Design Your Future

Transform your creative vision into eye-catching designs through our Graphic Design | Media Arts program. You will learn in a classroom which simulates a real-world, work environment by having you do all the steps to create compelling visual messages for advertising campaigns, websites, mobile apps and more using industry-standard software. Our hands-on program teaches you the steps in the design process, which includes research, creation and presentation as an individual and part of a team. Our graduates are highly sought after for their creative and technical expertise as well as their problem-solving abilities.

PROGRAM GOALS

Master Design Principles and Creative Process

Learn to apply fundamental design principles to visual communication challenges. Develop creative ideas into effective designs through the complete creative process from research to final presentation.

Gain Proficiency in Industry-Standard Software

Become skilled in using professional design software including Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Figma. These technical skills will prepare you to create professional-quality designs that meet industry standards.

Develop Web Design Skills

Design websites and learn User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) principles to create effective, user-friendly digital designs.

 

Graphic Design | Media Arts

A.A.S.

Locations: Lincoln

The Graphic Design | Media Arts program prepares you to create compelling visual communication for advertising, web design and digital media. This career-focused program combines design theory with practical application, allowing you to build a professional portfolio.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$8,250

CREDIT HOURS

66

PROGRAM LENGTH

5 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall

Estimated A.A.S. Costs
Tuition
$8,250
Supplies/Fees
$480
Books
$150
Tools
$1,600
Total
$10,480
Avg. Annual Salary
$39,312*

 

WHY SCC?

What skills will I learn in a graphic design program?

In our Graphic Design | Media Arts program, you'll learn the complete design process from research to creation to presentation. You'll develop skills in typography, color theory, and digital design using industry-standard software.

What job opportunities are available after completing a graphic design degree?

Our graduates are prepared for immediate employment in advertising agencies, marketing departments, design studios and publishing companies.

How do I build a graphic design portfolio?

Throughout the program, you'll develop and design projects specifically tailored to build a professional portfolio that showcases your unique skills and interests. This portfolio becomes a valuable asset during your job search after graduation.

What qualities make a successful graphic design student?

Successful students in our program are creative with the ability to draw and capture ideas on paper. They pay attention to detail, have good time management skills, can work independently and are comfortable receiving constructive feedback to improve their work.

 

CAREER OUTCOMES

Graphic Designer

Create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and captivate target audiences. Develop the overall layout and production design for print and digital promotional designs.

Web Designer

Design websites by combining various elements of design to ensure the site is functional and visually appealing while creating a positive user experience and meeting the client’s need.

User Experience (UX) Designer

Focus on creating meaningful and relevant website and application experiences for users by researching, prototyping, and designing digital interfaces that are user-friendly and accessible.

 

To be considered for Fall start dates in the Graphic Design and Media Arts program, apply during the October 1 - January 31 application window. Acceptance to the program is based on a selection process. The program reviews application materials and notifies students of their admission status to the GDMA program on or after February 15. If space is available after the deadline, application packets will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Next Steps

Visit Apply Contact Admissions
Program Chair
Nicholas Burroughs
Instructor Graphic Design/Media Arts
nburroughs@southeast.edu

 

After applying to the College, you will be required to complete a Visual Awareness and Communication Assessment that assesses basic visual awareness and critical and creative thinking skills. Applicants can prepare for this assessment by conducting brainstorming exercises and critically assessing the message of professional design work. There is no cost for the assessment, and you may only take the assessment one time during each application period. The assessment is completely digital, and the link to complete it will be provided to you after applying to the program.

Additional Resources

Laptop Requirement

If accepted into the GDMA program, students are required to purchase an industry standard laptop for the GDMA program. Students may purchase either a PC or a Mac but they must meet the following specifications in order to run the software required for this program. Chromebooks and tablets of any kind will not meet the requirements.

Mac Specifications (minimum)
PC Specifications (minimum)

* Avg. Annual Salary is based on reported data from SCC graduates and calculated in accordance with the methods found in the latest SCC Graduate Report