Influence Perceptions. Inspire Action.
Shape how brands communicate and people experience information.
Step into a rewarding career at the intersection of artistic vision and cutting-edge innovation. As businesses increasingly move online and digital content continues to expand, demand for skilled visual communicators is rising—and these specialized skills can lead to higher earning potential.
You’ll explore every aspect of visual communication, from bold graphic design and stunning photography to dynamic video and interactive web design. Through hands-on projects and an immersive internship, you’ll graduate ready to shape the way the world sees, clicks and connects.
What makes visual communicators stand out:
- Creativity and Visual Storytelling: Generate fresh ideas and communicate messages through compelling design.
- Adaptability and Tech-Savviness: Stay current with evolving tools, software and design trends in a fast-changing industry.
- Strong Communication and Collaboration: Work effectively with clients, teams and stakeholders to bring ideas to life.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
At Owens, you have a team of dedicated, experienced professionals guiding you. In turn, your faculty will be supported by an Advisory Committee of local professionals.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Department
Department of Creative Arts and Media
Required Credit Hours
60-63
An Inside Look
2
Years of full-time study
3
Mac labs, along with print-finishing and video production facilities
$9,294
Average net price for students, below the national average for 2-year colleges
From Creative Vision to Career
In your first semester, you’ll build your digital design foundation with courses in imaging, vector graphics and photography, while getting comfortable with industry-standard Mac applications. You’ll also begin planning your future with career paths in visual technology.
Sharpen your design eye in the second semester with courses in graphic fundamentals, page layout, typography and drawing. In your third semester, take your creativity online and on-screen. You’ll learn web design and digital video production, study the history of graphic design and master the principles of visual communication.
Your final semester brings everything together with real-world application. Gain practical experience through a creative arts and media internship, and build a polished print and digital portfolio. You’ll also explore package design and business concepts to give you the competitive edge you need to launch your career.
Student Learning Outcomes
Student will be able to:
- Understand the basic operations of a computer.
- Understand the fundamental principles of the graphic design industry.
- Understand fundamentals for typographic and graphic design.
- Know and apply the principles of digital video production.
- Know the fundamentals of electronic page layout and design.
- Produce finished interactive multimedia projects.
- Develop World Wide Web pages using graphically pleasing and functional design.
- Reinforce basic oral and written communication skills.
Career Outcomes
Graduate with strong technical skills, creative instincts and an associate degree in hand. You’ll be ready to stand out in graphic design, marketing, multimedia and other creative industries.
Whether you choose to work as a freelance graphic designer or pursue opportunities in visual communication as an advertising specialist, marketing specialist, videographer, or film editor, you’ll be prepared to make your mark in the creative world.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“Really apply yourself to what you’re doing. Trust the professors and the process. Try to do as much as you can and get involved with everything.”
TJ Tressler, Music Business Technology, ’22
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.