Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Creative industries turn ideas into things people watch, read, play, wear and use, from film, music and games to design, fashion, advertising, architecture and the arts. The country's creative sector is bigger than most people think, and digital platforms mean creative work now reaches the whole world.

It's a great fit if you have ideas you want to make real, enjoy learning new tools and want your work to be seen. Many people build a folio on their own, study a creative degree or associate degree, and work across freelance, studio and agency roles as their career grows.

At a glance

Job outlook
Competitive
Plenty of people want in, so a strong portfolio, real projects and a specialty are what set you apart.
Median salary
$59,000
most between $40,000 and $110,000
Roles not requiring a degree
53%
across 62 occupations
Roles and settings
62
In studios, agencies, on set or freelance from home, solo and in teams.

Sources: O*NET, IPEDS / College Scorecard, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES)

Why Arts, Entertainment, & Design?

Turn what you love making into a career, with a folio that speaks louder than a college degree.

Your folio matters more than your marks
A clear college pathway
Work that people see and use
Freelance, studio or agency: your choice

Do you have any questions about Arts, Entertainment, & Design? Just ask me!

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Industry outlook

Competitive
Plenty of people want in, so a strong folio, real projects and a specialism are what set you apart.
A pathway for everyone
Build a folio, do a associate degree in design or screen, or study a creative degree, and start getting real work while you learn.

Entry requirements

Typical GPA range: Not required for most programs; 3.0 – 3.5 GPA for degree pathways
Prerequisites: A portfolio of your work for most creative programs and roles; no licenses required.
Pathways: College degrees, community college certificates, or on-the-job work.
Duration: Months to years, depending on the chosen pathway.