Graphic Design, AAS

Program Details

Requirements for the Visual Communications Diploma

Visual Communication Diploma Total - 43

Requirements for the AAS Degree

Students accepted into the Graphic Design AAS degree program would continue taking the following courses. Students must choose a Graphic Design Concentration or a Web Design concentration:

Requirements for the Graphic Design Concentration AAS

Total Minimum Credits Required to Complete this Program - Graphic Design Concentration - 73

Requirements for the Web Design Concentration AAS

Total Minimum Credits Required to Complete this Program - Web Design Concentration - 73

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$151.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Note: Financial aid may be used to purchase a computer. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Approximate total for Graphic Design AAS: $13,565 - $14,833**

Approximate total for Graphic Design Web Emphasis AAS: $13,785 - $15,153**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Develop the overall layout and production of magazines, newspapers, journals and corporate reports.
• Design web pages, interactive media and multimedia projects.
• Produce promotional displays, packaging and marketing brochures for products and services.
• Create distinctive logos and brands for a variety of businesses and services.
• Develop signs and signage systems for business and government.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Artistic talent and creativity.
• Ability to conceptualize and effectively use design elements and principles.
• Design for multichannel media.
• Work long hours on a computer using specialized design software.
• Accurately follow project specifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Present your ideas, designs and proposals to prospective clients and supervisors.
• Teamwork, collaboration and the ability to take art direction from supervisors, clients and coworkers to improve your work.
• Manage your time to meet established deadlines while working on more than one project at a time and stay within project budget.
• Possess critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving skills in order to assess a client’s needs and develop a design strategy.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Must learn and use multiple software applications and stay current with updates, adapt to change and be able to learn on your own.
• Must be able to sit at a computer for long periods of time.
• Must be self-motivated to develop an effective job search strategy to secure a position in this very competitive job market.
• Anticipated average starting salary $28,833 (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6574, dkmckittrick@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₇₎