Master Degree in Web Design

[buddymink]

Hi all, I want to know how important is it to get a Master degree in Graphic/Web Design. I already have a BA in Graphic Design, but now I'm learning more towards web design, especially in flash & actionscripting. I was thinking to either take some classes on actionscripting & a bit more on programming or get my Master degree. So please let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks

[AdobeAce]

Hi buddymink,

As an Adobe Certified Instructor, I'll never say no to more education.

But a Masters Degree? I doubt most people who are hiring an artist could care less about advanced degrees. (As I've said in the past, most people doing the hiring can't even spell QuarkXPress correctly). So they're more likely to hire someone with a couple of years of real experience in the business.

But if you really want to go the Masters route, I would find out who the instructors are ahead of time. If they're not Certified by Adobe or Macromedia, don't waste your time or money. I also would avoid fulltime instructors, no matter what credentials they have. If you want to learn what's going to help you in the real world, it makes sense to learn from someone who is a pro. Most of the time this is true, although there are some rare exceptions. I did have this one Professor who was the best teachers and a major influence on my entire career. But he was one in a million.

Ace

[staciecd]

I think that Master degrees are important - I have two. With Web Design, I would take classes towards a certificate or a CIW certification, but I doubt that a degree would make much of a difference at this point.

I got an online degree in MBA in Technology Managment which helped to round out my business, managment, and computer experience.

I would take the classes for Flash, but not the degree. I think that experience is more important. Now, if you want to teach, I think that the degree is important.

Stacie

[AdobeAce]

I would take the classes for Flash, but not the degree. I think that experience is more important. Now, if you want to teach, I think that the degree is important.

Stacie

Hi Stacie,

As usual, I think you're right on the money.

Colleges and universities are big on degrees when hiring instructors (which makes a lot of sense). Even as an Adobe Certified Instructor with over 30 years of experience in advertising graphics, most colleges would NOT considering hiring me without a Masters.

Art schools are the exception to this hiring practice however. They are far more likely to hire professionals in the field.

Most people hiring graphic artists are more concerned about experience. Some might even be looking for the rarest of qualities in a candidate for a job – TALENT! :eek:

Ace

:D

[The Repro Kid]

Hi Buddymink, I usually have a lot to say on these types of subjects, so I guess I'll get started. I'm with staciecd about the teaching part.

In fact, now is great time to consider teaching in art at the University level because computer art teachers are really in demand.

For the longest time University level art teaching was impacted beyond belief. Growing up in los angeles area, the long running joke in all the art schools was if you are thinking about getting your masters and teaching in a university, then you better set sites on some remote university on some remote prairie, because everybody wants an be an Art Professor.

But now, in this digital age, all the schools, universities and private art colleges are playing catch up. Everyone wants to know how to create high-end web and print and video content and know one is teaching it. You could practically write your own ticket and work anywhere you want, given the right combination of education and experience.

bottom line, take a tip form Stacie and Ace, Get a real job after undergraduate school and spend some time in the real world, get into a masters program and finish it off in few years, while working a real job. Then sit back and watch the university jobs flow your way.