Associate degree in Graphic design or BA in visual communication or MBA in Advertising?

[darce]

Hi. I am from Bangladesh. I have graduated like 7 months ago in B.B.A. with a marketing major. As I want to work in advertising firm/marketing companies/design agencies I am thinking to get an associate degree in graphic design & advertising in USA & later work toward a BA in visual communication or communication design. I'm really interested in graphic design as it requires a creative mind & provides career options like creative/art director. Even if it would take years to have an established career like that I would really like to do what I'll love & enjoy even if it pays less in my earlier jobs. What I'm confused about is, should I consider Associate of Arts or Associates of Applied science in graphic design & advertising or should I straight froward start my BA in visual communication or communication design? Because I've read somewhere that unlike the A.A. degree, the A.S. curriculum is not considered equal to the first two years of a bachelors degree. Cost is a big factor for me. That's why I'm considering associate degree so I can get a full time job & save some money to bear some cost of the rest of the 2 years study to get a BA degree. But I've also read arguments in many articles & blogs about Associate degree vs BA. Is associate degree only offered by community colleges? Is it a big factor whether a applicant has AS/AA degree or a BA? My friends think it is silly of me to get another Bachelor degree rather than a MBA degree. But my point is I do not have any work experience yet & good USA universities require at least 1 year work experience for MBA admission. Can someone share some personal experiences & suggest an action plan so I can make a good decision? I would also like to know the industry situation & the job opportunities are available in USA. What kind of part time job opportunities are there for an inexperienced graphic design student & actually what kind of job experiences would help me to find a good full time job (not only which pays good but also will help me to progress in my career) after getting the degree? & it would be great if anyone can suggest some good institutes (but moderately cheap) for associate degree in graphic design & advertising that also offers some web design classes & BA in visual communication or communication design in USA. Most of the authors of many articles always talked about making a good portfolio. I would really appreciate if anyone can recommend some websites for portfolio samples. I know I've asked a lot of questions. But I do not have anyone to get some practical answers of this questions. It would be really helpful if any international student who is already studying in USA can share some of his/her living experience there like living costs with me. I know in different states the cost & job opportunities varies. Just share what it is like for you. Thanks in advance.

[karlitis]

Master in Advertising