Graphic Design

Digital Media and Design
Award
Associate of Applied Science
Credits
69
Locations
Peosta
Entry
Fall, Spring, Summer
Time to Complete
24 Months
Laptop with graphic design program and project on the screen

Ready to become the next Paul Rand or Paula Scher? After being immersed in the foundations of Design and the utilization of Adobe Creative Cloud software year one, you’ll apply those skills year two, to complete a multitude of original projects that feature your conceptual and critical thinking skills, understanding of cultural aesthetics and the design process and a whole lot of your creative image and layout production. 

You won’t stay put. Although the program has a lab outfitted with the latest tech for studio production, you’ll do a slew of off-campus adventuring throughout the two years to get an inside look at the design workplace, as well as meet and learn from current design and graphic production professionals. If working creatively with words and imagery in a collaborative environment is your thing, this program is the perfect fit. You’ll be mentored by award-winning designer educators, and will graduate ready to enter the challenging, thrilling and rewarding world of professional design.

Apply Now Request Information

Paying for the Program

Tuition and Fees

$15,870*

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

$18,147*
* Approximate cost. Amount reflects the estimated tuition and student fees based on rates at the time of publication. These rates do not include additional expenses (books, tools, supplies, living expenses, licensures, remedial or pre-requisite coursework or partnership tuition and fees, etc.) related to your NICC education. Rates are subject to change.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.

Kibbie Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $4,500 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Last-Dollar Scholarship

This state funded scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career programs and pays remaining tuition costs after all other federal and state aid has been applied. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

NICC Scholarship Eligible

Any student enrolled in this program is eligible for NICC scholarships. The NICC Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship award amounts and all students are encouraged to apply.

Vo-Tech Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $1,000 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Learn more about Financial Aid.

Career Outlook

Enrollment Process

  1. Apply for admission.
  2. Submit official high school, high school equivalency and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend.
  3. Complete ACCUPLACER® reading and writing assessment and ALEKS® math assessment for course placement. Assessments may be waived based on previous college coursework or submission of valid ACT®, or SAT® test scores. Reading and writing scores are valid for three years, and math scores are valid for two years. 

Program Information

View a sample 1st year schedule for this program of study.

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

Transfer Information

The Graphic Design program maintains formal articulation agreements with the institutions listed below. Students are encouraged to speak with their transfer college or university to verify that their planned courses at NICC will meet necessary requirements. Learn more about transferring from NICC.

Program Contacts

Carla Heathcote
Graphic Design Instructor
  • heathcotec@nicc.edu
  • 844.642.2338, ext. 2438
  • Peosta