Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Computer Literacy

To be successful in this program students must possess basic computer skills before entry, which includes basic computer operations and basic keyboarding skills (must type at least 20 words per minute). If you do not feel comfortable with basic computer skills, you can take 103-102 Microsoft Office Suite before starting the program or during your first semester.

Graphic Design Technology Requirements

Students enrolled in the Graphic Design program are required to purchase their own laptops and bring them to class each day. The two computers recommended for this program are an Apple or a Dell Computer.

• Dell computer requirements are Windows 10, 16 GB or higher of RAM, 256 GB or higher SSD, NVIDIA or AMD graphics card, and a 13" or larger screen.
• Surfaces are not recommended
• Visit dell.com/cvtc for more information. Purchase using your student e-mail account to secure the deal. All CVTC recommended models on the Dell site include 2-year support and accidental damage.
• Apple computer requirements are MacBook Pro (only), with 16 GB or higher of RAM, 256 GB or higher SSD, i5, i7, or i9 processor, and a 13" or 15" screen.
• MacBooks are not recommended.
• Visit an Apple Store or go to Apple.com and select the Education Option for a discounted rate on your Apple products. In the Apple Store, present your student ID to the sales associate for your education discount. It is suggested you purchase Apple Care with any computer.

After the purchase of your computer, it is recommended (but not required) you purchase a portable hard drive for backing up and storing files. You can purchase these hard drives from Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. 

Software Requirements

Adobe Creative Cloud is required throughout the program. The cost of the subscription is embedded into your course costs and are eligible for Financial Aid.

Course Sequencing and Pre-Requisites

Graphic Design is a fall only start and not all Graphic Design courses are offered each semester. Plan ahead and register for a course when it is available. Refer to the program requirements sheet for course pre-requisites and offerings.

Graphic Design Capstone and Portfolio – Graphic Design Capstone and Portfolio will be taken in your final semester. Students will gather all their materials throughout the program and prepare to have their graphic design materials showcased for future employers. The student's work will be evaluated by fellow instructors and others in the marketing and graphic design fields to prepare them for graduation.

Delivery Method

Core Graphic Design courses will be offered in a MyChoice or Online format. MyChoice classes will have a day and time that the course will be taught on the Business Education Center Campus; however attendance is completely optional. If you can't attend a MyChoice class, you can complete the materials like you would for a 100% online class. Students should confirm the availability and delivery method of these courses each semester. Many times the general education courses (800-level) are available online. Check the course offerings listing at cvtc.edu using "Search Course Offerings" for course availability or discuss options with your advisor.

Credit Load Options

Students have flexibility regarding how many credits they enroll in each semester of this program. The completion of the program may be affected if a student takes less credits than what is listed each semester. Students are encouraged to take classes over the summer, if offered, especially during more rigorous semesters. For example, students may consider splitting up Accounting and Economics. Please use "Search Course Offerings" for course availability or discuss options with your advisor.

Online Resources

Whether you are taking one online class, or you are taking your whole program online, CVTC has support and resources available to help you prepare for online learning, and to help you succeed. Visit our Online Learner Resources page in MyCVTC.

Access to Software

Students enrolled at CVTC have access to free software through Office 365—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote Access, Publisher, Outlook, Skype for Business and OneDrive for Business.

Local Certificates

The Digital Marketing and Marketing programs have related certificates. These classes build on credentials a professional might want for career advancement. Students need not be full-time program students to receive these certificates. Students completing our program will automatically receive these certificates. If you are interested in learning more about the certificate options as a way to get started or add to your degree, please see additional information at cvtc.edu/certificates.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit towards an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experience, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wished to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Mathematical Reasoning

Students may be eligible to earn credit for the Mathematical Reasoning course if they have taken the WorkKeys assessment or scored 25 or higher on the Math section of the ACT. If students have met the ACT score or taken the WorkKeys test or would like to take the WorkKeys test in lieu of taking the Mathematical Reasoning course, please contact the Credit for Prior Learning office CPL@cvtc.edu for more details. Students are advised to contact CPL prior to the semester starting or within the first week of the class to ensure that if they pursue CPL, they are eligible for a tuition refund.

Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student's program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program sheet may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.

Required 100-Level Courses	Alternate 200-Level Courses
801-136 English Composition 1	801-219 English Composition 1
809-198 Intro to Psychology	809-251 General Psychology
804-189 Intro to Statistics	804-230 Statistics

Pre-Program Students

Students who have pre-program status have been accepted into the college, but not into the program. Pre-program status may be granted because the program is filled to capacity, admission requirements need to be satisfied, or the program start date is in the future. Pre-Program Graphic students should consult with an advisor to discuss available courses and course sequencing. Students who complete these courses as pre-program students will NOT be able to finish the program early, since most core program courses must be taken sequentially.

These courses are typically taken by pre-program students:

804-134 Mathematical Reasoning or 804-189 Intro to Statistics 801-136 English Composition 1 801-198 Speech

809-198 Introduction to Psychology 809-195 Economics Elective

Elective

A three credit, associate level elective is required for your program. While an elective can be from any area of interest, there are a few suggested electives listed below

Suggested Electives

• 699-135 Writing and Publishing
• 104-102 Marketing Principles
• 104-112 Adobe Visual Design (Fall only)
• 815-205 Introduction to Drawing (If looking to transfer to UW - River Falls)

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Last Updated: March 8, 2024 @ 11:16 a.m.