Skip to main content

Graphic Design

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

    $
    9,944
  • Non-Resident

    $
    12,112
  • International

    $
    22,475
  • Books

    $
    1,009
  • Course Fees

    $
    70
  • 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

  • Ashley DeMoville
    Ashley DeMoville
    Dean Visual/Perform 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
  • Karli Fairbanks
    Karli Fairbanks
    Instructor
    Karli.Fairbanks@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-4181
  • Sean Finley
    Sean Finley
    Graphic Design
    A.A., Spokane Falls Community College
    Sean.Finley@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3425
  • 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
  • Greg Stiles
    Greg Stiles
    Graphic Design
    A.A.S., State University of New York; A.A.S., Art Institute of Seattle; B.A., M.A.Ed., Eastern Washington University
    Greg.Stiles@sfcc.spokane.edu
    509-533-3708

Pre-requisites: No
Number of students each start: 44
Contact: graphicdesign@sfcc.spokane.edu
Applications deadline: Applications begin winter quarter

Program Admission Process

The Graphic Design program has a fall quarter entry and admits 44 students.

Interviews for the 2024-25 school year begin in December 2023.

We recommend you apply early to secure your spot for Fall 2024. This is especially important if you are applying for financial aid.

Waiting for entrance into the program? Contact our Guided Pathways Specialist Heather Bellerud (Heather.Bellerud@sfcc.spokane.edu) for a list of courses you can take out of sequence.

In order to apply for admission into the program, complete each of the steps listed below. It is essential that you maintain an active email account so that we may provide all information needed in a timely manner.

To apply to the Graphic Design program, follow these steps:

  1. Complete your online application
  2. Complete your online Bigfoot Orientation
    • Upon completing the application, you will receive the link
  3. Math & English Placement
    • Find out your placement in math and English
      • Submit high school transcripts if you've graduated within the past five years
      • Or submit transcripts from prior college to be used for placement
    • Bring a printed copy of your math/English placement to your interview
    • For assistance with placement email Onboarding@sfcc.spokane.edu
  4. Set up a time for an interview with program faculty
    • Contact us at graphicdesign@sfcc.spokane.edu to schedule an interview
    • Include your name, student ID, and telephone number
    • You will be notified by email of your interview date and time. It is essential you maintain an ACTIVE EMAIL ACCOUNT. If you do not receive interview information within a week of emailing, please follow up by phone (509-533-3710). It is important to us to get you scheduled.
    • Your interview will be 20 minutes in length. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Applicants must be on time to be considered for admission.
  5. Write a one-page essay (typed and saved in Word or PDF file format). Attach it to a new email and submit it to graphicdesign@sfcc.spokane.edu. In your essay, answer the following questions:
    • Why do you want to get into the field of Graphic Design?
    • The program is set up as if you are a Graphic Designer working for an agency. It is project-driven and you are required to meet deadlines. What are your thoughts about this?
    • What are your future goals?
  6. Show three to five examples of work you have produced.
    • To help us determine if the program is the right fit for you, we would like to see some creative or artistic work.
    • We understand that you may be coming from a different career track and may not have design work to show; however, do not let this discourage you. Your life experience counts and is factored in.
    • Some types of work we would like to see are: yearbook, invites, logos, web pages, posters, photography, paintings, drawings, craft projects, video, or music.

In review, here are the steps in order:

  1. Complete your college application
  2. Complete your Bigfoot Orientation
  3. Complete your Placement
  4. Schedule your interview
  5. Write and submit your essay via email
  6. During your interview, provide three to five examples of work you have produced.

For assistance, you can always reach out to our faculty contact or our Curriculum Specialist. Please see Contact above.


Thank you for your interest in Graphic Design at Spokane Falls. We look forward to meeting you.

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.

Greg Stiles

Department Chair
Greg.Stiles@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3708
Building 19, Room 218B

Heather Bellerud

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