Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Graphic Design

Apply to the Graphic Design program

First year graphic design classes are open to a maximum of 72 students. Once prerequisites are completed, the first year begins in winter term. Successful applicants also attend an information session and sign up early – program classes fill up quickly.

How to apply

  1. Apply to PCC

    Complete this step as soon as possible so you can start using PCC resources. On the application, choose Associate of General Studies for your major. (Your major will be updated after you’re admitted to the program.)
    Apply to PCC angle right

  2. Attend information session

    Attend a Graphic Design information session as soon as possible.

  3. Take prerequisites
    Application timeline
    Term you want to start Complete prerequisites by
    Winter 2021 End of fall term 2020
    Winter 2022 End of fall term 2021

    Classes must be completed with a “B” or better before winter term.

    • GD 120: Graphic Design 1
      (offered every term, no prerequisites – take as soon as possible)
    • GD 114: Introduction to Typography
      (offered Summer and Fall terms only, prerequisites: GD 120 with a B grade or higher, placement into WR 121 and into Math 58)
    • GD 101: Technology & Procedures
      (offered Summer and Fall terms only, prerequisites: GD 120 with a B grade or higher, placement into WR 121)
    • GD 150: Digital Illustration 1
      (offered Summer and Fall terms only, prerequisites: GD 120 with a B grade or higher, prerequisite/concurrent: GD 101)
  4. Welcome to the Graphic Design program!

    There is no formal application to the program. We will update your major when you successfully complete the prerequisites.

If you are waiting until the prerequisite classes are offered, you can also take the following classes any time before admittance into the Graphic Design program, in any order:

  • Art 131A: Drawing 1
  • Art 214: History of Graphic Design
  • Art 270A: Printmaking 1
  • Art 140A: Digital Photography
  • COMM 111: Public Speaking
  • BA 223 or 239: Marketing or Advertising
  • GD elective Art 171A, Art 219A, B or C, Art 212 OR 213 (choose Art 212 or 213 if attending PSU)
  • General education requirements:
    • WR 121: English Composition
    • MTH 58: Math Literacy I (to see if you need to take this course, follow the steps under plan your first term)
    • Social Science
    • Science or Math > 100 level
    • Please review the list of acceptable general education classes on your Grad Plan