Graphic Design | NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Main Content Start

Graphic Design


Female student working on a computer.

Earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Graphic Design and
learn to master innovation and the creative design process within the trades of graphics, advertising and visual communications, and explore visual design across multiple mediums and industries. 

As a graphic design student, you'll also learn to think creatively and generate innovative ideas, produce professional quality graphic solutions, and understand the means of producing work, both traditionally and digitally. 

With a degree in graphic design, you may find employment opportunities as a web designer, videographer, photographer, animator, game designer and many others.

NWACC offers you access to three Mac labs loaded with the Adobe Master Suite and other media production software, and designated lab hours with optional software tutoring in Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. 


Class Preparation:

  • Purchasing your own Adobe software is optional. You can purchase Adobe software at a discounted student rate. 
  • Adobe software can be utilized on both a PC or a Mac.
  • A portfolio is a collection of your artwork and projects as you earn a certificate or degree. When transferring to another school or applying for a job, you may need to provide your portfolio for preview.  


Academic Paths

NWACC offers a certificate of proficiency, a technical certificate and an AAS degree in graphic design. View the academic paths below to see which courses are required to earn a certificate or degree.

View the courses required to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in Graphic Design.

Typically, this certificate takes one year to acquire. 

 View the courses required to earn a Technical Certificate in Graphic Design.

Typically, this certificate takes one year to acquire. 

View the courses required to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design

Typically, this degree takes two years to acquire.