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.
Delivery
Explore Locations
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $12,094, Books: $289, Supplies: $150
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=101117
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.
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.
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
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Design and Graphic Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
- 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.
Course Descriptions
Develop basic knowledge and skills using Adobe Illustrator, apply vector graphic strategies into graphic design medias and integration into other software packages. Course content covers creating basic shapes, drawing, transforming elements, working with type, blending, layers and special effects.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringCourse provides an overview of the interconnectedness among careers within Digital Arts. Learn how various fields within the broader industry each play an integral role and how a personal brand fits into preparing you for your career choice. (Corequisite: 10-890-101, College 101)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringLearners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents gain skills that lead to success in college, employment, and life. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPhotoshop is the essential tool for digital image manipulation in graphic design, web design, and photography. Students develop technical skills in solving visual design and production problems. Instruction covers Photoshop’s vast array of tools, filters, and procedures including workspace basics, image resizing, output preparation, layer management, selection strategies, editing and adjustment basics, composites, filters, and effects. A portfolio of digitally generated and manipulated images is completed to demonstrate course competencies and learning objectives have been met.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExplore and discover graphic design careers. Course content covers history of graphic design, concept strategies, presentation and critique processes. Begin applying design principles, design solutions, and design requirements. (Prerequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringBasic understanding of theoretical foundations of ethical thought; analyze/compare relevant issues using diverse ethical perspectives; critically evaluate individual, social/professional standards of behavior--applying a systematic decision-making process. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelop skills in digital composition and layout using industry software. Course content covers appropriate software selection, graphic and text content management, color specifications, file preparation, and software solutions to graphic communication problems. (Prerequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringPerform raster Image Editing. Course content covers advanced functions of Adobe Photoshop, advanced editing techniques and short cut keys. Create image effects and composite files using Adobe CC software, and manage project components for complex Photoshop files. (Prerequisite: 10-111-101, Photoshop Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringDevelop graphic design standards. Course content covers graphic design composition including image content, color strategies, typography usage, proofing and ethical standards. Begin active participation in portfolio assessment critique process. (Prerequisite: 10-111-112, Graphic Design Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringLearn basic digital camera operations for capturing still images. Develop skills needed to create a proper exposure in various camera modes in addition to lens selection, lighting basics and creative compositions. Access to an SLR or mirrorless digital camera required.
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringCreate professional resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews, understand interviewing techniques, participate in a mock interview, evaluate outcomes of interview, and prepare for Career Experience. (Prerequisites: 10-105-100, Careers in Business OR 10-107-117, Careers in IT OR 10-201-100, Careers In Digital Arts)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringAll college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. An activity based approach is used to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course may be used as the first of a two part sequence that ends with Quantitative Reasoning as the capstone general education math requirement. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arith score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16; OR prep courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringExplore history and application of type in graphic design, develop an understanding of type in relation to hierarchy and use type as an image or expression through designs. Course content covers letterforms, spacing, spatial mechanics, color strategies, form and function. (Corequisite: 10-111-125, Layout & Composition)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringDevelop skills and knowledge associated with the printing industry, work hands-on with digital printing equipment to output projects. Course content covers identifying different print methods, typical print workflow, transitioning designs to printed media as well as begin to develop production-planning criteria. (Corequisite: 10-111-161, Illustrator Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPerform graphic design project management. Course content covers portfolio construction, live client presentation skills, results-driven design solutions, identify resources required for graphic design production and team responsibilities. (Prerequisite: 10-111-126, Graphic Design Development)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudy the development of media for online content through advanced use of multiple Adobe software applications. Course content covers exploration of web builders, interactive content creators, and social media, emphasizing delivery using integrated media techniques as well as the development of an interactive online portfolio. (Prerequisite: 10-111-101, Photoshop Fundamentals).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringThis course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents produce a cohesive set of project deliverables from concept to completion utilizing core industry software, sourcing content for full campaign, and delivering design content through all relevant media platforms. (Pre-requisite: 10-111-131, Graphic Design Project Management)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis course provides the opportunity for the learner to develop the knowledge skills process and understanding of managing color in a digital workflow. Application of device independent color modes will be utilized to create descriptors of color other than CMYK or RGB. Emphasis will be on creating and applying ICC profiles to achieve predictable and repeatable color. Learners will utilize hands-on activities with output and measurement equipment to accurately profile output and display devices. (Prerequisite: 10-204-110, Digital Print Fundamentals)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringThis science of psychology course is a survey of multiple aspects of behavior and mental processes. It provides an overview of topics such as research methods, theoretical perspectives, learning, cognition, memory, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, physiological factors, social influences, and development.. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep).
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringStudents can select any hands on experience related to: Internship, Field Research, Service Learning, Capstone, Industry Related or International Experience. Instructor approval required. (Prerequisites: 10-105-103, Career Fundamentals; 10-111-131, Graphic Design Project Management)
Course Typically Offered: Fall SpringApply complete graphic design strategies. Course content covers responsibilities, management, and client interaction. Professional portfolio development, peer critique, and freelance exposure. (Prerequisite: 10-111-131, Graphic Design Project Mgmt)
Course Typically Offered: Fall Spring