Digital Media and Design - Graphic Design Specialty Option A.A.S.

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$10,850* (estimated)

Inform and move audiences with design

Say 1,000 words with a single image

Tell stories through a visual medium with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Digital Media and Design – Graphic Design. Learn color, typography, imagery and layout to understand how to build a visual identity through print and digital designs.

Your coursework prepares you for regular interactions with clients in need of your handiwork. Gain expertise in:

  • Producing website layouts
  • Assembling final layouts for print vendors
  • Creating mock-ups for packaging
  • Researching new design concepts
  • Maintaining records, files and other documents
  • Collaborating with others to refine visuals

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Digital Media & Design – Graphic Design?

The A.A.S. degree specializing in graphic design prepares you to start work or continue your education in graphic design, digital communications or related fields.

Highlights

  • Internships Available

    Gain relevant work experience before you complete the program.

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Career Degree

    Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 111

    DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media

    Class Description

    This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 121

    DMD 121 Introduction to Graphic Design

    Class Description

    This is a foundation course that develops a student’s ability to understand graphic design with a focus on print media but applies to interactive media as well. The student is introduced to basic design terminology, principles, theory, tools, and techniques used in today’s digitally produced communications. An emphasis throughout is a solid foundation in organizational skills and research associated with design. This course lays the foundation for more advanced digital design courses. Note: Student must possess basic computer/Internet skills which include creating, saving, and editing files in the Windows or MAC operating systems; performing basic editing (copy/paste); copying files; using folders and sub folders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening websites; and using search engines
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 122

    ART 122 Two Dimensional Design

    Class Description

    This course is a basic studio experience for those interested in fine arts, commercial arts or art education. Students will carry out a series of problems relating to the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. The course will develop the students' organizational abilities and technical skills, with the focus on verbal, written and visual definitions of terms and concepts of two-dimensional design used by artists and designers. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    ENG 120

    ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

    Class Description

    Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 111
      Course Title

      DMD 111 Introduction to Digital Media

      Class Description

      This course will explore the variety of hardware and software now used to produce digital media, from simple audience-oriented presentations to highly interactive applications. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, we will examine the production techniques, application uses, trends, business and legal concerns, design elements, and the product evaluation standards currently used in the digital media industry. Students will develop the design, storyboards, and prototype for a project.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 121
      Course Title

      DMD 121 Introduction to Graphic Design

      Class Description

      This is a foundation course that develops a student’s ability to understand graphic design with a focus on print media but applies to interactive media as well. The student is introduced to basic design terminology, principles, theory, tools, and techniques used in today’s digitally produced communications. An emphasis throughout is a solid foundation in organizational skills and research associated with design. This course lays the foundation for more advanced digital design courses. Note: Student must possess basic computer/Internet skills which include creating, saving, and editing files in the Windows or MAC operating systems; performing basic editing (copy/paste); copying files; using folders and sub folders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening websites; and using search engines
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 122
      Course Title

      ART 122 Two Dimensional Design

      Class Description

      This course is a basic studio experience for those interested in fine arts, commercial arts or art education. Students will carry out a series of problems relating to the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. The course will develop the students' organizational abilities and technical skills, with the focus on verbal, written and visual definitions of terms and concepts of two-dimensional design used by artists and designers. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code ENG 120
      Course Title

      ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

      Class Description

      Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose ENG 121 instead of ENG 120.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 113

    DMD 113 History of Graphic Design

    Class Description

    This course is a general survey of the history of graphic design from its origins to contemporary practice. The goals of this course are to provide the following: the visual vocabulary of the development of signs and symbols, insight into the continuity of design thinking, understanding the social/political context of the practice, foundation for pursuit of research in the field of design.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 125

    DMD 125 Printing Production

    Class Description

    Printing Production focuses on current procedures that prepare designers and creative thinkers for real world situations in the printing industry. Sending a job to the print vendor can be a mysterious and expensive process of trial and error. Understanding print processes is an essential part of design that can assure a predictable outcome of deliverables. To manage a print job effectively, you must understand how print shops work, how to communicate with them, and how to identify the best design solution for your budget. Topics include print media software, apps and specifications; and various types of presses, substrates, bindings, and/or finishings.
         		3
    DMD 174

    DMD 174 Typography

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the use of typography within the design process. Major topics to cover include anatomy of letterforms, type history, classification systems, methods of typographic communication, critical comparisons of type styles, contemporary trends and typography as image. Students will learn both technical and creative ways type can be used through lectures, discussion, critiques, and hands-on projects. The course explores 2D communication and design solutions using typography.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 222

