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Students seeking the Graphic Design degree develop skills in graphic design, page layout, typography, web design, and digital media, as well as the teamwork, creative problem solving, and life-long learning skills essential to a successful creative career. Graphic Design students have course work in software tools, color theory, icon and logo design, illustration, and front-end Web design. During their second year, students have the opportunity to take classes in which they create design work for real clients (VC272A Design Studio), and in their final term take the capstone portfolio and business classes and participate in the portfolio show. Students work closely together in all classes, sharing common studio space and computer lab facilities. Opportunities to work in traditional media alongside new media abound in both required and elective classes. Students produce a print and/or digital portfolio of work, including a personal brand and website in preparation for entering the job market.

Program Outcomes

Students completing this degree should be able to satisfy the following outcomes:

1. Research and present design solutions to graphic design projects.
2. Successfully communicate and collaborate with others in the creation and production of original ideas in graphic design.
3. Use current and evolving industry standard methods and processes in the production and crafting of graphic design.
4. Critically analyze the role of graphic design and its impact within historical, cultural, and ethical contexts.
5. Participate in a client-designer relationship in the implementation and evaluation of projects.
6. Organize and present a portfolio of work that gives evidence of the skills, knowledge, and abilities to begin a career in graphic design, or transfer to a four-year college for additional study.

This degree takes a minimum of two full years to complete, and students must begin the program fall term. Some students choose to spread their coursework over three years which allows for more in-depth study. This degree is focused on preparing students for employment after graduation and not for transfer to a four-year institution. However, students interested in completing a bachelor’s degree do have some transfer options and should meet with the program chair before beginning the program if interested in transferring. During their studies, students have a number of opportunities to work on live jobs, collaborate with other students within the other degree tracks, and experience a range of cutting-edge media equipment, facilities, and techniques. Students meet with faculty for regular advising meetings to assist in successfully completing the degree.

Getting Started

The program has special admission requirements and enrollment limits. Students in this program must apply in spring for entry the following fall term. Attending a program overview session is required in order to learn all current program information and application procedures. Sessions are scheduled throughout the year, and dates are posted on the program website at chemeketa.vc/howtoapply. You will also find a digital application containing detailed information about the application process on the program website. The program accepts digital applications for fall entry from late-April through the end of June (visit the website for exact dates). Students may apply for the program while fulfilling the program prerequisites (WR115 and XMTH5001A). If you have questions about program requirements, contact the program chair at 503.399.6475.

All program students are required to purchase their own personal computer and software. This includes owning a Mac or Windows computer that is capable of running the Adobe Creative Cloud software taught in the program (Photoshop, InDesign, Premier Pro, and others). You will qualify for a discounted student subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud. It is OK to wait to purchase this equipment until after classes begin in September, as your instructors may have additional advice and requirements to share with you. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.

You may earn an associate of applied science degree by maintaining a grade point average of 2.0 and successfully completing the required 94 credit hours with a grade of “C” or better in all courses.

Are you looking to print a Degree Planner for this program? Click on located at the upper right corner of this page.