Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Graphic & Web Design program — from admissions and curriculum to careers and facilities.
Admissions
Do I need design experience to apply?
No prior design experience is required. The program starts with foundational courses that teach the principles of design, typography, and digital tools. Students come from a variety of backgrounds — what matters most is curiosity, work ethic, and a willingness to learn.
What software do students learn?
Students work with industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro), Figma, VS Code, and web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The specific tools evolve with the industry.
How long is the program?
The Graphic & Web Design program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. Students move through the program as a cohort, taking design courses together each semester.
Can I attend part-time?
The program is designed as a full-time cohort experience. Because courses build on each other sequentially and students collaborate extensively, part-time enrollment is not available for the core design courses.
What does the program cost?
As a community college program, NIC offers significantly lower tuition than four-year institutions. Visit nic.edu/tuition for current tuition rates. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available.
Curriculum
What kind of projects will I create?
Students create real portfolio work across branding, web design, UX/UI, print design, digital media, and more. Projects range from brand identity systems and responsive websites to motion graphics, editorial design, and client projects for real organizations.
How does the cohort system work?
Students enter the program together and move through all four semesters as a group. This structure builds strong creative relationships, encourages collaboration and critique, and creates a shared studio culture. Each cohort designs and produces the annual Portfolio Show together.
How does the Portfolio Show work?
The Portfolio Show is the capstone of the program. Students pitch show concepts, vote on a theme, then collaboratively design the brand, build the website, produce promotional materials, and exhibit their individual portfolios in a professional gallery-style event open to the public.
Do students work with real clients?
Yes. The program includes client projects where students work with real organizations on real design needs. These projects give students experience with stakeholder communication, feedback, and delivering professional work under real constraints.
Careers
What jobs do graduates get?
Graduates work as graphic designers, web designers, front-end developers, UX/UI designers, brand designers, digital media specialists, and more. Alumni work at studios, agencies, tech companies, and in-house design teams. Some graduates freelance or start their own studios.
Do students transfer to four-year universities?
Some students transfer to universities to continue their education in design, fine arts, or related fields. The AAS degree provides a strong foundation for further study, and the portfolio developed during the program is often more valuable to employers and admissions committees than coursework alone.
Are internships available?
Yes. Students can earn academic credit for internships with design studios, agencies, marketing teams, startups, and nonprofits. Faculty help connect students with opportunities through the program's industry network.
How does the program prepare students for employment?
Every course builds toward a professional portfolio. By graduation, students have a body of work that demonstrates their skills to employers. The Portfolio Show, client projects, and industry connections provide additional professional development that goes beyond the classroom.
Facilities
What labs and equipment do students use?
The program operates dedicated Mac design labs with current hardware and software. Students also have access to fabrication tools including laser cutters, a large format printer, and 3D printers. The T1V interactive wall supports collaborative design work and presentations.
Do students work with laser cutters and 3D printers?
Yes. The program includes courses that use fabrication tools like laser cutters and 3D printers to bring digital designs into physical form. Students learn to prepare files for production and understand materials and manufacturing processes.
Where is the program located on campus?
The GDES program occupies two buildings next to each other on the NIC campus: McLain Hall (shared with Outdoor Pursuit) and the Industrial Arts building. The campus is walkable and located near downtown Coeur d'Alene.
Still Have Questions?
The best way to learn about the program is to visit. Tour the labs, meet the faculty, and see student work in person.