COVID-19: All SCC facilities are closed to students and the public. Credit classes are being taught in an online format. All non-credit classes are cancelled through April 30. Continuing Education and non-credit classes will resume May 1. SCC update page.
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    Graphic Design | Media Arts
    is accepting applications for the Fall 2020 intake from April 1, 2019-April 30, 2020.
    Learn more about the application process!
    gdma1
    94% Graduate Employment/Transfer rate
    That's right! Ninety-four percent of SCC's 2018 graduates found work or continued their education.
    Placement
    gdma2
    94% Graduate Employment/Transfer rate
    That's right! Ninety-four percent of SCC's 2018 graduates found work or continued their education.
    Placement
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    Graphic Design | Media Arts
    Examples of student work
    Student Work
    gdma3
    94% Graduate Employment/Transfer rate
    That's right! Ninety-four percent of SCC's 2018 graduates found work or continued their education.
    Placement
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    Graphic Design | Media Arts
    Frequently asked questions
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Graphic Design Media Arts

  • Welcome

    Graphic Design | Media Arts is accepting applications for the Fall 2020 intake from April 30, 2020-June 1, 2020. Learn more about the application process!

    Graphic design is one of today's fastest-growing fields. Everywhere you look you see the work of graphic designers. Graphic Design is much more than creating pretty pictures. It is a form of visual communication commonly used in marketing and advertising to solve problems. Graphic designers work with typography, color, and graphics to design: advertising campaigns, magazines, book covers, annual reports, brand identities, websites, mobile application interfaces, package designs, and so much more!

    You're a Good Fit for this program because . . .  

    Overview

    Graphic Design Media Arts (GD|MA) is a Monday–Friday block-scheduled program with general hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and is located downtown at the SCC Education Square location. In this 24-month program, students learn technical skills using all the standard software common to the graphic design industry and conceptual theories and techniques needed to produce compelling visual communication messages.

    Students work in the graphic design lab, at individual workstations, and use personal, laptop computers to develop design work in and out of the classroom. Students learn design thinking and the creative process which is still done by drawing. Students will draw, research, study, and make oral and written presentations, both individually and in teams simulating a real-world, work environment. Students will work hands-on with real-world clients. Finished design projects become part of the student’s final professional portfolio.

    GDMA accepts a group of students once per year in August. Acceptance to the program is based on a selection process. See the advising sheet for all application requirements. All incoming students must participate in a program-specific orientation to secure their seat in the program.

    Mission

    The mission of the Graphic Design | Media Arts program is to prepare competent students for employment in the fields of graphic communications, publishing and Web creation. The program will continue to meet the technical and aesthetic requirements of these rapidly changing industries.

    Employment Outlook

    Employment of graphic designers is projected to increase by 13 percent through 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for senior graphic designer positions will be strong. Employment of Web designers is projected to grow 22 percent through 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

    Starting Term(s)

    Fall Term.

    View your calendar conversion plan.

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  • What Students Are Saying

    “My experience at SCC was unlike any other college experience I’ve had. Not only did I learn more than I ever imagined, I also made great relationships with classmates and professionals. Combining all of that, GD|MA helped me understand how to be successful after college. I would suggest the program at SCC to anyone wanting strong skills in design and Web development to further their career in the industry.”
    Holly Johnson Fall 2016 – @ University of Nebraska

    “GD|MA is the most intense 18-month program, but it has equipped me with practical knowledge and experiences. The block-based program helped build close relationships, which allowed us to encourage each other while still providing grounding and appropriate criticism among the students. My group was dedicated and ready to take on the challenges of the program, taking our education seriously. This environment pushed us to do our best. The faculty cared and continually encouraged me to improve through thorough, constructive feedback.”
    Spenser Hazard Spring 2017

    “Completing the GD|MA program has been one of the most difficult and rewarding tasks I have ever accomplished. SCC offers the most comprehensive and intensive program in the state, squeezing more into 18 months than traditional programs fit into four years. As someone who has a lot of experience with academics and different types of programs, I needed to make the most of my time and learn as much as possible. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the GD|MA classes, but I was amazed by the amount of material we learned in such a short time and by the wide array of topics we covered, from typography and publication design to intensive training in Web design and coding practices. I have gained more experience and training here at SCC than I would have anywhere else in the state, and I was able to do it in half the time of a typical program.”
    Stacie Kotschwar Spring 2017 - @ University of Nebraska