Contact

School of Business and Applied Arts


Truax D3631
1701 Wright Street
Madison WI 53704

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m - 4:30 p.m. 

CALL: (608) 246-6003 ext. 8
FAX: (608) 243-4754
Email

Graphic Design

Associate Degree in Applied Arts

Program number: 102011

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.

Some of the courses for this program may be available online.

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 biannual 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

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.

Find open jobs in this industry on Wisconsin TechConnecttm. Registration Required.

  • Estimated Program Cost
    # of Credits for Completion
    68
    Tuition
    $9125.60
    Materials/Supplemental Costs
    $1059.00
    Other Costs
    $1050.00
    Total Program Costs:
    $11234.60
  • Graduate Summary
    Graduate Report Summary Overview

    		 2015 2016 2017
    Number of Program Graduates 43 46 64
    Number of Surveys Sent 43 46 64
    Number of Surveys Returned 33 33 40
    Percent of Surveys Returned 76.70% 71.70% 62.50%
    Available for Employment 33 29 37
    Percent Available for Employment 100.00% 87.90% 92.50%
    Not in Labor Market 0 4 3
    Percent Not in Labor Market 0.00% 12.10% 7.50%
    Available for Employment

    		 2015 2016 2017
    Graduates Employed 30 24 35
    Percent of Graduates Employed 90.90% 82.80% 94.60%
    Employed in Related Occupation 25 15 31
    Percent Employed in Related Occupation 83.30% 62.50% 88.60%
    Employed in Unrelated Occupation 5 8 4
    Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 16.70% 33.30% 11.40%
    Employed - No Response 0 1 0
    Percent Employed - No Response 0.00% 4.20% 0.00%
    Seeking Employment 3 5 2
    Percent Seeking Employment 9.10% 17.20% 5.40%
    Reaction To Training at Madison College

    		 2015 2016 2017
    Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.3 3.7
    Number of Satisfaction Responses 33 33 40
    Very Satisfied 22 13 27
    Percent Very Satisfied 66.70% 39.40% 67.50%
    Satisfied 11 18 12
    Percent Satisfied 33.30% 54.50% 30.00%
    Unsatisfied 0 2 1
    Percent Unsatisfied 0.00% 6.10% 2.50%
    Very Unsatisfied 0 0 0
    Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
    Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

    		 2015 2016 2017
    Number of Primary Reason Responses 33 33 40
    Preparation for Getting a Job 12 18 17
    Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 36.40% 54.50% 42.50%
    Career Change 15 9 18
    Percent Career Change 45.50% 27.30% 45.00%
    Improvement of Existing Skills 2 2 2
    Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 6.10% 6.10% 5.00%
    Preparation for Further Education 1 2 2
    Percent Preparation for Further Education 3.00% 6.10% 5.00%
    Personal Interest 3 2 1
    Percent Personal Interest 9.10% 6.10% 2.50%
    Other 0 0 0
    Percent Other 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
    When Employment was Obtained

    		 2015 2016 2017
    Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 29 23 35
    Before Enrollment 5 1 2
    Percent Before Enrollment 17.20% 4.30% 5.70%
    While Attending the College 6 10 12
    Percent While Attending the College 20.70% 43.50% 34.30%
    After Training at the College 18 12 21
    Percent After Training at the College 62.10% 52.20% 60.00%
    Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

    		 2015 2016 2017
    Number of Employment Location Responses 30 24 35
    In College District 26 21 32
    Percent In College District 86.70% 87.50% 91.40%
    In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 1 3
    Percent of In Wisconsin 0.00% 4.20% 8.60%
    Outside of Wisconsin 1 1 0
    Percent Outside Wisconsin 3.30% 4.20% 0.00%
    Employer Location Unknown 3 1 0
    Percent Location Unknown 10.00% 4.20% 0.00%
    Salary Trend
    Salary Trend 2015 2016 2017
    Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 20 11 24
    Average Monthly Wage $3,652 $2,893 $3,063
    Average Hourly Wage $21.23 $16.82 $17.81
    Average Work Hours per Week 40.5 39.2 42.8
    Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 4 4
    Average Hourly Wage $19.00 $17.25 $18.00
    Average Work Hours per Week 19 17 25.2
  • Graduate Employers
    Total Positions Open for academic year: 2017
    Wisconsin TechConnectTM Jobs* Madison Non-Madison
    Number of Full Time Positions Open 47 80
    Number of Part Time Positions Open 63 57
    Total Jobs 110 137
    Graduate Employers for academic year: 2017
    Employer(s) Job Title City** State*** Positions
    Baker Tilly Graphic Designer
    Blue Dog Creative Graphic Designer
    Brad Nellis Graphic Designer
    Carl's Cakes Cake Decorator/Designer Sun Prairie
    Certi-Dry / Crown Flooring Online Marketing/Graphic Design
    Distillery Design Studio Junior Designer
    Erdman Company Graphic Designer
    Fashion Angels Graphic Designer Milwaukee
    Firepower Design Co Graphic Designer
    First Weber Group Graphic Designer/ Print Shop Coordinator
    Frank Beverage Group Graphic Designer Middleton
    Great Wolf Resorts Inc Production Artist 2
    Healthgrades Production Designer
    Ideas That Evoke Graphic Designer
    Kramer Madison Graphic Designer Waunakee
    KW2 (Knupp & Watson & Wallman) Graphic Designer
    Millercoors LLC Designer Milwaukee
    Nasco International Inc Left Blank Fort Atkinson
    Optimal Health Network Lead Designer
    Pilch & Barnet Graphic Designer
    Planet Wise Inc Website And Digital Design Specialist New Glarus
    Self-Employed Freelance Graphic Designer
    Self-Employed Freelancer Verona
    Spectrum Brands Graphic Designer Middleton
    Swink Designer
    Synqronus Communication Creative Director Monroe
    That's A Wrap Graphic Designer
    UW - Extension Graphic Designer / Web Designer

    * - Wisconsin TechConnectTM jobs are posted through a statewide consortium operated and funded by all 16 of the technical colleges in Wisconsin.

    ** - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

    *** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

    **** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at techconnect@madisoncollege.edu

Resources

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