Graphic Design

Visual appearance greatly impacts our perceptions of companies, organizations, and products. Graphic designers are responsible for creating strong visual communication using imagery and typography, be it through a corporate logo, a company website, a game app, or a candy's colorful wrapper. The field changes rapidly with the expanding use of technology in design, giving graphic designers an exciting array of challenges. 

Our program responds to the demands and realities of the professional graphic design field. Our courses offer real-world opportunities for students to build their resumes through project-based learning courses that focus on published projects and internships. You will be exposed to a variety of media in courses that utilize both traditional hands-on and digital methods to produce work. Students will have the opportunity to explore cutting edge technology in our digital labs and build unique and sought after skill sets and portfolios. All students are also encouraged to submit writing and art work to the Kelab Art and Literary Journal, a collaborative effort of the Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Photography and New Media programs.

Degree Requirements

Careers on Career Coach

The A.S. degree prepares you for a career in a design studio, creative agency, or an organization’s communications/marketing department. Responsibilities include creating visual materials such as brochures, magazines, advertisements, and electronic publications. Our students have found meaningful employment at a variety of organizations, including Cornell University, Industrial Color Labs, Marietta Corporation, Metrodesign Associates, Porous Materials, Inc., Sciencenter, Ithaca, NY, The Thomas Group, Communique Design & Marketing Inc., and Vision Art Photo. Learn more about related jobs: 

Program Chair

Christine Shanks

Christine Shanks

Associate Professor, Graphic Design

I am an image maker, designer, and educator. I feel at home on the computer and working by hand in the studio. I have experience in fine art and commercial work. Some of my specialties are design (web, interactive, and print), motion graphics, printmaking (utilizing both traditional and digital processes), and photography (alternative processes, digital, and film). 

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Transfer Options

Graduates have transferred to many four-year colleges and universities including:

  • Binghamton University
  • SUNY College at Cortland
  • East Stroudsburg University
  • Fashion Institute of Technology
  • Hartwick College
  • Ithaca College
  • SUNY New Paltz
  • SUNY College at Oswego
  • Pratt Institute
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • The College of St. Rose
  • Syracuse University

 

Student Showcase