categories, and you should not choose a graphic design school until you know what field you anticipate working in. Choose a school that specializes in the field you desire.

What Type of Program Fits You?

When you enroll in graphic design school, you have four basic programs to consider. These are:

• Four-Year Design School Degree Program – A traditional school program that allows you to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree (or higher). Beyond graphic design, you will also study basic liberal arts courses.
• Community College Graphic Design Courses – Pursue an Associate’s degree or certification in graphic design at your local collage. This takes less time and often cuts out some general education courses. This is a better option for students who need to attend school part time, as evening classes are more likely an option.
• Technical College Graphic Design Programs – This type of degree will give you highly specialized instruction into graphic design, focusing on the segment of the field that you have choosen, such as computer graphics training or printing. You can graduate with a certificate or possibly an Associate’s degree.
• Workshops, Conventions, and Special Training – If attending school full time will not work for you, consider enrolling in a workshop, attending a convention, or receiving another form of special training, often through your local community college. This is also an excellent way to ad a skill to your existing graphics design portfolio without returning to school full time.

Online or Traditional?

Besides choosing the type of program, you also will need to decide if online graphic design school or a traditional classroom works best for your learning style. Online school requires much self-motivation but makes it much easier to incorporate graphics design education into a busy lifestyle. A traditional classroom setting gives you more of a feeling of accountability but may be difficult to squeeze in around work obligations.

Other Considerations

Once you have decided on the type of graphic design school that best fits your interests, needs, and learning style, you will need to consider which actual school is best. Consider these factors as you make your decision:

• The reputation of the school in the industry
• Experience of teachers
• Location
• Size of classes
• On-site facilities (are they up-to-date?)
• Cost of tuition (including fees)
• Housing options
• Class size
• Opportunities for job placement upon graduation
• Curriculum
• Entry requirements
• Class schedule

Visit the schools you are considering to take a look at these qualifications more closely, and then weigh the pros and cons of each. Apply to the schools that seem to be the best fit, and then make a decision based on the schools you are accepted to.

The decision on the best graphic design school will be much easier of you go through this process systematically, eliminating schools that do not fit, and then choosing the best one from those that remain.