A student works on a computer in the Graphic Design Lab.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

In today’s fast-paced world, visual communication is becoming more important every day. Graphic design is an art that meets society’s visual communication needs by combining images, words and ideas to convey information to an audience. A graphic designer develops creative solutions to communication challenges and incorporates them into different types of media, including print media like brochures and posters, and digital media, including websites.

At Kellogg Community College, we embrace technology to teach fundamental graphic design skills that prepare students to fill the many job opportunities design skills can bring. KCC’s Graphic Design Program emphasizes creativity, artistic design and the use of contemporary digital media technologies through hands-on learning and project creation, with small class sizes.

KCC offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Graphic Design, a Graphic Design Certificate and a Web Design and Development Certificate. For more information about KCC’s Graphic Design Program, see:

Advising & Transfer

KCC Graphic Design Program alumni have transferred and continued their studies at many four-year schools and universities, including Central Michigan University, the College for Creative Studies, Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design and Western Michigan University. 

View transfer guides outlining opportunities for students looking to transfer their KCC credits to a four-year institution. Contact Academic Advising at 269-965-4124 or advising@kellogg.edu to schedule an appointment to plot a personal transfer plan.

Additional Information

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Graphic Design Certificate


KCC’s Graphic Design Certificate is designed for individuals either working or seeking employment in the graphic design field. The certificate provides a well-rounded curriculum concentrating on specific skill requirements. The courses provide an industry standard of technical training in a relatively short period of time and transfer into the Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design Program.

Fall Semester Spring Semester
ART 103: Two-Dimension Design ART 227: Digital Color Photography
GRDE 103: Intro to Graphic Design GRDE 208: Graphic Design 2
GRDE 135: Digital Illustration and Layout GRDE 210: Design for the Web
GRDE 145: Digital Imaging GRDE 261: Graphic Design Practicum
GRDE 204: Typography and Typesetting ANIM 103: Intro to Video Art OR
ANIM 233: Intro to 2-D Animation Techniques
GRDE 206: Graphic Design 1

 

Web Design & Development Certificate

KCC’s Web Design and Development Certificate is designed for individuals looking to pursue a career in the area of designing websites for a variety of mobile environments. This certificate provides a combination of the principles of graphic design and fundamental programming skills necessary to design and implement dynamic content for a variety of formats, including the web, smartphones and tablets. Skills learned will guide students to develop web applications that combine ease of use with attractiveness and reliability. The three-semester sequence of courses recommended for a full-time student seeking the Web Design and Development Certificate is as follows.

Fall Semester I Spring Semester Fall Semester II
CP 101: C++ Programming 1 ANIM 103: Intro to Video Art CP 213: Programming Mobile Applications
GRDE 103: Intro to Graphic Design CP 102: Visual Basic 1 CP 214: Programming iOS Applications
GRDE 145: Digital Imaging CP 210: Java Programming GRDE 211: Design for New Media
GRDE 157: HTML/XML Coding GRDE 206: Graphic Design 1
GRDE 210: Design for the Web

Graphic Design Careers


Many employment paths are possible for those with graphic design skills. Some designers specialize in an area of interest such as packaging or motion design, while others become a generalist with basic skills in multiple areas in an effort to serve a broader range of clients. Design opportunities can be found everywhere from print shops in small towns to design firms or corporations in bigger cities, where professionals work as “in-house” designers. Many designers even work on their own as freelancers.

Graphic design career areas include:

  • Advertising design
  • Book design
  • Brand and identity design
  • Motion design
  • Package design
  • Production design
  • Publication design
  • Type design
  • And more

Projected Job Outlook & Salary Information

For the latest employment and wage estimates for graphic design careers in Michigan, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm.

Why Study Graphic Design at KCC?


KCC’s Graphic Design Program blends traditional and digital media by encouraging technical proficiency and aesthetic awareness of graphic design, typography, web design, animation, visual art and photography. Topics covered in the program include: Creative problem solving, industry-standard software, design fundamentals, typography and typesetting, web and motion design, portfolio development and professional and business practices on-the-job training through internships.

Graphic Design Lab

KCC’s Graphic Design facilities include two state-of-the-art Macintosh computer labs and a media resource lab with top-of-the-line scanners, tablets and wide-format digital printers. All program graduates are trained to proficiency on industry-standard software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and other programs desired by today’s top employers.

Graphic Design Internships

KCC’s Graphic Design Program offers interested students the opportunity to expand on their design interests and studies with on-the-job training through on-campus internships and projects from real-world clients. Former students have worked as designers in KCC’s Media Design Center, designed logos for professional sports teams and book covers for published authors – all while students at KCC.

Student Art League

Graphic Design students at KCC have an opportunity to participate in the Art League, a campus club for students interested in expanding their knowledge of art. A variety of activities outside the classroom are offered to encourage greater art appreciation by club members. Contact Art League advisor Ryan Flathau for more information.

Graphic Design Contacts

Penny Rose

Penny Rose

Faculty, Graphic Design