Is This Program for You?

Have you been told that you have creative and visualization skills? Do you enjoy analyzing design decisions and often think it could have been done better? If you are attracted to the design elements of color, type, shape, illustration, and layout, then creating web sites and print-ready design solutions can be a very satisfying career choice.

Students entering the Graphic & Web Design program should:

• Enjoy working in a computer-based environment using multiple software packages.
• Possess analytical and creative ability.
• Have good oral and written communication skills.
• Understand how to access and document complex information.
• Possess good customer relation skills.
• Be willing to make decisions and solve problems.
• Continuously update graphic and web design knowledge.
• Enjoy organizing, planning and prioritizing work.

Program Basics

• Associate degree, requiring two years or more to complete
• Combination of face to face and online classes
• High school articulation courses accepted
• Financial aid available to students who qualify
• Classes start in August and January
• Modified plan available
• Student laptops are included in this program

Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

Based on Wisconsin Residents.

Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

Admission and Program Requirements

• Submit Application
• To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
• Admissions Preference Policy

  Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until May 1, 2024:

  1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
  2. Non-District State Residents
  3. Out-of-State Residents

Helpful Academic Background

• Work experience with computer design program software
• Background in computer applications and computer concepts
• Keyboarding skills
• Good communication and writing abilities
• Creativity

Program Fees

• This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
• Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
• Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

The student laptops are required for the course. The fee is included in financial aid.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

• 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
• Implement creative solutions from concept through completion using a formal process
• Apply effective legal and ethical business practices and project management skills
• Communicate artwork rationale in formal and informal settings

Technical Skill Attainment (TSA)

This TSA scoring guide will be used to document your attainment of technical program outcomes for the Graphic & Web Design Degree. To meet the requirements on the scoring guide, you will be asked to draw upon the skills and concepts that have been developed throughout the program and are necessary for successful employment in your field. Results will be used to inspire continual improvement of teaching and learning in Wisconsin Technical College System. In addition, this assessment will provide feedback to you about your performance.

The combination of graphic and web design curriculum in this degree prepares graduates to work for businesses that require support in both graphic and web design areas as a graphic designer, web designer, motion graphic artist, desktop publisher, and more.

Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

Credit for Prior Learning

Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

Graphic And Web Design Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
10-201-138	Typography
10-801-136	English Composition 1
	CLEP Test - College Composition
10-801-196	Oral/Interpersonal Communication
10-801-197	Technical Reporting
10-804-123	Math with Business Applications
10-809-172	Introduction to Diversity Studies