What Will I Learn In a Set Design Degree Program?

If you watch TV or movies, you've probably appreciated the work of set designers. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that the look of a scene fits the mood, period and budget of the production, whether that means imitating a colonial house or a barren alien world. For most who want to enter this career, a degree in set design is essential. Set design students will learn about construction, lighting, art history and a variety of other topics to ensure they're ready to enter the job market. Although each school differs, most students can expect to take courses in drawing, drafting, architecture, furniture, painting, communication and lighting.

What Can I Do With a Set Design Degree?

As a set designer, you'll more than likely find yourself working in the entertainment industry. Movies, TV shows, Broadway musicals, plays, operas, touring musical artists and a wide variety of other forms of performance art all need professionals to design and build their sets. Some set designers will focus on painting backdrops or designing stages, while others will be more interested in careers working with lighting and other very technical aspects of set creation. Holders of this degree can eventually become supervisors and directors of all the aspects of set design on a production.

What Is the Career Outlook for Set Design Degree Students?

Job prospects for set designers will fluctuate with the number of productions being put on each year and the area of the country in which graduates choose to reside. Those who live in big cities or near artistic centers will find the best opportunities. Moving up in set design, like most aspects of the entertainment industry, requires a lot of hard work and perseverance, and graduates may not be paid much or get much credit for their work early in their careers. Entry level positions as set designers can pay as little as $1,000 per production, though for those who do become experienced in the field, $80,000 per production is not unheard of, and for big Hollywood movies it could be more.