Associate in Advertising Design: Degree Overview

Research advertising design associate's degree programs. Get information about courses, skills learned and career options to make an informed decision about your education.

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Associate's Degree Program in Advertising Design

Students can learn to plan, create and analyze visual resolutions to advertising challenges. They explore ways to express themselves using a variety of mediums, like illustration, photography, typography and animation. They obtain the skills to design media for range of products, such as book covers, websites, logos, magazines, trade publications and more. Graduates can seek employment or transfer to a bachelor's degree program in art or design.

Programs may be combined with studies in graphic design or illustration and grant Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Art (AA) degrees. However, the core curricula of these programs are similar. Schools typically require applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Course Topics

Students in these programs take coursework on basic art techniques and the foundations of digital design. Classes aim to improve critical thinking and visual problem solving abilities. Required courses might include:

  • Drawing and painting
  • 2-D and 3-D design principles
  • Lettering and fonts
  • Layout formats
  • Computer graphics
  • Motion graphics
  • Web development
  • Art history

Popular Career Options

Graduates may find entry-level jobs as graphic artists or advertising illustrators. They may have to work as freelancers in order to find clients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) warns that graphic designers and other artists can expect stiff competition because there are more qualified designers than there are available positions. Some popular employers include:

  • Advertising companies
  • Printing agencies
  • Corporations
  • Print publications

Continuing Education Information

Graduates may pursue a bachelor's degree in advertising design to develop their artistic skills and advertising techniques. These programs also include more liberal arts classes, helping students to expand their understanding of societal values and hone their communication skills. Master's degree programs in a variety of subjects, like society-improvement-oriented design, design criticism and computer art, are also available.

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Related to Associate in Advertising Design: Degree Overview

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4 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    • Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • School locations:
    • California (1 campus)
    • Colorado (1 campus)
    • Pennsylvania (2)
    • Texas (1)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    • Associate
        • Associate in Advertising
        • Associate in Visual Merchandising
        • Associate in Graphic Design
        • Associates in Industrial Design
        • AA in Graphic & Web Design

    What is your highest level of education?

  • School locations:
    • Alabama (1 campus)
    • Arkansas (1 campus)
    • Arizona (1)
    • California (5)
    • Colorado (1)
    • Florida (2)
    • Georgia (3)
    • Idaho (1)
    • Illinois (3)
    • Indiana (2)
    • Louisiana (2)
    • Maryland (2)
    • Michigan (5)
    • Missouri (3)
    • North Carolina (1)
    • Nebraska (1)
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    • Nevada (1)
    • New York (3)
    • Ohio (7)
    • Oklahoma (1)
    • Oregon (2)
    • Pennsylvania (6)
    • South Carolina (1)
    • Tennessee (3)
    • Texas (1)
    • Utah (1)
    • Virginia (2)
    • Washington (3)
    • Wisconsin (2)
    • West Virginia (1)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What year did you graduate from high school?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your high school graduation status?

Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Ohio (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Design and Applied Arts
        • Advertising and Commercial Design
      • Drama and Theatre Arts
  • School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
      • Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Design and Applied Arts
        • Advertising and Commercial Design
        • General Visual Communications Design
        • Graphic Design
        • Industrial Design
      • Fine Arts and Studio Art
      • Musical Arts
      • Photography, Film, and Video
  • School locations:
    • Illinois (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Design and Applied Arts
        • Advertising and Commercial Design
        • General Visual Communications Design
        • Interior Design and Decorating
      • Drama and Theatre Arts
      • Fine Arts and Studio Art
      • Musical Arts
      • Photography, Film, and Video
  • School locations:
    • Tennessee (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Nashville State Technical Community College include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Design and Applied Arts
        • Advertising and Commercial Design
      • Musical Arts
      • Photography, Film, and Video
  • School locations:
    • Indiana (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Indiana University include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Design and Applied Arts
        • Advertising and Commercial Design
      • Drama and Theatre Arts
      • Fine Arts and Studio Art
      • Musical Arts
  • School locations:
    • Michigan (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Visual and Performing Arts
      • Design and Applied Arts
        • Advertising and Commercial Design
        • Industrial Design
      • Drama and Theatre Arts
      • Fine Arts and Studio Art
      • Musical Arts
      • Photography, Film, and Video

Popular Schools

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics