Graphic Design

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. 

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

You will need to consult with an academic advisor after placement to be sure to enroll in a course that is consistent with your planned course of study. 

One college level math class minimum required. Recommend MATH& 107 Math in Society.

Contact

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

Planning Your Courses: 

Advisors are here for you. Academic Advisors will help you develop the skills to make sound academic decisions. Through advising, Advisors will support you to make connections between academic interests, long-term goals, and career opportunities. Advisors help with educational planning, university transfer options, college application processes, and graduation requirements. You will have touchpoints with Advisors to ensure you are on track to success. Connect with the Advising, Career, and Transfer team!

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.

0-30 credits

Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
308
44
0
30

30-60 credits

Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.00
0.0
0.00
10
0.00
0.0
0.00
10
0.00
0.0
0.00
10
Sub-Total Credits
0
0
0
30

60-90 credits

Course Code
Name
Lecture Hours
Lab Hours
Other Hours
Credits
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.00
0.0
0.00
10
0.00
0.0
0.00
5
0.00
0.0
0.00
10
Sub-Total Credits
0
0
0
30

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 choice classes outside the recommended list,  but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.

150 Equity, Diversity, and Power (10 credits)

To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement, you must complete one 150-series EDP course, and at least one additional EDP-designed course for a total of ten (10) credits. EDP courses in the 150-series 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 may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.

Choose one:

  • CMST 150 Multicultural Communication
  • GS 150 Globalization, Culture and Identity
  • HIST 150 Cultural Diversity and Challenges in United States History
  • HUMAN 150 Cultural Diversity and Challenges in United States History
  • SOC 150 Social Inequality

Choose one additional course designated in EDP in any distribution area by choosing from the choice classes lists or checking the current class schedule for additional EDP designated courses.

Integrated Learning(5 Credits):

You will include an Integrated Learning Experience in your course selections. This requirement can be satisfied through the completion of learning communities, linked classes, classes containing formal community-based learning, classes taken as part of an academic study abroad program, or classes with an academic internship. Through Learning Communities (LC) or other Integrated Learning Experiences (IL), you will demonstrate abilities to integrate skills, concepts, information, and analytical and methodological frameworks from two or more areas of inquiry in a purposeful project or experience.

For more information please see Integrated Learning and current learning communities.

Total Credits
90

Transfer Opportunities

The Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree is designed to transfer to most Bachelor of Arts degrees at all four-year colleges and universities in Washington state. The DTA is sometimes called an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Arts and Sciences. DTA degrees provide students: Priority consideration in admissions for most humanities and social science majors at public universities in Washington ahead of students without a degree. Completion of lower division general education requirements. Credit for all courses completed within the DTA up to and in some cases beyond 90 credits. Opportunity to explore several fields of study through the category of up to 30 credits of elective courses. Opportunity to complete prerequisites for a future major.
Local Transfer Opportunities

University of Washington, Seattle

Cornish College of the Arts

Pacific Lutheran University

Washington State University

Western Washington University

Central Washington University

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) 

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.