 |
|
|
|
Graphic designers, also known as graphic artists, use a variety of visual elements to promote or enhance a product, brand or company. Graphic designers can have a typical 9 to 5 job or can work on a contract, or job, basis as consultants or freelance designers. They can work for corporate businesses, advertising and design agencies or publishing companies.
Graphic Design Schools in Minnesota
To become a graphic artist, formal education is required to enter the profession--you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design from a college or university. Many schools require students to complete a year of basic art and design courses before enrolling in a bachelor's degree program. Graphic design coursework often includes, but is not limited to, studio art, website design, printing techniques, computerized design and commercial graphics production. Some designers may find it helpful to take additional courses in psychology, writing, marketing, business and foreign languages. It is important to note that graphic designers must also be creative and have the ability to showcase their ideas to clients or art directors. There are many graphic design schools in Minnesota--both online and campus-based--that can teach you everything you need to know to become a graphic designer.
Graphic Designer Salaries in Minnesota
As the demand for graphic designers continues to increase, employment should grow 13 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As projects for interactive media--such as websites and mobile phones--continue to grow, those who have experience in website design and animation will be able to find better employment opportunities. With more than 5,300 graphic designers in the state, Minnesota graphic design schools are the perfect place to start your career as a graphic designer. In Minnesota, graphic designers earned an hourly median wage of $20.47, or $42,580 annually, in May 2009 (latest available data). Although there are opportunities throughout the state, graphic designers are concentrated in the Minneapolis metropolitan area, the Fargo ND-MN area and St. Cloud. Those in Rochester, the Minneapolis area and St. Cloud earned the highest annual median salary.
Whether you want to work for a big advertising company, start your own design firm or do part-time freelance work, earning a degree from one of the following Minnesota graphic design schools will help you achieve your goals.
Schools for Graphic Designers in Minnesota are listed below.
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
DeVry University
Edina, St. Louis Park
Started in 1931, DeVry has grown into one of the largest private universities in the U.S., with locations in many major metro areas.
The Art Institutes
Minneapolis
The Art Institutes (AI) provides programs that stimulate the minds of its students with programs in design, the arts, game programming, culinary cuisine, and fashion.
Brown College
Mendota Heights
Launched as a broadcasting school in the 1940’s, this career college has expanded its scope to include several other programs leading to marketable job skills.
Minnesota School of Business
Elk River, Richfield, Waite Park
Minnesota School of Business offers certificates and diplomas to people that want to start careers. They have campuses located in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
Rasmussen College
Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Lake Elmo, Mankato, Moorhead, St. Cloud
Offers career training and degree programs in allied health, business, justice studies, nursing, education, and technology. Located at 13 campuses across the U.S.
ITT Technical Institute
Eden Prairie
With over 100 campuses in 34 states nationwide and online programs offered as well, the ITT Technical Institutes may have a program that is convenient for you. ITT Tech is dedicated to teaching technology.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVry University Online | Online | Bachelor | |
| AIU Online | Online | Associate, Bachelor | |
| The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division | Online | Associate, Bachelor, Diploma | |
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Herzing College | Online | Associate, Bachelor |
| School Name | Campus | Highest Award | Enrolled |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Visual Arts | Saint Paul | Bachelor | 178 |
| Concordia College at Moorhead | Moorhead | Masters | 2,811 |
| Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount | Associate | 2,864 |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park | Associate | 5,582 |
| Mesabi Range Community and Technical College | Virginia | Associate | 1,411 |
| Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Minneapolis | Masters | 789 |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | Minneapolis | Associate | 9,188 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls | Associate | 6,164 |
| North Hennepin Community College | Brooklyn Park | Associate | 6,448 |
| Northland Community and Technical College | Thief River Falls | Associate | 4,027 |
| Riverland Community College | Austin | Associate | 3,687 |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester | Associate | 5,898 |
| Saint Cloud Technical College | Saint Cloud | Associate | 3,909 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona | Doctorate | 5,960 |
| Saint Paul College | Saint Paul | Associate | 4,990 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis | Doctorate & First Professional | 50,883 |
The map below shows job statistics for the career type by metro area, for Minnesota. A table below the map shows job popularity and salaries across the state.
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Graphic Designers relative to the population of the city, as of 2008. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Relative Popularity of 1.0 means that the city has an average number of the particular job, for its population, compared to the rest of the US. Higher numbers mean proportionally more jobs of that type.| Metro Area | Jobs | Salary (2008) | Relative Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
MINNESOTA | |||
| Minneapolis | 4,160 | $48,460 | 1.4 |
| Rochester | 130 | $56,780 | 0.9 |
| St. Cloud | 140 | $41,660 | 0.9 |
| Duluth | 160 | $37,640 | 0.8 |
Career Stories from workers: daily activities, job tips, best/worst job aspects, training, etc.
Daily Career & Education News from our staff. We're an approved Google News provider!
Resource Center. A starting point for all CityTownInfo career and college resources.
Career Overviews of hundreds of careers: descriptions, salaries, forecasts, schools, more.
Best Careers Not Requiring Degrees: Good pay, job growth, low need for degrees.
Helpful Articles, many in "how-to" format; e.g., "How to Become a Chef".
These lists link to thousands of detailed school profiles.
Colleges by State. Nearly every college and trade school in the country.
Colleges Listed Alphabetically. About 7,000 colleges & trade schools, including online schools.
Colleges by Major City. Browse cities with multiple college options.
Online Colleges. Colleges with online degree programs.
Graduate Schools by State. Colleges offering graduate degree programs.
Graduate Schools by Major City. Find cities with multiple graduate school options.
Copyright © QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
