Career Opportunities

Graphic designer, interactive/digital/UI designer, art director, and creative director for in-house, studio, and agency settings. Students may also choose to pursue an advanced degree in art or design.

Recommended High School Subjects

Academic subjects with strong emphasis on communication, analytical skills, and aesthetics are helpful. Geometry and some training in art are desirable.

Special Equipment Needs

See program Tool List for major.

Laptop Computer Required

• MacBook Air 13” or better (required).
• M2 Chip (recommended).
• 24+ GB RAM/unified memory.
• Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
• Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
• Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
• Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
• Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

Graduates of Penn College's two-year Advertising Art major can transfer all courses into the Graphic Design major; however, major courses (defined as those with ART, PHO designators) must have been completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Internal and external transfers with fewer than 61 credits can carry parallel courses into the baccalaureate when grades are 'C' or better. 

Program Goals

• demonstrate advanced graphic design skills in both interactive media and print media.
• create design projects with attention to concept, form, and function.
• create designs that demonstrate image making, editing, and production formatting. 
• create designs that demonstrate display and publication typography.
• present concepts and design using verbal and visual skills. 
• apply problem-solving skills and concept development to all stages of the design process.
• design and create print and digital projects in the areas of branding, editorial, environmental, package, and web design for a diverse range of audiences and demographics.
• demonstrate proficiency with industry-standard software, hardware, and other technologies.
• demonstrate the ability to collaborate and critique through the design process.
• apply research, theory, and formal design principles to the creation of graphic design.

Performance Standards

Students must earn a grade of 'C' or better in all courses with an ART and PHO course designator to receive credit for their completion. Students earning a 'D' or below must retake courses in which they are deficient before those courses can be considered as meeting the prerequisite requirements for more advanced courses. Failure to achieve a grade of 'C' or above in a course, after the maximum attempts allowed by College policy, results in withdrawal from the major in which the course is required.

Note: Internship may replace one specified BGD elective.