The Art, Architecture, and Design department offers two Graphic Design options—an Associate in Science Career Program, and a Certificate Program for College Graduates.

Graphic Design A.S. Career Program
Graphic Design Certificate Program for College Graduates

Graphic Design A.S. Career Program

The Graphic Design program serves to introduce students to the fundamental skills, principles, techniques, terminology, technology and history of graphic design while also providing a strong liberal arts background. Students must complete a minimum of 22-23 credits in graphic design; at least 15 of these credits must be completed at NCC.

Working closely with the program advisor and/or art/design faculty, students build a portfolio of design work that exhibits proficiency in visual communication. It will be reviewed by the program advisor prior to graduation. The contents of the portfolio provide evidence of student skill level, aesthetic sensibility and technical mastery to future employers.

Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Understand and employ graphic design elements, principles and procedures toward appropriate visual communication outcomes;
2. Understand the historical foundations of visual communications and recognize contemporary design concepts/ trends;
3. Use traditional hand skills, as well as technical mastery of industry-standard type and image-based software;
4. Use critical, analytical and aesthetic thought processes, an industry-standard vocabulary and communications skills specific to the discipline;
5. Create a career, transfer or personal portfolio of 12 to 20 images that demonstrates a broad understanding of graphic design skills, techniques and critical thinking;
6. Have the option of gaining job experience through the Cooperative Education Program.

Download Program Checksheet

‡ Interdisciplinary requirement -of the three courses in science, humanities, and social science, one of the courses must be an interdisciplinary course.

++ GRA 292 can be taken in any semester, including summer, after completing 30 credits of the program, of which at least 12 credits are ART/GRA requirements, being in good academic standing, and the recommendation of the Department Chair or Program Coordinator.

Graphic Design Certificate Program for College Graduates

A one-year course of study for people who hold an Associate or Bachelor’s degree and who wish to concentrate in the field of Graphic Design. Not all courses are offered each semester.

Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Understand and employ graphic design elements, principles and procedures toward appropriate visual communication outcomes;
2. Understand the historical foundations of visual communications and recognize contemporary design concepts/trends;
3. Use traditional hand skills, as well as technical mastery of industry-standard type and image-based software;
4. Use critical, analytical and aesthetic thought processes, an industry-standard vocabulary and communications skills specific to the discipline;
5. Create a career, transfer or personal portfolio of 12 to 20 images that demonstrates a broad understanding of graphic design skills, techniques and critical thinking;
6. Have the option of gaining job experience through the Cooperative Education Program.

Download Program Checksheet