Skip to main content

Graphic Design

Graphic Design Applications Open — Fall 2026

Are you artistic, good with technology and a creative thinker? Consider a career in graphic design.

In this program, you’ll learn the creative, technical and problem-solving skills to design visual graphics for print, web, video, animation, motion graphics, 3D modeling and social media. The program includes hands-on industry design projects, internships, and opportunities to enhance your marketability with related skills in advanced internet programming, digital photography, video production, social media marketing, journalism and fine art.

Whether you want to work in a design studio, advertising agency, or in a corporate in-house design department, this program will help you transform your creativity into a promising career in graphic design.

What You’ll Learn

  • Demonstrate proficiency in industry standard software applications to qualify for entry-level jobs in the design industry
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the graphic design process
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of design production, project workflow, and construction of digital files appropriate for successful printing, web development and multimedia
  • Construct a professional portfolio to present the body of their graphic design work to potential employers

You and your advisor will use this program map as a starting point to create a personal education plan customized to your needs. We meet you where you are and help you reach your goals.
Need more details? Check out the requirements for the AAS degree in Graphic Design. Course descriptions and course learning outcomes can be found in our online catalogue.

Program Map for

Print/Download

Choose program map:

Total Credits: 99

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
GRDSN 101
Design Process I
4
GRDSN 102
Design Technology I
3
GRDSN 105
Drawing for Graphic Designers
3
GRDSN 156
Illustrator I
2
GRDSN 158
Photoshop I
2
GRDSN 181
Web Development I
4
Total Credits
 
18

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
BUS 123
Practical Business Math Applications
5
GRDSN 111
Design Process II
4
GRDSN 112
Design Technology II
3
GRDSN 151
Typography and Layout
3
GRDSN 163
InDesign I
2
Choose 1 course from:
GRDSN 164
Illustrator II
2
GRDSN 166
Photoshop II
2
GRDSN 168
InDesign II
2
GRDSN 175
After Effects I
2
GRDSN 179
Experience Design I
2
Total Credits
 
19

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENGL& 101
English Composition I
5
GRDSN 109
History of Design
5
GRDSN 121
Design Process III
4
GRDSN 122
Design Technology III
3
GRDSN 182
Web Development II
3
Total Credits
 
20

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
GRDSN 183
Web Development III
3
GRDSN 201
Design Process IV
4
GRDSN 202
Design Technology IV
3
GRDSN 235
Multimedia I
3
Total Credits
 
13

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CMST& 210
Interpersonal Communication
5
GRDSN 211
Design Process V
4
GRDSN 212
Design Technology V
3
GRDSN 236
Multimedia II
3
Total Credits
 
15

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
GRDSN 221
Design Process VI
4
GRDSN 223
Design Portfolio
3
GRDSN 237
Multimedia III
3
GRDSN 266
Cooperative Education Seminar
1
GRDSN 267
Cooperative Education Work Experience
3
Total Credits
 
14

Maximum estimated costs for completing this program

  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    10,616
  • Non-Resident

    $
    18,457
  • International

    $
    23,984
  • Books

    $
    979
  • Course Fees

    $
    104
  • Institutional Fees

    $
    1,588

  • The amounts listed for tuition and lab & course fees reflects a maximum estimated cost and may be lower based on courses selected.
  • The amount listed for books is a maximum estimated cost based on the price of new textbooks purchased during the previous school year. Costs may be lower based on student choices and availability (used books vs new, rental vs purchase).
  • For more information about costs, visit our page How Much Does It Cost?

  • Heather Bellerud
    Heather Bellerud
    VPAA Pathway Specialist
    Heather.Bellerud@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3195

  • Jayleana Barton
    Jayleana Barton
    Instructor
    Jayleana.Barton@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4181
  • Katrina Brisbin
    Katrina Brisbin
    Graphic Design
    B.D., Eastern Washington University
    Katrina.Brisbin@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3717
  • Ashley DeMoville
    Ashley DeMoville
    Dean Visual,Prfm,Applied Arts
    B.A., University of Hawaii; M.F.A., Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand; Ed.D., University of Southern California
    Ashley.DeMoville@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3339
  • Sean Finley
    Sean Finley
    Graphic Design
    A.A., Spokane Falls Community College
    Sean.Finley@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3708
  • Richard Kaminski
    Richard Kaminski
    Instructor
    Richard.Kaminski@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4181
  • John Mujica
    John Mujica
    Graphic Design Instructor
    A.A.S., Spokane Falls Community College; B.A., Eastern Washington University
    John.Mujica@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3425
  • Katie Peterson
    Katie Peterson
    Cbe Instructional Tech
    Katie.Peterson@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4181

Graphic Design Program
Program Start: Fall quarter (annually)

Program Capacity: 44 students per cohort

How to Apply
To apply to the Graphic Design program, complete the online application.
All instructions and required steps are included within the application—there are no separate forms or emails to submit.
What Happens in the Application
As part of the online application, you will:

  • Provide your educational history

  • Upload 3–5 creative work samples

  • Schedule a Zoom interview with program faculty

How Applications Are Reviewed
Applications are reviewed as they are submitted.
Interviews and admission decisions take place at the end of each quarter, and students are admitted after interviews as space allows.
Applicants are currently applying for the upcoming fall entry.
Questions or Need Support?
For application questions or technical help, contact:
📧 graphicdesign@sfcc.spokane.edu
Interested in learning more about the program or planning ahead?
You’re welcome to connect with Heather Bellerud, Guided Pathways Specialist:
📧 Heather.Bellerud@sfcc.spokane.edu
Ready to Apply?

Student creating graphic designs on a laptop.

Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science–Transfer (AAS-T) degree in Graphic Design have the following transfer opportunity:

  • Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Visual Communication Design at Eastern Washington University

Please be sure to meet with your advisor to take courses that will apply to the general education program at Eastern Washington University, known as Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR).


 

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Erik Sohner

Department Chair
erik.sohner@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3832
Building 32, Room 117

Heather Bellerud

Guided Pathways Specialist
heather.bellerud@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3195
Building 15, Room 106