Graphic & Interactive Design (2841)
Graphic & Interactive Design - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) (2841)
Do you have an interest in computers and an eye for design? HACC’s Graphic and Interactive Design Program can be your path to a rewarding career in the graphic design field. Throughout our associate degree, you will complete the courses you need to create a digital and web portfolio that highlights your skills for job interviews.
After completing our program and receiving your Associate in Applied Science (AAS), we can help you transfer your credits to a four-year school or prepare you to obtain a job in this field.
Our Graphic and Interactive Design program will give you the foundation to pursue a job in an exciting, creative field. After completing your associate degree, you can transfer your credits to a four-year school to work towards a bachelor’s degree, or you can apply for an entry-level position with:
- Advertising agencies
- Corporate in-house art departments
- Design firms
- Government agencies
- Magazines
- Retail stores
- Web and multimedia production companies
Do you:
- Like to use computer software to create images and designs
- Enjoy using images to communicate with others
- Have the ability to come up with clever, out-of-the-box solutions to problems
- Pay close attention to details
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Our program will teach you how to develop concepts, create visuals, and typography and be proficient in a wide range of industry-standard equipment and graphic/web software. .
This is a Selective Admission program. Entry into the advanced courses that are required to complete this program requires that you complete the foundation (ART 105, 121, 125 and 176) and Graphic Design (ART 109, 130, 143 and 144) courses, as well as submit a presentation/mini-portfolio for review. Entry into the advanced courses requires successful completion of the presentation/mini-portfolio review and does not guarantee enrollment into the Graphic and Interactive Design AAS program as your desired major. You should consult with you Academic Advisor for more information about enrolling into the advanced courses and entrance requirements. For more information on the portfolio requirements, view our portfolio example pieces (pdf).
Once you enroll in the program, you coursework covers:
- How to use industry-standard equipment and software
- Develop an appreciation for the arts
- Fine-tune your creative and critical thinking skills
- Have an opportunity to do an internship or do a capstone experience designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain real-world experience.
Our creative professors will work with you and help you create your digital and Web portfolio. You can use this portfolio during a job interview to highlight your skills in digital imaging, layout, design, Web and interactive media. See galleries of premier HACC student work here. View professional work by our Graphic and Interactive Design faculty here.
As you complete our program, you will:
- Demonstrate mastery of skills involved in the graphic and interactive design field
- Create an effective visual communication
- Operate computers and graphic software used in design, web and interactive media
- Present a professional portfolio
- Write and speak effectively
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accredits HACC’s Art programs. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes NASAD as a specialized accrediting agency for art and design schools. NASAD is responsible for establishing curricular standards and guidelines for specific degrees and credentials. HACC had to undergo a peer review process to gain institutional membership.
- View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.
- Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.
Affordably YOURS, we designed our programs to be flexible enough to transfer to a wide variety of four-year colleges and universities with no loss of credit. However, each individual college has its own unique program. We encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible. This will allow you to learn the transfer college’s program requirements so you can take the proper classes at HACC.
Our various transfer options for Graphic and Interactive Design students include:
| Pennsylvania College of Technology: | Graphic & Interactive Design (pdf) |
You may complete the full program at our Harrisburg Campus through various modalities (e.g., on-campus/in-person instruction, hybrid, synchronous remote instruction and/or asynchronous instruction).
Yes! We offer many scholarships through the HACC Foundation. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. To learn how to apply, please visit hacc.edu/Scholarships.
To apply to the Graphic and Interactive Design program, visit our website to submit your application. You can enroll in classes during the spring, summer and fall based on your schedule. Please use the program code 2831 when you submit your application for the Graphic and Interactive Design AAS program. This code ensures you’re enrolled in the correct program.
Future students, we are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Please choose the option that works best for you to meet with us.
Current HACC students, please contact our Advising Department with any questions.
