May 29, 2026  
2026-2027 General Catalog - DRAFT 
    
2026-2027 General Catalog - DRAFT [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


APPLY NOW

Graphic Design, AAS



Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Department

The Graphic Design program at Iowa Central Community College prepares students with the technical skills and creative foundation needed for careers in digital and print design. Students develop proficiency in industry-standard software-including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, WordPress, and Figma-while building strong skills in layout, typography, and visual communication.

With small class sizes, students receive personalized instruction and direct feedback from industry professional faculty while working through hands-on, project-based coursework. Design principles are applied to real-world projects such as logos, branding, posters, advertisements, social media campaigns, motion graphics, websites, and user experience prototypes.

Throughout the program, students create a professional online portfolio that showcases their work and prepares them for the job market. Emphasis is placed on creative problem-solving, visual thinking, and producing professional-quality design across multiple platforms.

Graduates leave the program with a well-developed portfolio and the skills needed for entry-level roles such as Junior Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Visual Designer, or Illustrator. The curriculum also supports pathways into high-growth areas such as UI/UX and motion design.

Students can earn a Graphic Design diploma after completing the first two semesters. Those who continue through four semesters can complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Enrollment Date: Fall Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 66
Campus: Fort Dodge
Department: Career and Technical Education
CIP#: 10.03030200

Program Outcomes:

  1. The Graphic Design program will provide students with the necessary training and skills to obtain employment in print, digital, motion, and web design fields.
  2. The Graphic Design program will assist employers in Area V with their print, digital, motion, and web design personnel needs.
  3. The Graphic Design program will provide students with the opportunity to transfer to a four-year institution.

Program of Study


AAS Degree Total Hours: 66


Notes:


Graduation Requirement: Must pass all core program courses with the prefix ART, CIS, GRA with a “C” or better.

Footnotes for Degree Requirements:


1 Required general education course.

2 Required elective course.

3 Institutional requirement.

4 May be substituted with a course from the same category on the General Education Course List  .

Non-Discrimination Policy


It is the policy of Iowa Central Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status.

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President of Human Resources, Stacy Ihrig, Iowa Central Community College, One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501; Telephone: 515-574-1138, Email: concerns@iowacentral.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-35821, Telephone: (303) 844-5695: Fax (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov.  

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by Department