Graphic Design, AAS is an Associate Degree program offered by Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA. The program takes 64 credits to complete, with a total tuition of $13,760.
Program Overview
Location: Ankeny
Pathway: Design, Media, & the Arts
To complete this program, students must take daytime classes; not all classes are offered at night.
Graduation Requirements: To earn a Graphic Design AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students are required to produce a portfolio of graphic design work that demonstrates their ability to conceptualize and produce a variety of creative and effective multichannel communication collateral and to attend the Portfolio Day event.
Total Minimum Credits Required to Complete this Program - Graphic Design Concentration - 64
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. - Strong 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 Degree program?: - 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 $33,000 (2014-2015 Placement Report).
Program Competencies: - Communicate information effectively using industry terminology and methods used in a work environment - Demonstrate effectively the following skills: listening, writing, presenting, critiquing, leadership, and teamwork - Create a design solution to meet a client's specific need - Evaluate complex graphic communications problems using a design process and principles - Produce one-color or multicolor projects utilizing current software and media methods for print and digital production - Execute an effective job search strategy by preparing a portfolio and other media - Apply time management methods to meet project deadline - Employ creative and technical skills in an internship experience.
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Admission Requirements and Process
Program Entry Requirements: - Attend a required Graphic Design program information session.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Students start Fall semester This is a full-time program.: Students will start the Fall semester after completing required application steps. Spring and summer courses are offered for students wanting to pre-start the program.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Career Outcomes
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.
School Information
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide