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Graphic Design & Digital Communications
Lake Area Tech’s Graphic Design & Digital Communications program prepares you to create visual work that’s not just seen, but used. In an accelerated two-year format, you’ll build practical skills across design, motion, video, and digital media while developing a professional portfolio.
Training covers graphic design, branding, web design, motion graphics, video production, and digital communications. You’ll work with industry-standard tools and modern creative workflows to produce content for print, digital platforms, and social media, learning how to adapt ideas across formats and audiences.
Coursework also includes UI/UX fundamentals, photography, audio production, and emerging tools like AI-powered design platforms. Through hands-on, project-based learning, you’ll create real work that reflects current industry expectations and prepares you for a range of creative roles.
Graduates leave with a portfolio and the skills to work in design, content creation, digital marketing, and multimedia production, or to continue building their creative career in a variety of industries.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Program Focuses
- Graphic design and digital communications program
- Graphic design degree program in South Dakota
- Digital media and content creation training
- Branding and visual communication design
- Graphic design for print and digital media
- Motion graphics and animation training
- 2D and 3D animation
- Video production and editing
- Marketing videos and hype video production
- Social media content marketing design
- Short-form video and social media graphics
- Email marketing design and visual campaigns
- Web design and front-end fundamentals
- UI and UX design skills
- Photography and image editing for digital media
- Videography for brands and businesses
- Sound design and audio production fundamentals
- Audio editing and mixing for media
- Multimedia design and visual storytelling
- AI-powered design and media tools
- Portfolio development and career preparation
- Hands-on, project-based design program
- Applied design and digital communications AAS
Articulation agreements:
- General Information & FAQs
- MSUM Operations Management for Networking & Cyber Security Specialist
- MSUM Operations Management for Programming Specialist
- MSUM Operations Management for Graphic Design & Digital Communications
- MSUM Project Management for Graphic Design & Digital Communications
- MSUM Project Management for Networking & Cyber Security Specialist
- Western Governors University
- DSU BS Computer Information Systems
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Graphic Design & Digital Communications Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Graphic Design & Digital Communications degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Graphic Design & Digital Communications sector.
Graphic Designer
Graduates of the Graphic Design & Digital Communications program can pursue careers as Graphic Designers, creating visual content that helps organizations communicate, market, and build their brands. In this role, you'll develop graphics for print and digital media, design marketing materials, and create visual assets that engage audiences and support business goals. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy creativity, visual storytelling, and problem-solving.
Where you might work:
• Marketing agencies
• Design studios
• Corporate marketing departments
• Publishing companies
• In-house creative teams
Digital Content Specialist
As a Digital Content Specialist, you'll create and manage content used across websites, social media platforms, email campaigns, and digital marketing initiatives. Graduates can expect to combine design, communication, and content creation skills to help organizations connect with their audiences through multiple digital channels.
Where you might work:
• Marketing agencies
• Corporate communications departments
• Healthcare organizations
• Educational institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Marketing and Communications Coordinators help organizations promote products, services, events, and initiatives through strategic communication efforts. In this role, you'll support marketing campaigns, create branded materials, manage content, and assist with public-facing communications. This career combines creativity with business and communication skills.
Where you might work:
• Businesses of all sizes
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Healthcare systems
• Professional service firms
Creative Services Specialist
As a Creative Services Specialist, you'll support branding, design, photography, video, and digital communication projects that help organizations tell their stories. Graduates can expect to work across multiple creative disciplines while developing content that strengthens brand identity and audience engagement. This role offers variety and opportunities to apply a broad range of creative skills.
Where you might work:
• Advertising agencies
• Marketing firms
• Corporate creative departments
• Media organizations
• Educational institutions
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"I was hesitant at first to move hours away from home but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The people I met, the opportunities I gained, and the real-life experiences I had played a huge role in shaping who I am today."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,380 |
| State Fees | $3,150 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,012 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,170 |
| Certification Exams | $500 |
| Domain Access | $120 |
| Books | $1,000 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $2,025 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,357 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Graphic Design & Digital Communications FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What do students learn in the Graphic Design and Digital Communications track at Lake Area Tech?
Students learn how to create bold visual work across print and digital media, including branding, layout, motion graphics, video production, web design, social media content creation, and visual storytelling using industry-standard tools and modern creative workflows.
Is this graphic design program good for beginners with limited design experience?
The track starts with core design fundamentals and builds skills through guided, hands-on projects so beginners can grow quickly while experienced students continue advancing through more complex work.
Does the program include hands-on projects or portfolio development?
Courses are project-driven and portfolio-focused, helping students graduate with a polished body of work that shows employers real capability across design, media, and digital communication.
What types of design careers can this specialization prepare me for?
The skill set supports careers in graphic design, branding, motion graphics, video and multimedia production, web and UI design, digital marketing design, and social media content creation.
How long does the Lake Area Tech graphic design track take to complete?
The track fast-tracks students from creative fundamentals to career-ready skills in two years with focused, job-aligned training.
Do students learn both print design and digital media skills?
Training covers both print and digital, including layout and branding plus video, animation, web, and content creation skills used in today’s digital-first creative roles.
Are internships or real-world client projects part of the program?
On many projects, students work directly with real businesses and stakeholders while enrolled and may also participate in internship opportunities as on-campus or online students, gaining experience that translates directly into the workplace.
What makes this design program different from other two-year graphic design degrees?
The program blends design, motion, video, web, social media content, and AI-enhanced workflows into one hands-on curriculum built around portfolio outcomes and real-world production skills.
Can this specialization help me get a job in digital marketing or content creation?
Training directly supports digital marketing and content roles through branding, social media content creation, short-form video, promotional media, and campaign-ready visual communication skills.
Graphic Design & Digital Communications Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
