I don't know how things work in the States but here in the UK, one has to have completed a Foundation Course in 'Art & Design' before a University will take you for a Degree. The Foundation Course which lasts a one year covers all aspects of Art in the first third of the course. TV, Audio visual, Photography, Fine Art, Anatomy Drawing and Drawing in general/Illustration, Printing (Print - Text, Silk Screen, Lithography), History of Art & Design and Psychology (the latter coving perception of colour, optical illusions etc). The next two thirds you tend to specialise more in the media area one hopes to develop. The last third is usually spent on course-work projects which contribute towards the final assessment and also visits and interviews with a portfolio to Universities for the Degree. Occasionally some Universities have the Foundation Course on-site and may favour existing students for their Diploma or Degree level students.

The Degree lasts three years and the last two course work projects contribute to the final assessment. There is still more Psychology, Media and sometimes less History of Art & Design. You utilise the experience of the Foundation Course to incorporate the Photography and Print. You also generally go on an average of six weeks work experience at a publisher or Television Studio or Computer Graphic Design Studio. Also there maybe a field trip away for three or four days - ( Mine was a trip to the Television Studios in Holland as well as Museums). There is a Thesis to be written on a subject related to Graphics or Art - (Mine was about the development of childrens art from pre-school to secondary and how they perceive perspective and colour etc.).

It may be worth your while investing in a professional Graphics package like Xara X, CorelDraw and Photoshop of which you have one already. There are many on TalkGraphics that can advise you on this and even looking at the topics will help and also cover many of your questions.

Good luck

Ashley