IT - Graphic & Web Design

The combination of Web and graphic design curriculum in this degree prepares graduates to work for businesses that require support in both graphic and web design areas as a graphic designer and desktop publisher.

Over the past 26 months, thirty-nine (39) graphic design related postings were placed on WI JobNet for the southwest Wisconsin region. The same source listed 1,070 openings for these job titles in the state of Wisconsin.

Numerous employment opportunities are available in both the state of Wisconsin and the southwest region of Wisconsin. According to the Occupational Information Network, O-NET OnLine, Graphic Designers are “in demand.” Nationally, the increase in demand for this career field from 2004 to 2014 is 15%.  During the same timeframe, the increase in Wisconsin is projected as 10% and in Iowa the projection is 17%.

Students entering the Graphic and Web Design program should:

• Enjoy working in a computer-based environment using multiple software packages
• Possess analytical and creative ability
• Have good oral and written communication skills
• Understand how to access and document complex information
• Possess good customer relation skills
• Be willing to make decisions and solve problems
• Continuously update graphic and web design knowledge
• Enjoy organizing, planning and prioritizing work

• Work experience with computer design program software
• Background in computer applications and computer concepts
• Keyboarding skills
• Good communication and writing abilities
• Creativity

At the completion of this program, graduates will be able to do this:

• Exhibit a high level of comfort with rapidly changing technology and independent learning
• Create effective visual communication through the application of design theories and principles to develop design solutions
• Apply typography and photography skills and knowledge to create effective visual communication
• Create and integrate illustrations and imagery to develop and communicate design solutions
• Use a variety of technologies to create, capture, and manipulate design elements in producing a final product
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Apply effective business practices and project management skills
• Demonstrate creative abilities and software knowledge when developing web sties and press-ready electronic files.

• Associate degree, requiring two years or more to complete
• Day or online classes
• High school articulation courses accepted
• Financial aid available to students who qualify
• Classes start in August and January
• Modified plan available
• Program articulation with UW-Platteville in progress

• Complete required assessment testing.
• Complete the application form.
• Interview with counselor.
• Pay a $30 nonrefundable application fee.
• Submit high school and any post-secondary transcripts.
• Students may re-apply to be admitted to a program for which they initially do not meet the Student Academic Achievement Plan (SAAP) criteria after they follow the additional courses and alternate program sequence prescibed for them.