Graphic Design
- Associate Degree

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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].
Graphic Design 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
Graduates | 58 |
Graduates Responding | 23 |
Employed in Related Occupation | 6 |
Employed in Non-related Occupations | 8 |
Seeking Employment | 0 |
Continuing Education | 7 |
Not in Labor Market | 9 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
Part Time | Full Time | |
---|---|---|
Responding | 1 | 6 |
Average Hours Per Week | 25 | 42 |
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
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
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College Requirements
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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.