    ART 222 Computer Art I

    Class Description

    This course presents a computer software-based approach to produce art. Visual image manipulation and generation will be stressed, including the integration of computer hardware, software, and peripheral devices as tools to manufacture, capture, and combine traditional and contemporary visual ideas as applied to art and design. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 114

    MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 113
      Course Title

      DMD 113 History of Graphic Design

      Class Description

      This course is a general survey of the history of graphic design from its origins to contemporary practice. The goals of this course are to provide the following: the visual vocabulary of the development of signs and symbols, insight into the continuity of design thinking, understanding the social/political context of the practice, foundation for pursuit of research in the field of design.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 125
      Course Title

      DMD 125 Printing Production

      Class Description

      Printing Production focuses on current procedures that prepare designers and creative thinkers for real world situations in the printing industry. Sending a job to the print vendor can be a mysterious and expensive process of trial and error. Understanding print processes is an essential part of design that can assure a predictable outcome of deliverables. To manage a print job effectively, you must understand how print shops work, how to communicate with them, and how to identify the best design solution for your budget. Topics include print media software, apps and specifications; and various types of presses, substrates, bindings, and/or finishings.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 174
      Course Title

      DMD 174 Typography

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the use of typography within the design process. Major topics to cover include anatomy of letterforms, type history, classification systems, methods of typographic communication, critical comparisons of type styles, contemporary trends and typography as image. Students will learn both technical and creative ways type can be used through lectures, discussion, critiques, and hands-on projects. The course explores 2D communication and design solutions using typography.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 222
      Course Title

      ART 222 Computer Art I

      Class Description

      This course presents a computer software-based approach to produce art. Visual image manipulation and generation will be stressed, including the integration of computer hardware, software, and peripheral devices as tools to manufacture, capture, and combine traditional and contemporary visual ideas as applied to art and design. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 114
      Course Title

      MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other math courses instead of MTH 114.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 115

    DMD 115 Internet Fundamentals

    Class Description

    This course addresses in detail everything students need to know to access, explore, and use the world's richest information resource: the Internet. The course examines software, online provider options, costs, the telecommunication process, E-mail, FTP, Chat, Usenet, the World Wide Web and Web 2.0. Students will get step by step instructions on how to access, research, and retrieve academic, personal, and professional information.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 115
      Course Title

      DMD 115 Internet Fundamentals

      Class Description

      This course addresses in detail everything students need to know to access, explore, and use the world's richest information resource: the Internet. The course examines software, online provider options, costs, the telecommunication process, E-mail, FTP, Chat, Usenet, the World Wide Web and Web 2.0. Students will get step by step instructions on how to access, research, and retrieve academic, personal, and professional information.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 273

    DMD 273 Advanced Electronic Graphic Publishing

    Class Description

    This course is designed as an advanced study of two dimensional design principles for creating page layout. The course will provide students the opportunity to develop a complete print identity design system in support of a marketing strategy including strategies of consumer decision-making. Students will develop all aspects including a fully functioning prototype for a variety of different client needs. The course will look into the mass production issues as well as specialty types of print packages.
         		3
    DMD 117

    DMD 117 Concepts in New Media

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory evaluation of the critical concepts of new media, and their impact on our society and culture. Through readings, lectures, group discussions and hands-on experience, students will study the technical, economic, political, legal, aesthetic, and cultural implications of new media.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ART 149

    ART 149 Digital Photography I

    Class Description

    This course covers the capture, processing, and output of digital images. Digital camera and scanner input technology, as well as inkjet and electronic media output are explored. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    BUS 239

    BUS 239 Social Media Marketing

    Class Description

    This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness. AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Course Code DMD 273
      Course Title

      DMD 273 Advanced Electronic Graphic Publishing

      Class Description

      This course is designed as an advanced study of two dimensional design principles for creating page layout. The course will provide students the opportunity to develop a complete print identity design system in support of a marketing strategy including strategies of consumer decision-making. Students will develop all aspects including a fully functioning prototype for a variety of different client needs. The course will look into the mass production issues as well as specialty types of print packages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code DMD 117
      Course Title

      DMD 117 Concepts in New Media

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory evaluation of the critical concepts of new media, and their impact on our society and culture. Through readings, lectures, group discussions and hands-on experience, students will study the technical, economic, political, legal, aesthetic, and cultural implications of new media.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ART 149
      Course Title

      ART 149 Digital Photography I

      Class Description

      This course covers the capture, processing, and output of digital images. Digital camera and scanner input technology, as well as inkjet and electronic media output are explored. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered. Note: Additional materials beyond those covered by course or lab fees will be required. See course syllabus for a list of materials and approximate costs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BUS 239
      Course Title

