Graphic Design (APGRD)

Associate in Applied Science

This associate's degree program prepares students for a career as a graphic designer. Graphic designers are specialists in the field of visual communication, trained to communicate, inform, instruct or sell. Students will gain skills in the principles of graphic design, publication design, interface and mobile design by working on a variety of projects that focus on theory, concept development, typography and production techniques that culminate in the production of a portfolio.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Career Outlook

Students go on to work in advertising agencies, design firms, marketing and public relations companies, and become freelancers.

Career Outlook in Michigan

36,835Median Earnings

108Annual Job Openings

17% 10 Year Employment Growth

Learn More

Powered By emsi logo

50,602Median Earnings

740Annual Job Openings

8% 10 Year Employment Growth

Learn More

Powered By emsi logo

50,694Median Earnings

12Annual Job Openings

-3% 10 Year Employment Growth

Learn More

Powered By emsi logo

Do you have another career in mind? Search for careers

Print PDF

2024-2025 Academic Requirements

This program prepares students for a career as a graphic designer. Graphic designers are specialists in the field of visual communication, trained to communicate, inform, instruct or sell. Students gain skills in the principles of graphic design, publication design, interface and mobile design working on a variety of projects that focus on theory, concept development, typography and production techniques that culminates in the production of a portfolio. Creative and artistic ability is required for careers in graphic design, as well as originality and the capacity for experimentation in visual problem-solving. Students also need the ability to master software skills as they relate to each medium.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program, as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Eastern Michigan University, BFA degree;
Wayne State University, BFA degree.

Copies can be obtained from the Counseling Office, a program advisor, or from the Curriculum and Assessment Office Web site: https://www.wccnet.edu/learn/transfer-wcc-credits/articulation-agreements.php.

Basic proficiency with desktop computers is required to enroll in GDT computer-based courses.

Note: Graphic Design computer-based courses are taught on Macintosh computers.

Division
Business/Computer Technologies
Department
Digital Media Arts Dept
Advisors
Ingrid Ankerson
Kevin Woodland
Sandro Tuccinardi
Raechel Espinoza
First Fall Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
ENG 111   Composition I 4
GDT 104   Introduction to Graphic Design 4
WEB 115   Interface Design I 4
Elective   Math Elective(s) 3
Total 15
First Winter Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
GDT 100   Typography I 4
GDT 101   History of Graphic Design 3
GDT 112   Principles and Problem-Solving in Graphic Design 4
WEB 215   Interface Design II 4
Total 15
Second Fall Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
GDT 215   Typography II 4
GDT 220   Publication Design 4
GDT 239   Imaging and Illustration 4
Elective   Nat. Sci. Elective(s) 3
Total 15
Second Winter Semester
Class Title Minimum Credits
COM 101   Fundamentals of Speaking 3
GDT 252   Advanced Digital Studio* 4
GDT 290   Professional Practices* 4
Elective   Soc. Sci. Elective(s) 3
Elective  

Open elective(s) to reach a minimum of 60 total credits.

1
Total 15

Total Credits Required
60

Footnotes

*For a Winter start, GDT 252 and GDT 290 must be taken in 4th term but are not not offered in the Fall.