Waukesha County Technical College
Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Program Information

Degree Type

60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-201-1

Time to Degree

2 years

Start Date

August / January

How You'll Learn

Daytime

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Graphic designers create appealing, informative and on-message visual communications requested by clients. In this program, design materials for business, industry and nonprofit areas. Refine creative processes in layout and illustration for print and web campaigns. Advance your knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator software, as well as prepress/digital printing methods.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: September 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: August 5, 2024

Spring 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: January 8, 2024

Summer 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
 

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

If you’re an artistic type who likes to think outside the box, enjoys communicating visually, is a good time manager and can handle critiques of your work, a job in the graphic design field may be for you. Designers are tasked with coming up with creative communications materials used in numerous industries.

  • Graphic Designer
  • Designer
  • Creative Designer
  • Production Artist
  • Web Designer

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$40,600 - 69,300 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

WCTC offers exciting opportunities in Graphic Design, Front End Web Development, and Web and Software Development. Not sure which degree is right for you? Check out this handy comparison chart.

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Program Courses
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Graphic Communications Programs
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Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

Gain hands-on learning in real-world settings through technical internship experiences.

2

The Graphics Club provides students with collaborative design and publishing opportunities.

3

All graduating students are required to participate in the Portfolio Review.

Launch Experience

Similar Programs

Related Certificates

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Graphic Design Pathway
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Prior Learning
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Certificates
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Associate Degree
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Bachelor's Degree

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

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Associate Degree
  • Graphic Design (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

College Program Name Credit Awards
Carroll UniversityBS Graphic Communicationup to 64
Marquette UniversityBA Communicationsup to 61
Milwaukee Institute of Art and DesignBFA Communications Designup to 57
Mount Mary UniversityBA Graphic DesignFull Program
Mount Mary UniversityBA Graphic Design61+electives
Upper Iowa UniversityBS Graphic Design18+electives
UW-MilwaukeeBA Graphic Studies60
College Program Name Credit Awards
Bellevue UniversityAny Bachelors Degreeup to 60, tuition discount
Franklin UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing
Lakeland UniversityAny Bachelors DegreeJunior Standing, Credits Vary, 20% tuition discount
Ottawa UniversityBachelor of Arts or Sciencesup to 80, and 20%+ tuition discount for WCTC grads
UW-Green BayOrganizational Leadership - Bachelor of Applied StudiesBlock of 60 credits
UW-OshkoshBA Leadership & Organizational Studies45 credit block
UW-StoutBS Management (100% online)up to 60
UW-StoutBS Career, Technical Education & Training (100% online)up to 60
UW-WhitewaterBA Arts and Sciences60+
Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeBachelor of Science in Business Management & Leadership50-70

 

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