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Multimedia, Graphic Design, and Illustration
Prepare for in-demand careers inspiring and captivating people around the world with the Multimedia, Graphic Design, and Illustration program at ACC.
Move Mountains by expanding your skills, knowledge, and artistic abilities through ACC’s Multimedia, Graphic Design, and Illustration program. Learn and create in the Art and Design Center on the Littleton Campus, offering more than 14,000 square feet of studio space and classrooms. Students have access to the latest software in graphic design, including Adobe InDesign®, Illustrator®, Photoshop®, Dreamweaver™, Animate™, Premiere, and After Effects. Real-world training is available through internships and from our distinguished faculty who hold advanced degrees and have experience in the creative careers you want to pursue.
Graduates of our associate degree program can move into print design at ACC and continue their studies at top Colorado design and film schools and universities. Start your graphic design career today.
What You'll Learn
Upon successful completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Multimedia, Graphic Design, and Illustration, you will be able to:
- Create and develop a visual response to communication problems
- Solve communication problems
- Demonstrate an improved understanding of issues related to the cognitive, social, cultural, technological, and economic contexts for design
- Respond to audience contexts recognizing physical, cognitive, cultural, and social human factors that shape design decisions
- Understand and utilize the tools and technology of the trade
- Be flexible, nimble, and dynamic in your creative practice
CIP 500409 (GDI)
This program prepares students for entry-level work in the field of print design with additional weight given to either illustration or web design. The curriculum consists of lecture and lab participation involving design theory, typography, production, advertising, and portfolio development. Training in the latest design software is emphasized throughout the degree. Restricted electives allow the student to further explore areas of design they may enjoy. Students entering this program can expect an additional cost of approximately $2,000 for books, drawing and design materials, computer storage media and color printing. Please see the department's advising guide for a recommended sequence of coursework.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Proficiency with Macintosh operations is required for classes in MGD labs. Students without these skills must enroll in either MGD 1001 or MGD 1002 prior to taking other MGD computer classes.
- Typing and basic math skills are also highly recommended.
Program Requirements
Graduation Requirements
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
CIP 500409 (GRD2)
The courses in this certificate focus on the major software packages of the Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis on web and print packages. An additional restricted elective allows for the exploration in a variety of media, including video, 3D animation, and advanced topics. Students who wish to pursue a career in design are urged to obtain the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Multimedia, Graphic Design and Illustration. If students choose to continue their education, all major courses and a number of restricted electives in this Certificate can be applied to the Associate Degree.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to Arapahoe Community College
- Proficiency with Macintosh operations is required for classes in MGD labs. Students without these skills must enroll in either MGD 1001 or MGD 1002 prior to taking other MGD computer classes.
- Typing and basic math skills are also highly recommended.
Program Requirements
Select one course from the following:
Graduation Requirements
- Apply for graduation online at www.arapahoe.edu/graduation.
- As a graduate of a Career and Technical Education program you will be contacted by an ACC employee in approximately six months to verify your employment information. This information gathering is a federal requirement to ensure that ACC receives certain federal funding.
ACC academic plans will help guide you through your chosen program. The academic plan will provide you with important information, like which semesters courses are offered if there are any prerequisites or co-requisites for courses, program outcomes, course sequence recommendations, notes for the program, graduation requirements, and other important information. These are updated annually, so we recommend downloading a copy of yours to keep on track to graduation.
Job Opportunities in Graphic Design
Multimedia and Graphic Design Certificates
Computer Graphics
The courses in this certificate focus on the major software packages of the Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis on web and print packages. An additional restricted elective allows for the exploration in a variety of media, including video, 3D animation, and advanced topics.
