Graphic Design Technology

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Use your creativity in your career! Ozarks Tech is your pathway to a career in graphic design. Graphic designers use creativity and software skills to visually communicate ideas. They can use their talent for a broad range of materials. Our program gives you hands-on experience with projects ranging from magazines and brochures to interactive website designs. You will hone and practice your skills using cutting-edge software. We will ensure you are ready for the challenges of the career with real, deadline-driven projects. You will graduate with a professional portfolio showcasing your work. You can find jobs in a variety of settings like:

  • Advertising
  • Publishing
  • Product Manufacturing

Kat Allie
Fine Arts & Humanities
Department Chair
417-447-8977

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Accreditation

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

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General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Graphic Design Technology
  • Find work in a versatile career that allows them to utilize their creativity 
  • Work in entry-level graphic design positions

64 credit hours
4 semesters

$12,976.00*
to
$16,699.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Graphic Design Technology (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 64 Hours

Graphic design is a professional discipline that combines conceptual, critical thinking with a variety of software skills to visually communicate a market-driven message to a target audience. Graphic designers apply a balanced knowledge of time-honored design theories with proficiencies in industry-standard technology to produce a wide array of products, from traditional printed material to audio-visual motion graphics and interactive website designs. Graphic designers are problem solvers, delivering their solutions via brochures, magazines, logos, websites, and more in service to a varied job field that includes advertising businesses, corporations, publishers, and product manufacturers — among many others. The Graphic Design Technology program focuses on teaching students how to utilize their artistic instincts in the development of real-world, deadline-driven projects using up-to-date technology toward the completion of a professional, attention-getting portfolio and ultimately, a career as a graphic designer.

Commercial photography is a delicate balance between personal vision and the need to fulfill certain prescribed criteria from a client or customer — parameters that are sensitive to marketing considerations and deadlines. The Digital Photography Option prepares students for a career in photography by combining traditional techniques and industry-standard technology and software through a variety of classes that emphasize the commercial application of photography skills. Product, portrait, wedding, location photography, and more are explored through practical, hands-on projects and scenarios — along with fundamental training in graphic design — to help students become viable, vibrant working photographers.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.