If you’re unsure of pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree, but you are looking for a way to further your career, an associate degree may be the way to go. This type of undergraduate degree is usually done in two years and can be later applied to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.

What is an associate degree in applied arts? When you think of art, you may think of painting and sculpture, but applied arts is a field associated with applying design and aesthetics to everyday objects. You may focus your studies on a specific area of applied arts, such as interior, packaging, graphic and industrial design, or commercial illustration and photography. Coursework is often focused on hands-on and technical computer training typically required by most of these fields.

Acquiring an applied arts degree can strengthen your communication, creativity, and teamwork skills, which can lead to higher salaries and greater job opportunities. This type of degree can allow you to obtain an entry-level position in a short amount of time.

With any degree, it is important to take tuition costs into consideration. Depending on the college or university, and the type of degree program you are interested in, tuition costs can vary greatly.

So what can you do with an applied arts degree? This type of degree can lead you to a job as a graphic designer, commercial photographer, fashion designer, and product designer. You can work for book publishers, magazines and advertising agencies, or you may become a freelance designer. Another great option is teaching either college-level or secondary education courses in your area of expertise.

If a creative career sounds like your calling, an applied arts degree may be a viable option to consider. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.