Program Overview
Graphic Design
Program Overview
Build solid skills and define your style in the graphic design field with the two-year Graphic Design associate degree at Madison College.
Successful Graphic Design students are creative and aware of visual details. Throughout the program, students apply those strengths to projects based on technical requirements and deadlines.
At Madison College, you'll understand design fundamentals, learn about emerging trends, and develop professional graphic design skills for big-picture projects and day-to-day tasks.
Your Graphic Design instructors have knowledge and experience across this creative field and develop courses that combine traditional graphic arts and new media technology.
As a Graphic Design student at Madison College, you'll have access to more than 100 computers with industry software tools for computer graphics and web page design.
Once admitted to the Graphic Design program, you may choose to earn an additional associate degree in Video Audio Design or User Experience & Interaction Design with only two more semesters of study.
Program Details
- Students in the Graphic Design program can attend full- or part time.
- Graphic Design classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Your Advantages at Madison College
- Learn from award-winning faculty who share real-world experiences in the graphic design field.
- Combine a foundation in traditional graphic arts styles and tools with new media and computer graphics.
- Join the Madison College chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) to start networking while you are still in school.
- Show your graphic design work to potential employers in Madison College’s biannual portfolio show.
Careers in Graphic Design
Prospective employers throughout Madison consider Madison College Graphic Design graduates top candidates. Associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of graphic design, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Production Artist
- Illustrator
- Web/Interactive Designer
Graphic design jobs are in advertising agencies, publishing companies, art studios, and advertising and art departments within companies. Madison College classes also prepare Graphic Design graduates with business skills to become freelance graphic artists.
Students are encouraged to join the Madison College chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) to start networking while in school.
Curriculum and Experience
First Semester
- Design Fundamentals (3 credits)
- Drawing Fundamentals (3 credits)
- Concept Development (2 credits)
- Survey of Design (1 credit)
- Introduction to Design Software (3 credits)
- Written Communication (3 credits)
- Math with Business Applications (3 credits)
Second Semester
- Typography (3 credits)
- Illustration & Color (2 credits)
- Web Design (3 credits)
- Advanced Design Software (3 credits)
- Introduction to Photography and Video (2 credits)
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
Third Semester
- Advanced Illustration (3 credits)
- Advanced Typography (2 credits)
- Graphic Design Workshop (3 credits)
- Print & Digital Production (3 credits)
- Motion Design (2 credits)
- Psychology Of Human Relations (3 credits)
Fourth Semester
- Integrated Design (2 credits)
- Design Project Management (3 credits)
- Portfolio Preparation (2 credits)
- Advanced Design & Layout (2 credits)
- Contemporary American Society (3 credits)
- Electives (3 credits)
Recommended Electives
- Principles of Letterpress: Design and Printing (3 credits)
- Introduction to Screen Printing (2 credits)
- Advanced Screen Printing Workshop (2 credits)
- Advanced Letterpress Workshop (2 credits)
- Front-End Web Design (3 credits)
- Social Media Concepting (3 credits)
- Advanced Digital Design (2 credits)
- UX Foundations (3 credits)
- Business of Graphic Design & Illustration (2 credits)
- Advanced UX/UI Design (3 credits)
- Electronic Illustration (2 credits)
- Advanced Digital Development (3 credits)
- Art History: Ancient to Medieval (3 credits)
- Art History: Renaissance to Modern (3 credits)
- Art History: Women In Art (3 credits)
Admission
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities.
Application Dates
- Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
- Spring 2026: Application open, Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026
Admission Requirements
- Admission Application
- Education Completion: Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
Transfer Opportunities
Wisconsin Private Schools
- Edgewood College: Outlines guaranteed admissions and efficient transfer for Madison College students who complete AAA in Graphic Design transferring to Edgewood College's Graphic Design major.
- Lakeland University: Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
- Wisconsin Lutheran College: Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership
Out-of-State Schools
- Bellevue University: Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.
- Colorado State University Global Campus: Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
Career Outcomes
After completing the Graphic Design program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
- Implement creative solutions from concept through completion.
- Apply the principles of design to develop strategic marketing and communication products and services.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of design software, tools and technology.
- Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills.
- Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings.
- Create innovative visual solutions for a variety of design, advertising, media and artistic applications.
Graduates are fully prepared for the graphic design process including the assessment of client needs, solutions development and analysis, collaboration, concept design, client consultation, pre-press and production.
