Bring Creative Concepts to Life in Real Workplace Projects
Use your creativity in your career! Graphic designers use creativity and software skills to visually communicate ideas. They can use their talent to create a broad range of materials and work in a variety of settings, including:
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Advertising
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Publishing
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Product Manufacturing
You’ll build career-ready skills with real, deadline-driven projects. Projects range from print materials like magazines and brochures to interactive website designs. You will graduate with a professional portfolio showcasing your work.
Program Information
View our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply to Ozarks Tech.
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.
Kat Allie
Fine Arts & Humanities
Department Chair
417-447-8977
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 on OTC Accreditation.
Find Your Community
Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.
Thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree?
After your A.A.S., you may continue your education at a four year institution. Bear in mind:
- Admission requirements vary
- Credits may transfer on a course-by-course basis
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
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.
Graphic Design Technology Program Requirements – 49 Credit Hours
Graphic Design Technology Program Requirements – 49 Credit Hours
- GDT 105: Graphic Design I
Graphic Design I
This is an introductory course that focuses on development of visual concepts and basic design principles and elements of visual communication. Emphasis is on the creative process, typography, color systems and imagery through different forms of communication. Labs provide industry standard software for hands-on application.
- GDT 115: Typography
Typography
This course addresses the language of type and its effective use. Emphasis is on exploration of typographic structures, terminology and methods for visual communication.
Prerequisite(s): GDT 105 or concurrent enrollment. - GDT 160: Digital Photography
Digital Photography
This course provides an introduction to the tools, procedures, concepts and application of photographic imaging. Students use digital cameras to make images to meet the requirements of a series of assignments designed to develop specific skills, competencies and points of view and to stimulate the students’ creative capacities for communication, basic design and composition theory, image preparation and enhancement for publication.
- GDT 122: Page Layout Design
Page Layout Design
This course is a study of the art of organizing typography, graphics and imagery. Using industry standard software the student will build publication designs with a specific message for a defined audience.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105, GDT 115. - GDT 125: Digital Illustration
Digital Illustration
This course covers the tools and techniques of digital illustration emphasizing color, light, perspective and depth to create stylized illustrations. Students will explore various types and genres of illustration.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105 and GDT 115. - GDT 165: Advertising Design
Advertising Design
This course is a study and exploration of technical methods and manipulation of imagery to create visual solutions to communicate and support advertising goals. The student will apply principles of advertising to create holistic solutions, focusing on visual components for advertising scenarios.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105 and GDT 115. - GDT 218: Graphic Production
Graphic Production
This advanced course will explore color theory, brand identity, and production processes while using several software applications together to create technically sound promotional designs for final output in standard and large-format print and electronic media.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105, GDT 115, GDT 122 and GDT 165. - GDT 225: Motion Graphic Design
Motion Graphic Design
This course develops the basic skills and processes of creating 2-dimensional graphics for motion design. Students will apply storytelling, audio and animation techniques. Labs provide industry-standard software for hands-on application.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105, GDT 115, and GDT 125. - GDT 248: Publication Design
Publication Design
This advanced course will focus on planning and exploring page layouts in creative ways for various publications that will engage the target audience. Students will develop concepts to generate designs that will spark curiosity and creatively organize content to support the visual message.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105, GDT 115, GDT 122, GDT 125, GDT 165, GDT 218. - GDT 250: Screen-Based Design
Screen-Based Design
The course will focus on the application of graphic design principles to online platforms, emphasizing UX (user experience) and UI (user interface). The student will create various screen-based designs, including an online portfolio. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and other marketing considerations will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 105, GDT 115, GDT 122 and GDT 160. - GDT 258: Graphic Design II
Graphic Design II
Students taking this course will demonstrate their thorough knowledge of design theory, file preparation for output and advanced software skills in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects. Students will conceptualize and create projects that include, but are not limited to, brand identity, publication, motion graphic and package designs.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 122, GDT 125, GDT 160, GDT 165, GDT 218 and GDT 225 . - GDT 275: Portfolio Design and Professional Practices
Portfolio Design and Professional Practices
Developing and choosing the right pieces to include in the portfolio and presenting art work are crucial skills for a Graphic Designer. In this course, the student will learn to set career goals, write a creative resume, select and prepare pieces for a portfolio, develop self-promotional materials and practice communication skills to prepare for the job interview.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in GDT 160 and GDT 258, GDT 248, GDT 250, GDT 225 or concurrent enrollment. - Related Elective Credits: 3
Comic Book Art and Design
This course is a study and exploration of the various methodologies, techniques, and tools used to create sequential graphic art in support of clear storytelling and communication. The student will apply these elements to create comic book pages, focusing on clear and concise layouts/designs. .
