Student reviews designs on paper and computer

Design and Graphic Technology - Associate Degree

Creative design professionals combine artistic abilities with technical knowledge to create designs used in print and digital content. During your studies, you will create, maintain and present a professional portfolio showcasing your professional work. As a graduate of the Design and Graphic Technology program, you are positioned for a variety of careers including graphic designer, marketing specialist, digital print technician, graphic artist, pre-press technician, social media manager and content creator.

Program Code: 101117
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Area of Study: Digital Arts

Art Meets Tech

Use technology and creative skills daily in this high-tech field. Graphic designers are needed in every industry and area. In addition to graphic design, graduates of this program work in advertising, digital printing, and public relations.

Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

Explore Locations

Offered At:

Follow Your Path

Some credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Print Technology, 312041

Some credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Social Media Design, 901115

Design and Graphic Software, 901116

Delivery

  • Day
  • Evening
  • Full-time
  • Part-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • Submit high school, GED, or HSED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable) to transcripts@nwtc.edu
  • Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Design and Graphic Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

Total Credits 65
  • Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
  • It is recommended that learners take the Design and Graphic Technology Career Experience course (10-111-199) in their last semester.

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.

What careers are in my future?

77%

Graduate Employment

with 64% in field

$44,504.00

Median Starting Salary

Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • Desktop Publisher: produces professional publications using electronic publishing software, scans graphic images, places text and graphics files onto the page, and operates output devices.
  • Graphic Designer: develops advertising concepts and prepares art for the final presentations.
  • Advertising Assistant: works with the ad director or store manager to plan and prepare advertising for print, radio, and TV use.
  • Commercial Art Worker: prepares artwork and copy to be used in label production, package design, printed materials; prepares process separations; preflights electronic files; manages color control; and manages fonts.
  • Digital Print Technician: prepares computer files for variable data printing or produce print on demand applications.
  • Layout Designer: designs basic plans for print advertising, passes on work to a commercial artist or copywriter, and is responsible for final electronic files.
  • Printing Support Worker/Customer Service Representative: handles electronic and pre-press operations, making color separations, electronic scanning, image editing, and color proofing.
  • Public Relations Assistant: assists in public relations activities helping to produce brochures, press releases, displays, and newsletters; organizes and prepares materials for use in presentations.
  • Pre-Press Technician: prepares computer documents for printing; trapping, font usage, picture usage, color management, clipping paths, and placing high and low resolution graphics into document.
  • Website Designer: builds graphic elements for functional websites.

Employment opportunities with additional education

  • Account Executive
  • Art Director
  • Design Supervisor
  • Media Buyer

What's next after graduation?

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.

What else do I need to know about the program?

Accreditation

Programs in the College of Business at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP's accreditation process follows the Baldrige model. The accreditation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP’s student-centered teaching and learning approach, which is measured and analyzed for quality, ensures that students gain the right skills from their educational investment. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want. ACBSP - World Headquarters 11520 West 119th Street Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: (913) 339-9356 www.acbsp.com

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.

Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.

Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.
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