Graphic Design Technology
Why Choose Graphic Design Technology at CPTC?
Graphic design is where creativity meets impact — and it’s a career that’s as exciting as it is versatile. At CPTC, you’ll learn how to take your ideas and turn them into visuals that grab attention, tell stories, and inspire action.
Our HyFlex format keeps things flexible: you can join live lectures on campus or through Zoom, whichever works best for your day. Either way, you’ll be part of a collaborative, creative community that keeps you motivated and moving forward.
In the program, you’ll go beyond just learning the Adobe Creative Suite. You’ll practice thinking like a designer — planning, strategizing, and solving problems in fresh, innovative ways. Along the way, you’ll build projects across print, digital, web, and packaging, and graduate with a portfolio that doesn’t just show your skills — it shows your voice as a designer.
Program Information
In the Graphic Design Technology program, you’ll gain a complete foundation in both creative thinking and technical skills — everything you need to step into the design industry with confidence.
What You'll Learn
Core Design Foundations – Build your understanding of typography, layout, and design principles that form the backbone of every project.
Digital Tools & Techniques – Master Adobe Creative Suite while learning how to create for both print and digital media.
Web & Interactive Design – Explore how design works online. You’ll learn the basics of front-end coding (HTML/CSS) alongside user experience (UX) and interface (UI) design, so you can create websites and digital products that look great and work smoothly.
Visual Storytelling & Branding – Understand how design communicates emotion and identity through courses in branding, storytelling, and design systems.
Photography, Illustration & Motion – Expand your creative toolkit with hands-on assignments in photography, digital illustration, and motion graphics.
Advanced Projects & Portfolio – Pull together your skills in capstone-style projects that highlight your creativity, strategy, and technical ability. By graduation, you’ll have a professional portfolio ready to show employers or transfer into advanced study.
Spotlight Courses
Generative AI in Design – Discover how emerging tools are reshaping creative workflows.
Motion Graphics I – Bring your designs to life through animation and movement.
User Experience (UX) Design – Learn how to design intuitive, user-friendly web experiences.
Want the full picture? View the complete program map
Potential Careers
A career in graphic design offers many pathways and room for growth. With the skills you develop in the Graphic Design Technology program, you’ll be prepared for roles such as:
Branding & Marketing Designer – Creating visual identities, logos, and campaigns for businesses or nonprofits.
Digital & Web Designer – Designing websites, social media graphics, and digital advertising.
Print & Packaging Designer – Producing layouts for publications, packaging, and promotional materials.
Advertising & Social Media Designer – Developing visuals for campaigns, ads, and online platforms that reach audiences quickly and effectively.
Freelance Designer – Running your own creative projects for a variety of clients.
Graphic designers often start in entry-level positions and quickly grow into specialized or leadership roles, from creative direction to UX/UI design. Along the way, having additional skills in areas like photography and motion graphics can give you a competitive edge, helping you stand out when applying for jobs with a stronger and more compelling portfolio.
Because design skills are needed across industries — from tech companies and agencies to in-house teams — graduates can shape careers that match their interests and goals.
How Long It Takes
Graphic Design Technology AAT or AAS-T Degree: 6 quarters
Foundations Of Graphic Design Certificate
All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees.
Program Documents
This link provides access to items like program supply lists and fees, program maps to help you plan your entire time at CPTC, and more.
See all available Program Documents.
Your Questions, Answered!
Clover Park faculty and staff are available to introduce you to the college and all the programs we offer.
Info Sessions
Information sessions that can introduce you to programs and help you get started at CPTC are offered regularly when classes are in session. To learn more about the types of sessions and see when the next sessions are scheduled, visit cptc.edu/info-sessions.
Contact Faculty Directly
Faculty welcome you to contact them with your questions.