Graphic Design

Download as PDF
Program Area
CMST- Communication Studies
Area of Interest
Communication, Creative Arts and Design
Degree Earned
Associate in Arts Academic Transfer DTA (Integrated Studies)
Degree Worksheet

In Cascadia College’s Graphic Design pathway, you will gain knowledge in the principles of visual communication, and experience in the use of industry-standard digital graphic design software. Students will be able to analyze, evaluate and apply design principles, and will showcase their technical proficiency by generating a portfolio of work demonstrating their creative approaches to design problems. 

Cost

Review tuition, fees, and residency classifications

Review international rates

Modalities

Coursework may be completed through a combination of in-person (web enhanced), hybrid and online modes, though not every course is offered in the same modality each quarter. Specific courses may be offered at certain times of the year. Consult the current Class Schedule.

Placement

Many courses at Cascadia College have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and math ability. The courses that you will place into determine how you progress through your pathway and how long your degree will take. There are a variety of ways to find your English and Math placement level.  

Find your placement options

Math Notes

In order to earn the Associate's degree connected to this pathway, students will need to complete at least one college-level math course. For this pathway, the following is recommended:

Contact

If you have any questions about this pathway, contact: advising@cascadia.edu

Planning Your Courses:

The information below assumes the following:

  • You are beginning with a math placement of MATH& 107 or higher
  • You are beginning with an English placement of ENGL& 101
  • You will be attending full-time each quarter (3 classes)
  • You will start in the fall quarter
  • You are ready to take 100 and 200-level classes in your first quarter
  • You are NOT taking courses during summer quarters

If any of these points do not apply to you, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make some adjustments to your course schedule. Talk with an Academic Advisor to create a long-term academic plan that meets your needs.

The Annual Course Planning Guide shows Cascadia’s tentative plan for classes and the quarters in which they are offered. It is intended for planning purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of class offerings. Actual quarterly sections may be changed, added, or removed. Students should use the Searchable Quarterly Class Schedule to see up to date class offerings.

Quarter One (Fall)

Action Items This Quarter
Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
154
22
0
15

Quarter Two (Winter)

Action Items This Quarter
Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
Sub-Total Credits
55
0
0
15

Quarter Three (Spring)

Action Items This Quarter
  • Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
  • Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major/university. Are you on track?
Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
Sub-Total Credits
55
0
0
15

Quarter Four (Fall)

Action Items This Quarter
  • Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications!
  • Apply for next year's financial aid at your desired universities.
    • If next year's FAFSA isn't available yet, set a reminder for when it will be!
Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.0
0.00
5-6
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
Sub-Total Credits
0
0
0
15-16

Quarter Five (Winter)

Action Items This Quarter
Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.0
0.00
5-6
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
Sub-Total Credits
0
0
0
15-16

Quarter Six (Spring)

Action Items This Quarter
Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.0
0.00
5-6
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
Sub-Total Credits
0
0
0
15-16

Choice Classes: Distribution and Elective Requirements - Explore and align your interests.

The recommended choice classes listed below were thoughtfully chosen to help you gain the necessary skills in this pathway. You are welcome to choose other classes outside the recommended list, but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.

Humanities

AIIS 103 The Indigenous Pacific Northwest
AIIS 203 Indigenous Ways of Knowing
CMST& 102 Introduction to Mass Media
HIST& 128 World Civilizations 3
HUM 107 Introduction to Human-Centered Design
PHIL 102 Ethics and Social Problems
PHIL 238 Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Rights

Social Sciences

BUS& 101 Introduction to Business
ECON& 201 Microeconomics
ECON& 202 Macroeconomics
GS 230 Contemporary Japan
POLS& 101 Introduction to Political Science Introduction to Political Science 
POLS& 200 Introduction to Law
PSYC& 100 General Psychology
SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology

Natural Sciences

  • Lab Science Recommendations:

  • Non-Lab Science Recommendations: 

150 Course and Equity, Diversity, and Power Course (10 credits)

To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement for graduation, you must complete:

150-series courses ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally. 

EDP-designated courses (including the 150-series courses) may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.

Total Credits
90

Transfer Opportunities

For this pathway, Cascadia College recommends the Associate's degree linked at the top of this page. However, the College offers multiple degrees which are designed for transfer to public and private four-year institutions. Please consult with an Academic Advisor about which degree may be best suited for your long-term goals. 

Local Transfer Opportunities

For a full list of related Bachelor's degrees in Washington state, visit WA Public Universities. Below are some examples:

View Cascadia’s Transfer Agreements for details of our partnerships with other colleges and universities.

University admissions requirements may vary – consult with the Career and Transfer Center for transfer assistance to plan your career and future educational goals. 

Career Possibilities

Product, Brand, and UX/UI Designer, Freelance/Contract Designer, Photo Editor, Apparel Graphic Designer, Logo Designer, Packaging Designer, Web Designer, Multimedia Designer, Advertising Designer, Publication Designer, Art Director. 

You can learn more about career possibilities related to your interests in this pathway through O*Net Online.  O*Net Online shares information about related careers, salary, skills related to the industry and more. 

Connect with Cascadia’s Career and Transfer Center for assistance as you go through the process of planning career and future educational goals. 

Some job opportunities may also exist in business corporations, non-profits and Tribal Enterprises.