<p>Hi All, I need some advice on degree choice. I am in my early 40s, have tons of experience under my belt however I am missing one key ingredient - a degree of some sort. I am a self-taught old-school artist who prefers pencil/paper over computer/mouse. My goal is to one day be a story-book illustrator so here is my problem... I have been researching online schools (since I am relocating to a very, very rural area and traveling full-time to a school is not an option) and am confused over the "Associate of Science Degree Program in Graphic Design" or an "Associate of Occupational Studies in Illustration". I do not have any plans in pursing a bachelor's degree, I simply need more experience in Photoshop and Illustrator programs. I have researched the difference in the two but still I'm stuck on the fence. I was initially looking at the Graphic Design degree, but found the illustration more to my liking and needs (focuses more on the book illustration courses, drawing and the digital end of it all and not so much the web design side). I also noticed a certificate of illustration via Session College that would most likely work for what I need but not sure either. I can put two years of full-time classes into my education but do not want to push that any further. I guess what I need here is, is the Associates of Occupation Studies something that is frowned on? Is it a true degree? Or, should I just take some courses and ditch the degree idea all together. Any advice on which of these two would be best for me is hugely appreciated!</p>
<p>You might try posting this question in the Visual Arts majors forum:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/</a></p>
<p>I googled Associates in Occupational Studies and found a lot of entries that might be helpful.</p>
<p>Here is one among many:
"If by “normal” Associate’s degree you mean the traditional Associate’s degree of Arts (AA) or Sciences (AS), then they are different. An AA or AS degree would be awarded for studies taken heavily in the liberal arts and/or science classes, many of which are transferable credits as general education classes to a 4-year university. Students looking to fulfil their GE requirements first and then transfer would take classes towards this degree.</p>
<p>An Associate of Occupational Studies is considered a vocational degree that has little to no liberal arts/science GE classes. Their study of focus is in an area with classes that are not transferable unless the major you want to study at the transferred school is in the same subject." </p>
<p>You may already know this info but just to add to your post. if you know you don’t want to go on to a bachelor’s, then it would seem you could just go by whatever courses are most helpful to you. Hoping the visual arts forum is helpful!</p>
<p>You are an inspiration by the way :)</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you for your input! I will check out that forum feed.</p>
<p>Another big thanks to you compmom, it’s taken along time and some interesting job choices to get to this point. I am currently in the DC area and was making really good money without a degree, but found myself always in the wrong career choice. It’s going to be a big step for one, going back to school and two, to financially invest in school to make less money (starting out in the art field) than what I was making here. I figure to be in the field that I want be, I have to make the sacrifices to be happy. </p>