Graphic Design
Area of Study: Visual Communication and Design
Degrees/Certificates:
Associate of Applied Business degree in Visual Communication and Design, Graphic Design
Certificate of Proficiency in Visual Communication and Design, Graphic Design
Academic School: Creative Arts
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) offers an Associate of Applied Business degree in Visual Communication and Design with a concentration in Graphic Design. A one-year Certificate of Proficiency in Graphic Design is also available.
Tri-C’s Graphic Design curriculum integrates the latest digital graphics applications and technologies with the principles of visual communication and design. Students gain skills in design thinking, visual storytelling, a technical foundation in layout design for both print and web, digital rendering, typography, and color theory. Throughout the program, students develop technical skills by exploring the fundamental concepts of form, design, communication, aesthetics, and creative problem-solving. Topics include advertising design, package design, brand identity design, information design, graphic design studio work, interactive design (UX/UI), sustainable and ethical design, emerging technologies, such as AI tools, AR/VR design, and 3D graphics. Practical course projects include designing greeting cards, logos, publications, webpages, user interfaces (UI), 3D graphics and packaging systems.
Tri-C’s Graphic Design faculty is made up of working professionals with diverse educational backgrounds and work experience. Through hands-on instruction, project-based learning and using industry-standard workflows and technologies in class, Graphic Design students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the industry. Students graduate with a portfolio showcasing interdisciplinary skills in branding, packaging, digital design, and interactive media.
Career Outlook
Graduates from the graphic design program are prepared for the following positions:
- Graphic designer
- Advertising designer
- Publication designer
- Packaging/branding designer
- Production artist
- Data visualization designer
With additional experience and training, graduates can aspire to the following positions:
- Art director
- Senior graphic designer
- AR/VR designer
- Environmental graphics designer
- AI-assisted design specialist
- Pre-press specialist
- Web designer/User experience (UX) designer