The Graphic Design curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the graphic design profession which emphasizes design, advertising, marketing, and illustration for printed and digital media. Students will be trained in the creative process and application of design principles for advertisements, branding, corporate identity, layouts, typography, visual assets, custom graphics, self-promotional material, and preparation of files for printed and digital distribution. Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities with design, branding, advertising agencies, signage and printing companies, organizations with in-house marketing operations, freelance work, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency using industry standard software to generate video, with quality audio, for advertising needs.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Social Media Marketing through various projects and the creation of mock social media sites.
- Think practically and creatively to analyze, synthesize, and develop design and media solutions through brainstorming, sketching, conceptualizations, storyboarding, and creating mood boards.
Contact Information
Pathways
This part of the website is currently undergoing maintenance. Please refer to the
WCC Catalog for program information.
Technical Standards
The Graphic Design program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.
| Standard |
Essential Function |
Examples |
Communication
Oral / Written |
- Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
|
- Communicate with coworkers and customers via email, phone, or face-to-face
|
| Mobility / Motor Skills |
- Motor skills sufficient to grasp and manipulate objects
- Ability to perform basic computer functions
- Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require occasional use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
|
- Move a computer mouse, draw with a stylus, draw with paper and pencil, insert flash drive, use a camera, use paper cutter, use x-acto knife, etc.
- Press multiple keyboard keys simultaneously
- Physical activities may include:
- Bending
- Squatting
- Lifting
- Climbing
|
| Physical Strength and Stamina |
- Ability to sit at computer for extended periods of time
- Ability sufficient to lift equipment
|
- Sit at desk for periods of time to finish projects
- Carry and set up photography equipment
|
Sensory
- Sight
- Sound
- Taste
- Touch
- Smell
|
- Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
- Ability to clearly distinguish colors and shades of color
|
- Distinguish keyboard keys and small details on ruler or computer monitor
- Use multiple colors in a project
|
| Environmental / Occupational Exposure |
- Possible exposure to chemicals and fumes
|
- Chemical exposure in printing processes such as various glues and inks
|
| Field or Industry Professional Standards |
|
|
Disability Services Statement
Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.