General Education Requirements – 15 Credit Hours
General Education Requirements – 15 Credit Hours
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.
Written Communications – 3 Credit Hours
Written Communications – 3 Credit Hours
- ENG 101: Composition I
Composition I
This course introduces students to college-level reading, thinking, and writing through a series of composition-rhetoric assignments and activities that culminate in a research-supported project. Specifically, students apply critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions. As part of this process, students learn to evaluate sources and emerging digital tools for currency, feasibility, truthfulness, credibility, and accuracy. Ultimately, students learn to synthesize knowledge to solve problems. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and persuading) helps students to develop an essential skill set they can use in their future academic, civic, and professional lives.
or - ENG 100: Composition I With Support
Composition I With Support
This course introduces students to college-level reading, thinking, and writing through a series of composition-rhetoric assignments and activities that culminate in a research-supported project. Specifically, students apply critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions. As part of this process, students learn to evaluate sources and emerging digital tools for currency, feasibility, truthfulness, credibility, and accuracy. Ultimately, students learn to synthesize knowledge to solve problems. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and persuading) helps students to develop an essential skill set they can use in their future academic, civic, and professional lives. English 100 will be driven by the same course objectives as English 101 and satisfy the same requirement.
- ENG 101: Composition I
- ENG 102: Composition II
Composition II
This course continues developing students’ abilities to use research and writing to make informed and ethical arguments; effectively communicating these arguments to professional and expert audiences in a research-supported project. Moreover, the course further develops students’ skills in critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions.
Emphasis is placed on honing skills of audience analysis, analytical reading, problem solving, research methods—including both primary and secondary research—and persuasive writing. Also, this course will acquaint students with patterns and conventions of multiple disciplinary communities. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and applying rhetorical strategy) prepares students for their academic and professional futures.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 100 or ENG 101. - ENG 150: Technical Writing
Technical Writing
This course emphasizes developing the student’s ability to write clearly, concisely and accurately. Students practice collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting information in a variety of technical documents used in professional settings while using proper research and documentation techniques, sound visual design principles and effective writing styles suitable for a specific communicative context. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on honing skills in audience analysis, analytical reading, critical thinking, research methods and clear writing.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 100 or ENG 101.
Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours
Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours
- COM 100: Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Communication
This course provides an introduction to the study of communication, including interpersonal communication, small group dynamics, and public speaking.
- COM 105: Public Speaking
Public Speaking
This is an introductory course in research, composition, delivery, and evaluation of speeches for a variety of purposes and occasions. Students develop skills in critical listening and analysis through small group and individual activities.
- COM 200: Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication
This course is designed as an introduction to the theory and practice of interpersonal communication. Students learn how to become both effective and appropriate communicators in a variety of contexts. Students also develop good listening and responding skills, conflict management strategies, sensitivity to language and an understanding of cultural and gender differences.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better inENG 100 or ENG 101.
Humanities and Fine Arts – 6 Credit Hours
Humanities and Fine Arts – 6 Credit Hours
- ART 120: Drawing I
Drawing I
This course introduces basic visual art concepts, ideas and techniques that emphasize design principles and hand-eye coordination. The student will solve a variety of drawing problems with different methods and media. Students will become familiar with the basic vocabulary of the drawing process.
- ART 125: Painting I
Painting I
This is an introductory course, designed to strengthen the individual student’s awareness of the history and techniques of the craft of painting. This course will develop the student’s technical and observational skills. The course concentrates on the essential elements of painting: its materials, methods and craft. This course develops the student’s understanding of brushwork, composition and color. Students learn painting terminology and the importance of dialog in the creative process.
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
- HST 120: U.S. History I: to 1865
U.S. History I: to 1865
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from pre-Columbian societies through the Civil War, including formative political, social, economic and cultural developments. It also introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing. HST 120 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.
- HST 130: U.S. History II: 1865-Present
U.S. History II: 1865-Present
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present, covering the political, economic, social and cultural developments that have shaped modern America. It introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing. HST 130 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
American Government and Politics
This introductory course familiarizes students with American and Missouri government constitutions, institutions, policies and processes. Students develop an understanding of the foundations, environment, and principles of democracy with key concepts about voting, political parties, campaigns, and interactions between the branches of government. The course emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsiblities that shape public decision making of active and informed citizens in the American political system. This course meets instruction requirements (Missouri Revised Statute 170.011.1) in the Constitution of the United States and the state of Missouri.
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Notices & 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.