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 that represent 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, 3D design, print design, web design, photography, video and new media, graphic 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 will be able to achieve a degree of skill enabling him or her 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
Graphic Design - Layout
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	$13,112	$300	$35	$75
Certificate	4 Term	37	$6,401	$300	$35	$75
Short Term Certificate	1 Terms	12	$2,076	$300	$35	$75