Graphic Design
Program Information
Graphic Design is a vital component of the communications people receive each day. Personal, professional, business, and industry transactions could not exist without visual images. Today, graphic design has become a “high-tech” field, and the technical skills and knowledge base necessary to produce visually rich products have grown astronomically. Graphic designers create visual concepts by hand and use computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They help make an organization recognizable by selecting colors, images, or logo designs representing a particular idea or identity for advertising and promotions.
In the Graphic Design program at Trenholm State Community College, students receive instruction in graphic design, illustration, web and UX design, print design, photography, video, 3D design, new media, visual image generation, and various other areas of study to stay abreast of the rapidly advancing technology in the Graphic Design industry. With dedication and commitment to this program, a student can achieve a degree of skill, enabling them to graduate and obtain employment in the Graphic Design industry.
Occupational Choices
Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031. While overall employment in this occupation is expected to decrease, specific projections vary by industry. For example, the employment of graphic designers in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers is projected to decline significantly. In contrast, the employment of graphic designers in computer systems design and related services is projected to grow. Companies are continuing to increase their digital presence, which sometimes requires graphic designers to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (visited March 03, 2023).
Average Full-Time Wage
The median annual wage for graphic designers was $50,710 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,260.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Graphic Designers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (visited March 03, 2023).
Awards Available
Associate of Applied Science
Graphic Design
Certificate
Graphic Design
Short Term Certificate
Graphic Design
Design
Short Term Certificate
Graphic Design
Layout
Short Term Certificate
Graphic Design
Visual Design
Program Contact
Spencer Arington
Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4223
Location: Patterson Site - Bldg. K
The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.
Estimated Program Length & Cost *
| Award | Length | Credit Hours | Tuition/Fees | Books | Tools | Supplies |
| Associate Degree | 6 Terms | 76 | $12,996 | $300 | $35 | $75 |
| Certificate | 4 Term | 37 | $6,327 | $300 | $35 | $75 |
| Short Term Certificate | 1 Term | 12 | $2,052 | $300 | $35 | $75 |
* Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The cost of general education books is in addition to the total listed above. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term. Enrollment in transitional-level general education courses will alter the length of the program.