General Graphic Design Area of Concentration
At Montgomery College, you'll gain hands-on, practical skills in graphic design from seasoned industry professionals.
Our graphic design associate’s degree program emphasizes creative application of design principles and problem solving in graphic design and communication, using both traditional and industry standard digital tools. You will learn the art of creating logos, brochure and publication design, page layout, and typography for both print and interactive applications.
Our curriculum provides a balanced foundation for immediate entry into the professional field or for further study. We ensure a seamless transfer to prestigious institutions across the US.
You will gain hands-on experience using industry standard equipment. Graphic design courses include graphic design for the web, digital tools for the visual arts, publication design, video editing, and more.
Enroll at MC and set your sights on a successful career in the field of graphic communication.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate solid foundation skills and competency in a range of media, techniques, and knowledge of associated processes to create products for a specified purpose or audience.
- Apply visual problem solving that employs appropriate technical skills and techniques.
- Evaluate the creativity of ideas and concepts for visual communication.
Program Advising
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested two-year course sequence for students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- ARTT 100 - Introduction to Drawing 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD) **
- ARTT 102 - Introduction to 2D Design 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- GDES 116 - Digital Tools for the Visual Arts 4 semester hours
- GDES 121 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design I 3 semester hours
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- GDES 124 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design II 3 semester hours
- GDES 214 - Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4 semester hours
Third Semester
- GDES 212 - Publication Design with InDesign 4 semester hours
- GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
- GDES 218 - Graphic Design for the Web 4 semester hours
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Fourth Semester
- GDES 224 - Graphic Design III 3 semester hours
- TVRA 140 - Video Editing 3 semester hours
- Program Elective 3 semester hours ‡ ‡
- Natural Science Distribtution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or GDES elective.
** AAS programs require one 3-credit Arts or Humanities General Education course.
‡ ‡ Choose one 3-credit program elective from ARTT 105, ARTT 205, GDES 134, PHOT 161, TECH 272, or choose one 4-credit elective from GDES 140 or GDES 230.
‡ ‡ Although this degree is designed to be completed in 60 credits, a student may opt to take a 4-credit elective, which would be a total of 61 credits. Please see an advisor in the Graphic Design program.
This program can be completed either on campus or online.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.