Mount Wachusett Community College
Computer Graphic Design-Web Design Degree: This program provides students with the visual design, communication, and computer graphic skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in this field or to continue their education at a four-year college or university. For those already employed, they can enroll in this career program to upgrade their skills for potential advancement. Students learn basic and advanced techniques for creating effective, well-designed, interactive websites. Students are taught basic design theory, digital imaging and electronic illustration skills and techniques, in addition to learning basic hypertext markup languages and top level authoring software using what you see is what you get (WYSIWYG) technology. The most current graphic and web design software is used in the CGW program. This includes: the Adobe Creative Suite 2 (Photoshop, ImageReady, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat), Adobe/Macromedia Studio 8 (Fireworks, Flash, Dreamweaver, Contribute), and the latest web browsers (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Opera, and Netscape Navigator). Helpful hints: CGD students should either have a computer at home with Internet access or be able to spend time outside of class in the computer lab where Internet access is provided. Special requirements: CGD students are required to take all CGD courses as listed by semester, as well as ART263 in the first semester to maintain good standing. A grade of C or higher is recommended for students taking CGD courses. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations. Career options: Web designers may be employed by advertising agencies, design firms, marketing departments, commercial art, reproduction firms, and other businesses that maintain websites. Also, many web designers/coordinators are self-employed.