Graduate Summary
- Number of Program Graduates: 50
- Number of Surveys Sent: 50
- Number of Surveys Returned: 36
- Percent of Surveys Returned: 72%
- Available for Employment: 34
- Percent Available for Employment: 94.4%
- Not in Labor Market: 2
- Percent Not in Labor Market: 5.6%
Graduate Employers
- Cricket Design Works: Graphic Designer
- Democratic Party of Wisconsin: Social Media & Graphic Design Intern
- Dept of Veterans Affairs: Marketing Specialist
- Empire Photography: Photographer
- Endless Knot Rugs: Graphic Designer
- Madison Area Technical College: Graphic Design (Casual Employee)
- Misty Mountain Games: Graphic Designer
- Mueller Sports Medicine Inc: Graphic Designer
- Pacific Cycle: Graphic Design Intern
- Pop-Dot Marketing: Graphic Design Intern
- Roger's Behavioral Health: Graphic Design Specialist
- YMCA: Graphic Designer
Related Programs
- User Experience and Interaction Design (UX/ID)
- Video Audio Design
- Photography
- Interior Design
Program Outline
Outline:
- First Semester
- Design Fundamentals (3 credits)
- Drawing Fundamentals (3 credits)
- Concept Development (2 credits)
- Survey of Design (1 credit)
- Introduction to Design Software (3 credits)
- Written Communication (3 credits)
- Math with Business Applications (3 credits)
- Second Semester
- Typography (3 credits)
- Illustration & Color (2 credits)
- Web Design (3 credits)
- Advanced Design Software (3 credits)
- Psychology of Human Relations (3 credits)
- Introduction to Photography and Video (2 credits)
- Third Semester
- Advanced Illustration (3 credits)
- Graphic Design Workshop (3 credits)
- Print & Digital Production (3 credits)
- Motion Design (2 credits)
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
- Fourth Semester
- Integrated Design (2 credits)
- Design Project Management (3 credits)
- Portfolio Preparation (2 credits)
- Advanced Design & Layout (2 credits)
- Contemporary American Society (3 credits)
Electives:
- Principles of Letterpress: Design and Printing (3 credits)
- Introduction to Screen Printing (2 credits)
- Advanced Screen Printing Workshop (2 credits)
- Advanced Letterpress Workshop (2 credits)
- Front-End Web Design (3 credits)
- Social Media Concepting (3 credits)
- Advanced Digital Design (2 credits)
- UX Foundations (3 credits)
- Business of Graphic Design & Illustration (2 credits)
- Applied UX/UI Design (3 credits)
- Electronic Illustration (2 credits)
- Advanced Digital Development (3 credits)
- Art History: Ancient to Medieval (3 credits)
Careers:
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Production Artist
- Illustrator
- Web/Interactive Designer
Madison College
Overview:
Madison College, formerly known as Madison Area Technical College, is a public technical college offering a wide range of academic programs and services. It aims to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and prepare them for successful careers or further education.
Services Offered:
Madison College offers a comprehensive set of services for students, including:
Admissions:
Assistance with the application process, including transcript submission and becoming a student.Enrollment:
Guidance on enrolling in classes.Academic Programs:
A diverse selection of programs across various areas of study, including degrees, certificates, and credentials.Transfer Opportunities:
Pathways to transfer to four-year universities, including partnerships with institutions like UW-Madison.College Credit in High School:
Programs for high school students to earn college credit.International Education:
Opportunities for study abroad.Flexible and Online Learning:
Options for online and flexible learning formats.Honors Program:
A program for high-achieving students.Professional and Continuing Education:
Customized workforce training programs in various fields.High School Completion and Alternatives:
Programs for GED/HSED, English as a Second Language, and other alternatives.Career Discovery Youth Programs:
Classes and camps for youth.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Opportunities to engage in clubs, organizations, athletics, and campus events.Academic and Advising Services:
Support services for academics, advising, career development, testing, and transfer.Student Services and Support:
Financial aid, scholarships, student safety, physical and mental health services, disability resources, veteran services, and technology support.Commitment to Equity:
Initiatives promoting equity and diversity.Paying for College:
Information on tuition and fees, financial aid, scholarships, and other payment options.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Madison College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to get involved in various activities, including:
Clubs and Organizations:
A wide range of clubs and organizations for students to join.Athletics:
Participation in sports.Campus Events:
Opportunities to attend events and activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Hands-on Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.Career-Focused Programs:
Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.Transfer Opportunities:
Pathways to transfer to four-year universities.Affordable Tuition:
Competitive tuition rates compared to other institutions.Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Extensive financial aid and scholarship opportunities.Student Support Services:
Comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Commitment to Equity:
Dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.Academic Programs:
Madison College offers a wide range of academic programs across 11 areas of study, including:
- Architecture and Engineering
- Arts, Design and Humanities
- Business
- Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
- Culinary, Hospitality and Fitness
- Education and Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Law, Protective and Human Services
- Science, Math and Natural Resources
- Transportation
Other:
Multiple Campuses:
Madison College has multiple campuses located in Madison, Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and Watertown.Community Engagement:
Strong commitment to community service and partnerships.Alumni Resources:
Resources and support for alumni.News and Events:
Regular updates on news and events.Employer Resources:
Resources for employers seeking to partner with Madison College.Entry Requirements:
Admission Application: To start the application process for Graphic Design, students need to complete and submit an online application. This allows them to save their progress while filling out the form and ensure fast and secure delivery to the college. Education Completion: The college mandates the submission of official transcripts from previously attended institutions. To fulfill this requirement, candidates may provide either a high school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript), GED/HSED transcript, or college transcript(s).
- For college transcripts, applicants must demonstrate completion of an associate degree or higher, or a minimum of 30 credits with a GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale. Note that the credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts.
- The college recommends submitting all high school and/or college transcripts for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation. Additional Notes:
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to the program curriculum for details.
