The decision about whether or not to complete your computer graphics degree online or on-campus depends on which learning format you’re most comfortable with, your schedule, and what you expect to take away from a degree program. To help you decide, here is a bit of information about both learning formats. First both on-campus and online programs offer the same curriculum to students as well as the opportunity to produce and edit video either on-campus or in a virtual production lab. Most computer graphics students, whether attending school on-campus or online will have access to virtual production labs which allow students to edit film, soundtracks, and audio 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Aspiring computer graphics professionals must begin the journey from struggling student to paid computer graphics specialist by enrolling in a degree program. Degrees for this career field include a bachelors degree in graphic design or a bachelors in computer graphics. Most technical schools and art schools offer some or all of the degrees listed here. Many traditional colleges that offer all degrees from A-Z offer computer graphics degrees as well. Most traditional colleges and universities have a department of art or multimedia art and many offer the option to take courses online. Depending in the institution, several learning formats may be available including entirely on-campus, entirely online, or blended format. The blended format offers a combination of online and on-campus courses.
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits roughly 300 art colleges and art programs across the U.S. Many art schools and art programs, have also been accredited regional agencies such as the Western Association of Schools and College (WASC), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
Many working and continuing/adult education students as well as students with major scheduling conflicts find that the blended or online option is much easier to manage. Online students may also opt for this format if the school of their choice is too far to commute. In some cases, students would prefer not to relocate, so they may choose the online option as well.
While both the online option and the on-campus provide a high quality education for students, there are several differences that mat not work for some students. The online option might be more difficult as students are expected to be very disciplined and organized. They must also work very well unsupervised. It is the student’s responsibility to log in for a specific number of hours per course, to turn in assignments on or before set deadlines, and to post to discussion boards in a timely and professional manner. A significant portion of the online students grade depends on participation. This is not really the case in on-campus environments where the student need only show up and listen to the lecture.
Some students might also miss the face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers, while others might see this is as a distraction. So, when it comes to choosing an online program over an on-campus program, it really boils down to a matter of preference as both types of degrees are valid in the career world.
When applying for online computer graphics degree programs, all you have to do is check to make sure the school is accredited by a recognized agency. Visit the U.S. Department of Education at Ed.gov for listings. Also, accredited online programs should have the same curriculum requirements as traditional programs. Review the computer graphics curriculum for a top technical school such the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Compare it to the program you have chosen. If the curriculum for the program you have chosen seems a little off and the school has not been accredited by a recognized agency, you should think twice before applying.
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