Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

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Graphic Design

  • Associate Degree
Graphic Design Image

Program Number: 

102011

Program Credits: 

61.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$10,013.15

Typical Start: 

Fall
Financial Aid Eligible

Graphic designers have a passion for art, design, and impactful visual communication. They also possess excellent computer skills. Businesses and organizations rely on effective brand and marketing communications, including logos, signage, brochures, packaging, videos, advertising, and website design.

At Western, our Graphic Design program is well-known for its comprehensive approach to design education. We equip students like you with the fundamentals and skills in art, technology, advertising, and marketing. You'll conceptualize, create, and produce designs for both print and electronic media. In your first year, you'll be introduced to graphic design industry software, typography, and design principles. As a second-year student, you'll apply and enhance these skills in a unique, hands-on instructional environment that integrates marketing and advertising concepts with design. The final semester focuses on portfolio development and preparing you for a career in the field.

With this degree, you'll have a range of career opportunities, including roles as graphic designers and graphic artists in advertising agencies, printing companies, corporate marketing departments, publishers, public relations firms, and web and app design. Some graphic designers also work as freelancers, and your earning potential can increase with extended and diverse work experience.

Program instructors accept graphic design work from the public that fits with the topic they are covering in class. To apply for this service, complete the Graphic Design Request Form [1]. 

Check out our student portfolios [2]

Graphic Design 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates58
Graduates Responding23
Employed in Related Occupation6
Employed in Non-related Occupations8
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education7
Not in Labor Market9

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding16
Average Hours Per Week2542
Average Hourly Wage$15.50 $18.90
Hourly Wage Range$15.50 $15.50-$23.50
Average Annual Salary

Respondents in Related Occupations

  • Server/Store Marketing, Service, Production Artist, Graphic Designer/Print Shop Employee, Graphic Designer

Career Opportunities

Graphic Designer
Graphic Artist
Web Designer/Graphic Design
Marketing/& Design Coordinator
Production Artist
Jr. Web Developer

Program Outcomes

  • Apply the principles of design to develop strategic marketing and communication products and services
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of design software, tools and technology
  • Implement creative solutions from concept through completion using a formal process
  • Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills
  • Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings
  • Collaborate with clients/industry

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Software and Technology

This program requires specific software and technology to complete classwork. Click here to see the list of items you will need for your courses [3].

If you do not have access to the items listed for your program, or if the items you have do not meet the requirements, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [4].

Internet access is required to access student accounts from off campus. The Learning Commons can provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [5] or call 608-785-9198.

For additional specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [6] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [7] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [8] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

Adobe Illustrator
Course Number: 10201109
Credits: 3.00
Design Fundamentals
Course Number: 10201112
Credits: 3.00
Drawing
Course Number: 10201118
Credits: 3.00
Publication Design 1
Course Number: 10201104
Credits: 3.00
Strengths Seminar
Course Number: 10890106
Credits: 1.00
Technical Reporting
Course Number: 10801197
Credits: 3.00

Second Term

Adobe Photoshop
Course Number: 10201185
Credits: 3.00
Designing with Type
Course Number: 10201122
Credits: 3.00
Illustration Concepts
Course Number: 10201128
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Motion Graphics
Course Number: 10206111
Credits: 3.00
Publication Design 2
Course Number: 10201114
Credits: 3.00

Fourth Term

Graphic Design & Marketing
Course Number: 10201136
Credits: 3.00
Graphic Design-Advertising
Course Number: 10201145
Credits: 3.00
Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Course Number: 10801196
Credits: 3.00
Website Design 1
Course Number: 10201111
Credits: 3.00
Website Design 2
Course Number: 10201121
Credits: 3.00

Fifth Term

Comprehensive Graphic Design
Course Number: 10201156
Credits: 3.00
Graphic Design Portfolio
Course Number: 10201149
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Diversity Studies
Course Number: 10809172
Credits: 3.00
Intro to Psychology
Course Number: 10809198
Credits: 3.00
Math w Business Apps
Course Number: 10804123
Credits: 3.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://www.westerntc.edu/form/graphic-design-request
[2] https://www.behance.net/westerngraphicdesign
[3] https://www.westerntc.edu/sites/default/files/programs/documents/Technology_Requirements.pdf
[4] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[5] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[6] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[8] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/