Graphic Design AAA Degree

Your expertise will grow as you tackle all aspects of the design process, including:

• Principles and elements of graphic design
• Print publication design and layout
• Website design and layout
• Interactive media design
• Illustration
• Photo manipulation
• Project management

Semester 1

• Design and Layout I
• Desktop Publishing
• Drawing and Composition or
  Drawing and
  Drawing II
• Written Communication in the Workplace or
  Composition I

Semester 2

• Applied Math or
• Design and Layout II
• Electronic Illustration
• Graphic Imaging

Semester 3

• Design and Layout III
• Human and Work Relations or
  Introduction to Psychology or
  Introduction to Sociology
• Web Design and Layout
• Web Page Graphics

Semester 4

• Advanced Design and Layout
• CMS Web Design
• Fundamentals of Oral Communication
• Interactive Multimedia
• Portfolio Preparation

Graphic Design Electives

• 2-D Design
• Art Appreciation
• Art History I
• Art History II
• ETC: Art and Literary Magazine
• Honors Project
• Independent Study
• Internship
• Painting
• Painting II
• Photo Direction
• Photography
• Principles of Illustration
• Principles of Marketing
• Special Topics

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

Get hands-on experience using industry standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, in the Mac Lab.

In graphic design courses, you learn to design and publish ads, brochures, logos, magazine covers, packaging, posters, vehicle wraps, and other types of multi-panel or multi-page print publications.

In web design courses, you learn to design and develop responsive and interactive websites displayed on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices using the latest web design technologies.

Field trips to advertising agencies, design studios, and printing companies will help you learn about the industry, and grow your network.

Beef up your portfolio as you develop print and web projects throughout the program. You will even have your portfolio reviewed by industry professionals.

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This is a partial list of companies that hire Graphic Design graduates:

• Almon, Inc., Dubuque, IA
• AMPERAGE Marketing, Cedar Falls, IA
• Jack Henry & Associates, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA
• John Deere, Moline, IL
• J.W. Morton & Associates, Cedar Rapids, IA
• McCullough Creative, Dubuque, IA
• Mudd Advertising, Cedar Falls, IA
• North Forty, Hiawatha, IA
• Scientific Games Interactive/Williams Interactive SoCaMo, Cedar Falls, IA
• Spinutech, Cedar Falls, IA
• VGM Forbin & VGM Creative, Waterloo, IA

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

There is a documented pathway from Graphic Design to the Graphic Technology and Technology Management programs at the University of Northern Iowa. Check out UNI’s Transfer Guides to learn more.

Hawkeye also has transfer relationships with Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, Mount Mercy University, Upper Iowa University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with a program advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer

If you meet the assessment score requirements, you can be accepted into the program.

If you don't meet these requirements, you’ll be accepted into a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you’ll start by taking general education and prerequisite classes. Your academic advisor will help you make a plan to meet the program requirements. After finishing your pre-program courses, contact Admissions to let them know.