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

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

We provide you with access to Mac and PC computer labs, so you can become familiar with both platforms. You build work-ready industry skills as you learn the ins and outs of digital marketing and design tools:
- Adobe® Acrobat, After Effects, Animate, Audition, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Illustrator, Media Encoder, Photoshop and Premiere
- Apple® Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro
- 3D Software: Maxon® Cinema 4D
- WordPress with Apache server
- Waves Mercury hardware and plugins, Steinberg Cubase, Celemony Melodyne 4 Studio Software and Avid Pro Tools
- digital video cameras, recording equipment and audio mixers
- green screen, broadcast monitors, condenser microphones, analog and digital video capture stations

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/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Degree

Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,186
  
  Median
  
  $78,814
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $144,706
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.16
  
  Median
  
  $37.89
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.56
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  2.52%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  88.04%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.45%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,586
  
  Median
  
  $59,798
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $105,812
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.11
  
  Median
  
  $28.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $50.86
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15%
  
  Some college
  
  5%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  65%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  10%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $28,595
  
  Median
  
  $56,412
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $133,976
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.74
  
  Median
  
  $27.12
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $64.40
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  5.53%
  
  Some college
  
  39.68%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.7%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  52.75%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.34%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $51,714
  
  Median
  
  $91,218
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $149,053
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.86
  
  Median
  
  $43.85
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.66
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  5%
  
  Certificate
  
  5%
  
  Some college
  
  15%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  15%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  55%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,500
  
  Median
  
  $58,741
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $123,558
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $14.18
  
  Median
  
  $28.24
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59.39
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  12.5%
  
  Certificate
  
  16.67%
  
  Some college
  
  4.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  16.67%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,085
  
  Median
  
  $78,108
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $136,677
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.08
  
  Median
  
  $37.55
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $65.70
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  12.5%
  
  Certificate
  
  16.67%
  
  Some college
  
  4.17%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  16.67%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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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 inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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
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
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3

Course Highlights
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
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
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
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
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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
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

Course Highlights
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
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
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
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 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

Course Highlights
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
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
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 Highlights
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
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
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
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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
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
PHI 125	PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics Class Description In this course, students critically evaluate general moral theories, fundamental moral concepts, and contemporary moral issues such as animal rights and the environment, reproductive technology and abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, and other injustices. Students work to develop and defend their own views on these matters, and to understand and evaluate others' views, by studying and applying moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and ethics of care. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as sound reasoning, autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.	3
ENG 113	ENG 113 Technical Communication Practicum Class Description Technical Communication Practicum provides work simulation experience in a variety of writing areas according to the student's major occupational area. The purpose of the course is to allow development and evaluation of writing assignments taken from the student's supervised experiences to on-the-job simulation with the responsibilities of the technical writer.	3

Course Highlights
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
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
Course Code	PHI 125
Course Title	PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics Class Description In this course, students critically evaluate general moral theories, fundamental moral concepts, and contemporary moral issues such as animal rights and the environment, reproductive technology and abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, and other injustices. Students work to develop and defend their own views on these matters, and to understand and evaluate others' views, by studying and applying moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and ethics of care. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as sound reasoning, autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 113
Course Title	ENG 113 Technical Communication Practicum Class Description Technical Communication Practicum provides work simulation experience in a variety of writing areas according to the student's major occupational area. The purpose of the course is to allow development and evaluation of writing assignments taken from the student's supervised experiences to on-the-job simulation with the responsibilities of the technical writer.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

62

Digital Media and Design at CLC

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This degree is just one possible way to study Digital Media and Design. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes! Our Digital Media & Design program is a great fit for you. More than half of our students attend class part time.
The A.A.S. in DMD – Graphic Design is 62 credit hours and takes an average of two years to complete when enrolled full time. Get hands-on experience in courses featuring a mix of lectures and labs. Simulated and real-world service-learning projects give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills covered in class.

Practice using a Canon wide format printer, a Graphtec cutter and Xerox VersaLink C8000 printers in our two Mac labs or the Windows lab.

Your classes include:
- History of Graphic Design
- Advanced Electronic Graphic Publishing
- Packaging Design
Yes—well, most of them. Every course in this program is offered in an online format, except for our field courses which must be taken in-person.
Attend class in the way that works best for your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in-person with faculty and peers.

*Cost includes tuition and other fees, including books and materials before financial aid is applied, such as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Digital Media and Design - Graphic Design Specialty Option

Inform and move audiences with design

Say 1,000 words with a single image

Access to must-have digital tools

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

Highlights

Internships Available

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Computer Programmers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Graphic Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Web Administrators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Web Developers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 15 Credits

Semester 3 3 Credits

Semester 4 15 Credits

Semester 5 15 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Digital Media and Design at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Can I enroll as a part-time student in this program?

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

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