Graphic Design

Associate Degree in Applied Arts

Program number: 102011

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Outcomes
• Careers

Overview

Overview

Build solid skills and define your style in the graphic design field with the two-year Graphic Design associate degree at Madison College.

Successful Graphic Design students are creative and aware of visual details. Throughout the program, students apply those strengths to projects based on technical requirements and deadlines. 

At Madison College, you'll understand design fundamentals, learn about emerging trends, and develop professional graphic design skills for big-picture projects and day-to-day tasks. 

Your Graphic Design instructors have knowledge and experience across this creative field and develop courses that combine traditional graphic arts and new media technology. 

As a Graphic Design student at Madison College, you'll have access to more than 100 computers with industry software tools for computer graphics and web page design. 

Once admitted to the Graphic Design program, you may choose to earn an additional associate degree in Visual Communications or Web & Digital Media Design with only two more semesters of study. Attend an Academic Information Session to learn how.

Program Details

Students in the Graphic Design program can attend full or part-time.

Graphic Design classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

Explore financial aid eligibility for this program.

All courses for this program are offered only in person.

Graphic Design

Your advantages at Madison college

• Learn from award-winning faculty who share real-world experiences in the graphic design field.
• Combine a foundation in traditional graphic arts styles and tools with new media and computer graphics.
• Join the Madison College chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) to start networking while you are still in school.
• Show your graphic design work to potential employers in Madison College’s annual portfolio show.

Admission

Admission

To Apply

View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials and requirements.

• Review the admission checklist to learn how to apply to a program or certificate at Madison College.
• Attend an Academic Information Session to get started in the admission process.
• Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience including campus tours and program open houses.

After Acceptance

Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at MATC. 

Questions?

Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2018-2019 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

Current program students (including newly admitted), go directly to your Degree Progress Report (also referred to as an Advising Report or Academic Requirements) to view:

• Progress toward your specific requirements
• Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

If you have questions after reviewing your report, please see Advising Services.

First Semester

10-801-195

Written Communication

3 credits

10-804-123

Math with Business Applications

3 credits

10-201-102

Design Fundamentals

3 credits

10-201-103

Drawing Fundamentals

3 credits

10-201-136

Concept Development

2 credits

10-201-137

Survey of Design Communication

1 credits

10-201-181

Introduction to Computer Graphics

3 credits

Second Semester

10-809-199

Psychology Of Human Relations

3 credits

10-201-112

Color

2 credits

10-201-151

Typographic Design

3 credits

10-201-152

Applied Drawing

2 credits

10-201-177

Web Page Design

3 credits

10-201-182

Applied Computer Graphics

3 credits

Third Semester

10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Communication

3 credits

10-201-106

Illustration

3 credits

10-201-121

Graphic Design

3 credits

10-201-128

Print & Digital Production

3 credits

10-203-130

Intro Digital Photography

2 credits

10-206-129

Motion Design

2 credits

Fourth Semester

10-809-197

Contemporary American Society

3 credits

10-201-153

Integrated Design

2 credits

10-201-154

Design Project Management

3 credits

10-201-162

Graphic Design Portfolio Preparation

2 credits

10-201-184

Advanced Design & Layout

2 credits

 

Electives

6 credits

Recommended Electives

10-201-117

Illustrative Figure Drawing

3 credits

10-201-144

Principles of Letterpress: Design and Printing

3 credits

10-201-145

Introduction to Screen Printing

2 credits

10-201-146

Advanced Screen Printing Workshop

2 credits

10-201-147

Advanced Letterpress Workshop

2 credits

10-201-149

Advanced Figure Drawing

3 credits

10-201-155

Content Management Systems for Designers

3 credits

10-201-178

Applied UI Design

3 credits

10-201-183

Electronic Illustration

2 credits

10-201-193

Mobile Web Design

3 credits

10-201-195

Advanced Web Page Design

3 credits

10-201-198

Social Media/Web Design Strategies

3 credits

10-206-190

Advanced Interactive Media

2 credits

20-815-200

Art History: Ancient to Medieval

3 credits

20-815-210

Art History: Renaissance to Modern

3 credits

20-815-211

Art History: Women In Art

3 credits

20-815-256

Art Metal Welding

3 credits

10-201-169

Business of Graphic Design & Illustration

2 credits

Outcomes

Outcomes

After completing the Graphic Design program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

• Implement creative solutions from concept through completion.
• Apply the principles of design to develop strategic marketing and communication products and services.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of design software, tools and technology.
• Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills.
• Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings.
• Create innovative visual solutions for a variety of design, advertising, media and artistic applications.

Graduates are fully prepared for the graphic design process including the assessment of client needs, solutions development and analysis, collaboration, concept design, client consultation, pre-press and production. These are some of the aspects of creating graphic designs and illustrations to effectively communicate clients’ messages to their target audiences.

Careers

Prospective employers throughout Madison consider Madison College Graphic Design graduates top candidates. Associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of graphic design, including:

• Graphic Designer
• Art Director
• Production Artist
• Illustrator
• Web/Interactive Designer

Graphic design jobs are in advertising agencies, publishing companies, art studios, and advertising and art departments within companies. Madison College classes also prepare Graphic Design graduates with business skills to become freelance graphic artists.

Students are encouraged to join the Madison College chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) to start networking while in school.

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