Graphic Design

Design skills, essentials on through focused artistry

Graphic Design Program – Where Creativity Meets Technology

Design is everywhere—from the logos on your favorite brands to the graphics on social media, product packaging, and even the menus at your favorite café. In the Graphic Design Program, students transform creative ideas into powerful visuals using industry-standard tools, technology, and techniques.

Over one or two years, you’ll build both your artistic vision and your technical skills. The curriculum balances creative thinking with hands-on training in professional software and equipment. Projects go beyond the classroom, with many being real jobs for local schools, businesses, and community partners through our student-run design shop. This gives students the chance to work with real clients, manage deadlines, and build a professional portfolio while still in high school.

Students work in a fully equipped design studio with iMacs, printers, and the Adobe Creative Suite. From there, you’ll design and produce a wide range of projects, including:

Posters, brochures, and newsletters
Invitations, book covers, and menus
Logos and branding packages
Product packaging and promotional materials
Web graphics and digital media
Short animations and image retouching/editing

In your second year, you’ll deepen your expertise, take on leadership roles in projects, and expand into advanced creative challenges.

Students have the opportunity to gain college credit through SMCC and EMCC if they are in good academic standing. Students will engage in live work experience during the program, with an emphasis on learning how to visually communicate clear and creative ideas to an audience through creative problem solving skills. Students who complete the program will have a portfolio to further their education or enter into the workforce in a design related field.

EMCC, CE/DE - Introduction to Photoshop (DGD 113), 3 credits

SMCC, CE/DE - Digital Foundations (CNMS 111), 3 credits, 2-D Design (CNMS 115), 3 credits

*Students will compile to industry standards a digital professional portfolio of their work.

👉 This is where creativity becomes a career.

Career Opportunities in Graphic Design

Graduates of the Graphic Design Program are prepared for pathways across creative industries, including:

Graphic Designer – Create designs for print, digital, and media.
Brand Identity Designer – Develop logos, style guides, and visual branding systems.
Digital Illustrator – Bring stories and ideas to life through original artwork.
Web & UX Designer – Design graphics and interfaces for websites and apps.
Marketing & Advertising Designer – Build campaigns for businesses and organizations.
Package Designer – Shape the look and feel of products on the shelf.
Animation & Motion Graphics Artist – Add movement and storytelling to digital content.
Freelance Designer / Creative Entrepreneur – Launch your own design studio or freelance career.

With skills in design, software, and creativity, you’ll graduate with a professional portfolio, real client experience, and industry certifications—everything you need to launch your future in design.

Credits: 4 (AM or PM — PM classes generally for 2nd-year students)