Overview
As AI evolves and takes over some rote, simple, and basic graphic design tasks, the opportunity arises to shift our focus to the new graphic designer who thinks more critically and holistically embraces the “why” of design. In addition to creating beautiful, creative design work, students will increasingly lean into the marketing and UI/UX side of design that is more user- and customer-focused. Students will still learn to be strong and effective designers, they will still get hands-on experience designing real-world marketing material, they will still learn the leading industry software, but they will also learn more about integrating marketing strategies and consumer personas into their design work, cutting-edge skills like AI integration, UI/UX, app and website prototyping, motion graphics, 3D graphics, and eventually video editing and how to design for XR/VR/AR.
Thinking about what we already do well and what the future holds, I wrote a new program description, along with AI, to capture and promote our current successes and our evolving strategy. I’d like this to be a starting point for this evolution, and we can work together to refine it and craft our future. I am embracing this approach in my classes, especially having students lean into the “why” through marketing strategies when they design.
I wrote this new description to speak to Gen Z and the upcoming Generation Alpha in a snappy, student-focused, professional tone.
Graphic Design – Associate of Applied Science
Design Tomorrow. Build Your Career. Make an Impact.
Are you ready to turn your creative mindset into a rewarding career? Our Graphic Design AAS blends cutting-edge skills with real-world experience to prepare you for the evolving world of design. This program isn’t just about learning tools — it’s about developing thinking designers who understand the “why” behind every choice and can solve real problems through powerful visual communication.
You’ll leave with a portfolio that proves you can design for the real world — featuring hands-on projects like social media campaigns, digital ads, websites, UI/UX experiences, motion graphics, branding systems, packaging, signage, and print marketing materials.
What Makes Us Different
In today’s competitive landscape, basic design skills aren’t enough. Employers want designers who think strategically, design with purpose, and create work that engages audiences on screen and in space. That’s why our program goes beyond traditional curriculum by:
- Focusing on Design Thinking & the “Why” of Design: You’ll learn how to approach problems with strategy, in addition to aesthetics — so your solutions are functional, meaningful, and impactful.
- Integrating AI: You’ll learn how to integrate AI into the designer’s workflow to improve research capabilities, creativity, productivity, and efficiency.
- Marketing-Integrated Thinking: Understand how design works within branding and marketing strategies so your work connects with audiences and drives results.
- Real-World Projects & Portfolio Ready Work: From client campaigns to collaborative team briefs, you’ll build a professional portfolio that shows future employers what you can do.
- User-Centered UI/UX & Interactive Design: You’ll learn to create intuitive and engaging digital experiences — from apps to responsive web interfaces — grounded in user research and experience principles.
- Next-Gen Visual Skills: Dive into motion graphics, app and web prototyping, 3D design, and immersive media like AR/VR/XR, giving you the tools and confidence to explore emerging creative roles in the digital age.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout this 2–3 year Associate of Applied Science program, you’ll develop:
- Strong foundations in typography, layout, color, and composition
- Proficiency in industry-standard software (Adobe Creative Cloud + more)
- How to integrate AI into the designer’s workflow
- UI/UX design fundamentals and user-research methods
- Motion graphics and animation principles
- 3D visualization and immersive media workflows
- Real-world project planning, client collaboration, and presentation skills
- Strategic integration of design within marketing and communication campaigns
Your Future in Design Starts Here
Whether you want to work at a creative agency, in-house with brands, or launch your own freelance career, our Graphic Design program equips you with the skills employers want. From traditional visual communication to cutting-edge interactive experiences, you’ll graduate ready to make an immediate impact — backed by a portfolio that tells your design story.
Design with purpose. Innovate with confidence. Start your journey here.