Graphic Design

Program Information

Degree Type
60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code
10-201-1

Time to Degree
2 years

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

Daytime

Graphic designers create appealing, informative and on-message visual communications requested by clients. In this program, design materials for business, industry and nonprofit areas. Refine creative processes in layout and illustration for print and web campaigns. Advance your knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator software, as well as prepress/digital printing methods.

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

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Contact Us

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you’re an artistic type who likes to think outside the box, enjoys communicating visually, is a good time manager and can handle critiques of your work, a job in the graphic design field may be for you. Designers are tasked with coming up with creative communications materials used in numerous industries.

Graphic Designer
Designer
Creative Designer
Production Artist
Web Designer

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$40,600 - 69,300 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Which Degree is Right For Me?

WCTC offers exciting opportunities in Graphic Design, Front End Web Development, and Web and Software Development. Not sure which degree is right for you? Check out this handy comparison chart.

Program Courses

Graphic Communications Programs

Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique

Gain hands-on learning in real-world settings through technical internship experiences.
The Graphics Club provides students with collaborative design and publishing opportunities.
All graduating students are required to participate in the Portfolio Review.

Student at Mac computer

Similar Programs

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Front End Web Development

Learn to create the visual and interactive elements for users of web applications.

Interior Design

Learn the fundamentals for success in the field, including designing interiors for residential and commercial spaces.

Related Certificates

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Digital Production/DTP

Gain skills to prepare electronic files for publication including page layout, illustration and image editing software packages.

Pressroom/Prepress Technician

Learn skills to ensure that submitted customer files can be run correctly on printing and digital presses.

Web Design

Design and build professional, user-friendly websites using HTML and CSS.

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Graphic Design Pathway

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

Explore Transfer Agreements