Home > Academics > Programs of Study > Graphic Design

Graphic Design

• Program Outcomes
• Admission Requirements
• Job & Transfer Opportunities
• Degree Program
• Degree Cost Estimate
• Degree Checklist
• Certificate Program
• Certificate Checklist

Graphic Illustration

• Certificate Program
• Certificate Checklist

Graphic Design for Web

• Certificate Program
• Certificate Checklist

General Information

• Programs of Study
• Admissions Info
• Course Descriptions

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program prepares students for a career in print and web design in the graphic arts industry. This industry is constantly changing, with technological advances that require designers to take on more pre-press responsibilities. Students will use their creative talents to design and execute comprehensive pieces that promote public consumption of materials, products or services, and to influence the opinions of individuals or organizations through printed communications.

The program is designed to give students an understanding of color, design, typography, layout and advertising principles. They will develop manual as well as digital drawing, illustration, and layout techniques to create solutions to marketing communication problems. The latest industry standard computer applications will be taught to give students hands-on skills in creating digital layouts, along with scanning and manipulating manually created images. Students will develop an understanding of the use of various media in printed communications and identify marketing trends and target markets.

During the internship course, students will practice the skills learned in the classroom/lab, acquire professional job attitudes, and explore career opportunities in graphic design. In some cases, the internship may lead to job placement for graduating students.

Completion of projects for the program will require additional time outside of scheduled classes and labs. Students will need to attend open lab sessions and work on projects independently. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase hardware and software for home use.

Program Outcomes

Graduates from this program will:

• Have working knowledge of the principals of design, color theory, typography in order to create comprehensive layouts.
• Be able to draw, illustrate and design following specific instructions.
• Have the ability to accurately measure using a variety of measurement systems.
• Possess working knowledge of essential graphic design software.
• Correctly prepare designs for print.
• Complete a graphic design internship.
• Participate in related industry events including a juried exhibition and portfolio review.
• Develop a professional portfolio and self-promotion package for entering the design field or for transfer to a four-year college.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Competence in high school level Algebra, English Composition, Reading and Writing (grade “C” or better).
• Effective communication skills that include the ability to orally communicate English at the college level.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work in teams to find solutions for design problems.
• Ability to follow written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to accept critique of designs and make changes based on constructive criticism.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a stressful environment.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Eye-hand coordination to perform labor intensive project construction.
• Capacity to stand or sit for extended periods of time. (Adaptive equipment is acceptable).
• Good vision and manual dexterity to perform drawing operations. (Adaptive equipment is acceptable).

Transfer Credit Policy

Appropriate transfer credits for courses within the major may be accepted within a five-year time frame. Transfer of courses more than five years old will be evaluated by the Department Chair on an individual basis.

Job & Transfer Opportunities

Job Opportunities:
Graduates of the Graphic Design program possess the skills and knowledge to obtain entry-level positions in advertising agencies, printing companies, publishing firms and companies that maintain in-house design departments.

Transfer Options:
Students who have graduated from MCC’s Graphic Design program have transferred to the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Institute of Art, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, The New England Institute of Art, and UMass at Lowell.

Back to Top ↑

Graphic Design Degree Program

Total Credits - 68

Back to Top ↑

Graphic Design Certificate

Students with prior experience or education in design may qualify for the Graphic Design Certificate. Co/prerequisite requirements for courses listed in the certificate will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If students do not have current experience or degrees, CDI112 will be required before CDI215 can be taken.

This certificate allows students to update their computer skills and hone their design skills to grow personally and professionally. Successful graduates of the Graphic Design Certificate will be able to add to their professional portfolio and are expected to complete an internship. They will be prepared for continued growth in their career field and for jobs in advertising agencies, printing companies, publishing firms, and companies that maintain in-house commercial design departments.

Total Credits - 30

Back to Top ↑

Graphic Illustration Certificate

Students with prior experience or an education in graphic art or illustration may qualify for the Graphic Illustration Certificate. Co/prerequisite requirements for courses listed in the certificate will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If students do not have current experience or degrees, CDI213 will be required before CDI225 can be taken.

This certificate allows students to add to their skills in mechanical and computer generated illustration, and provides them with entry level electronic layout skills so they can grow personally and professionally. Successful graduates of the Graphic Illustration Certificate will be able to add to their professional portfolio and will be prepared for continued growth in graphic illustration with job possibilities in permanent or freelance illustration for advertising agencies, publishing firms and companies that maintain in-house graphic design departments.

Total Credits - 33

Back to Top ↑

Graphic Design for Web Certificate

Students with prior experience or education in graphic design may qualify for the Graphic Design for Web certificate. Co/prerequisite requirements for courses listed in the certificate will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If students do not have current experience or degrees, CDI 111 will be required before CDI 124 can be taken.

The Graphic Design for Web certificate draws on theory and principle classes offered in the Graphic Design Associate Degree program and includes courses in using the applications and correct file formats specific to designing web sites.

The certificate is an innovative approach to providing students with the opportunity to be educated in two areas of design and for meeting the emerging need in the graphic design industry for employees trained to create for print and web mediums.

Total Credits - 21

Back to Top ↑