Schools of Art and Design in Alaska

Although it may not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of where to attend design school, the state of Alaska actually has quite a bit to offer in terms of studying design. Many different industries need accomplished workers with a wide variety of skills, from fashion to interior to industrial design. Whether a student aims to be a graphic designer working in the media industry or an industrial designer interested in engineering, he or she will be best prepared to enter the industry of choice with a strong education and acquired skill set. Attending a school of design allows students to get the necessary training and gain these skills.

The state of Alaska's seven institutions-5 public and 2 private-of higher education enroll nearly 30,000 students, and hundreds of those students decide to make design their concentration or degree. What schools are out there and what do their programs offer? Why choose Alaska out of all the 50 states?

First and foremost, attending school in Alaska offers an opportunity to study in glacial, mountainous beauty unlike anywhere else in the United States. Within Alaska's borders exist natural wonders found nowhere else, while cities like Anchorage also offer an urban experience. In Fairbanks, on the other hand, students study surrounded by mountains in the more remote and interior region of the state.

The job outlook for graduates looking to work in Alaska is also as bright as the sunshine in the summer months: in 2006, Alaskans earned 11% more in their monthly wages than the national average. This statistic held true across all industries, and the state's graphic design industry continues to grow at a faster pace than average even today.

Two of the state's best-known institutions of higher learning are the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Both schools have strong art departments where students can study design, but each offers a very different educational experience. In coastal Anchorage, art and design students attend school with around 16,000 other students and they can enjoy the activities and culture abuzz in the large city. On the other stand, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks has half that enrollment size with less than 9,000 students; the school also reflects this in smaller classroom sizes and a teaching philosophy that emphasizes the individual learning process. Both art departments are accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design.

Charter College is another educational option for design-oriented students to consider. The school has campuses in both Anchorage and Wasilla, where students can earn a certificates and degrees in Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Science with a concentration in Technical Graphics, and more.

For students seeking the enhanced convenience and flexibility of studying online, various nationally recognized online schools offer programs to Alaskans. These include the Academy of Art University, the Art Institute Online, and the International Academy of Design and Technology. Additionally, the University of Alaska has an online component for those looking to enroll in a local institution while still accessing the perks of online learning. Students should always examine degree requirements and accreditation status to ensure the legitimacy of the program.

Of course, cost is also a factor to take into consideration when deciding which school to attend. In Alaska, tuition and fees for an academic year at a public college or university are estimated to be around $4,700. At a private institution, the estimate rises to just under $19,000. For online schools, the cost per credit hour ranges from $150-$200 per credit hour for undergraduate study and $250-$300 for graduate study. Those studying online can expect to pay the same tuition and fees as their on-campus counterparts, but they may save money on transportation, room, and board. In Alaska, housing and board expenses for the year are estimated to be around $7,000. Of course, this can vary depending on location and other factors.

In summary, while Alaska may seem an unassuming place for innovation in design to be taking place, students can get a strong educational experience in a variety of settings in the state. The mix of natural beauty and strong classroom experiences may be inspiring to students, and the career outlook seems strong.

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To learn more about Alaska Design Schools, including curriculum and program info, visit Alaska Art Schools. To learn more about design school accreditation, visit the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.