      BUS 239 Social Media Marketing

      Class Description

      This course provides an introduction to the use of social media marketing within a business context. The course provides an overview of the role of social media in building and managing customer relationships as a component of the larger marketing program. Students will develop the tools to communicate with customers using the major social network platforms and analyze platform specific metrics to measure media effectiveness. AMT 239 and BUS 239 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of CMM 121 or BUS 239.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    DMD 116

    DMD 116 Web Design and Development

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to Web page design and creation using industry standard Web design software. Students will learn to use graphics, sound, video, animation, scripts, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance Web pages. The course will cover the basic concepts of Web design and color with an emphasis on designing for visual appeal and user-friendly navigation. Students will also gain a fundamental knowledge of HTML/XHTML and the skills to publish and maintain Web sites. NOTE: Recommended DMD 111 or DMD 115 or student must possess basic computer/Internet skills which include creating, saving, and editing files in the Windows or MAC operating systems; performing basic editing (copy/paste); copying files; using folders and subfolders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening Web sites; and using search engines.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    DMD 279

    DMD 279 Packaging Design

    Class Description

    This course is designed as an overview of two dimensional design principles for creating three-dimensional packaging. The history of design packaging and strategies of consumer decision-making will be explored. The course will provide students the opportunity to develop a complete package identity design system in support of a marketing strategy. Students will develop all aspects including a fully functioning prototype for a variety of different client needs. The course will look into the mass production issues as well as specialty types of packaging.
         		3
    ANT 121

    ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 288

    ENG 288 Technical Communication Capstone

    Class Description

    Technical Communication Capstone is designed for students who are nearing completion of their studies. In this course, students will apply the skills and knowledge from their course of study to projects in their field of interest. For example, students may research the job market or transfer programs, develop job application materials, and/or create an electronic portfolio of their work intended for a public audience. Alternatively, students may design a comprehensive project related to their field of interest under supervision of the instructor and an internship or workplace supervisor.
         		3
    PHI 122

    PHI 122 Logic

    Class Description

    This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 116
      Course Title

      DMD 116 Web Design and Development

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to Web page design and creation using industry standard Web design software. Students will learn to use graphics, sound, video, animation, scripts, and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to enhance Web pages. The course will cover the basic concepts of Web design and color with an emphasis on designing for visual appeal and user-friendly navigation. Students will also gain a fundamental knowledge of HTML/XHTML and the skills to publish and maintain Web sites. NOTE: Recommended DMD 111 or DMD 115 or student must possess basic computer/Internet skills which include creating, saving, and editing files in the Windows or MAC operating systems; performing basic editing (copy/paste); copying files; using folders and subfolders to organize and manage files; downloading files off the Internet; opening Web sites; and using search engines.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code DMD 279
      Course Title

      DMD 279 Packaging Design

      Class Description

      This course is designed as an overview of two dimensional design principles for creating three-dimensional packaging. The history of design packaging and strategies of consumer decision-making will be explored. The course will provide students the opportunity to develop a complete package identity design system in support of a marketing strategy. Students will develop all aspects including a fully functioning prototype for a variety of different client needs. The course will look into the mass production issues as well as specialty types of packaging.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 121
      Course Title

      ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 288
      Course Title

      ENG 288 Technical Communication Capstone

      Class Description

      Technical Communication Capstone is designed for students who are nearing completion of their studies. In this course, students will apply the skills and knowledge from their course of study to projects in their field of interest. For example, students may research the job market or transfer programs, develop job application materials, and/or create an electronic portfolio of their work intended for a public audience. Alternatively, students may design a comprehensive project related to their field of interest under supervision of the instructor and an internship or workplace supervisor.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 122
      Course Title

      PHI 122 Logic

      Class Description

      This course develops formal reasoning, including categorical and symbolic modes of analysis. It covers Venn diagrams, predicate logic, rules of inference and replacement. It introduces the inductive method and the problem of induction.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of ANT 121, ENG 288 and PHI 122.

Total Credit Hours

62


Female student taking notes in class

Digital Media and Design at CLC

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  • Thais O'Malley

    Thais O'Malley

    Graduate

    “The quality of the program helped prepare me for the real world. I got my job right after graduation. I thanked my teachers because they prepared me so well.”

    Thais studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. She now works as a graphic designer and social media specialist for the City of Lake Forest.

    Read Thais' story

    Thais O'Malley
  • Photo of Luzbeth Perez

    Luzbeth Perez

    Graduate

    “I accomplished goals I never thought I could in my time at CLC. I earned straight As and became part of the honor society. I started drawing art! CLC is a place where you can succeed in your education.”

    Luzbeth studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. At first she struggled in class but with support from CLC faculty, she graduated magna cum laude.

    Read Luzbeth's story

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