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Graphic Design

Program Overview

The Graphic Design program prepares you for a graphic design career in print, web, and interactive media design. You will learn to effectively communicate a clear message to an audience using visual elements and design.

Learn all aspects of the design process, including:

  • Principles and elements of graphics and design
  • Project management
  • Print design and layout
  • Web design and layout
  • Website construction and hosting

You may choose to focus your coursework in graphic design or web design.

  • In graphic design courses, you will learn to design and publish ads, brochures, logos, magazine covers, newsletters, packaging, posters, vehicle wraps, and much more.

  • In web design courses, you will learn to design and develop responsive and interactive websites displayed on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • Mac Lab: Develop the knowledge and skills needed to use industry standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, in your future career.

  • Portfolio: Throughout the program, you will develop print and web projects to create traditional and digital portfolios. You will have the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by industry professionals.

  • Field Trips: Visit advertising agencies, design studios, and printing companies to learn how your skills and knowledge can be applied in a variety of work environments.

Transfer Information

An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Graphic Design coursework to the Graphic Technologies and Technology Management programs at the University of Northern Iowa. 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 plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Careers

Positions

Graduates have found work in many environments, including agencies, small businesses, and companies. They work as:

  • Advertising designers
  • Art directors
  • Brand identity designers
  • Creative directors
  • Freelance designers
  • Illustrators
  • Layout artists
  • Logo designers
  • Multimedia designers
  • Package designers
  • Photo editing / Photoshop artists
  • Pre-press technicians
  • Publication designers
  • Web designers

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Desktop Publishers $27,400 $41,500 $48,600
Graphic Designers $29,600 $45,700 $53,800
Multimedia Artists $31,200 $49,800 $59,000
Web Designers $32,400 $58,100 $71,000

Source: 2018 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
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

Admissions Requirements

Step #1: Apply at Hawkeye

  1. Complete Hawkeye's online admissions application to apply and be considered for the Graphic Design program.

  2. Request to have your transcripts sent to the Admissions office.

Step #2: Basic Skill Competencies

In order to be eligible for the Graphic Design program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a "C" grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.

Minimum score requirements
ACT ACCUPLACER COMPASS ACCUPLACER Next Generation
16 Reading 58 Reading 69 Reading 239 Reading
16 English 64 Sentence Skills 41 Writing 240 Writing
14 Math 40 Arithmetic 24 Pre-Algebra 240 Arithmetic
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics

Step #3: Program Acceptance

Applicants meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria are eligible for acceptance.

Applicants not meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.

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