1) Complete Nicolet College Application form
2) Submit $30.00 non refundable application fee
3) Provide official copy of high school transcript or General Education Diploma (GED) High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)
4) If applicable, official copy of transcripts from any previous colleges, sent directly to Nicolet’s Admissions Department
5) Complete Admissions Interview
6) Complete ACCUPLACER entrance examination
Score requirements
Writing 93
Reading 88
Math 83
*Students must meet or exceed the above scores to be considered “program ready.” Any student not meeting the above scores will be required to remediate through Nicolet’s Basic Education Department prior to program enrollment.
Click here for ACCUPLACER information, resources and websites to help you brush up before you take the ACCUPLACER entrance examination
7) Once steps 1-6 are completed, you may schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor by calling 715-365-4493.
It's important to note that students have the option to take the Graphic Design program at the 10 code (Associate Degree level), or the 20 code (University Transfer level). Students who may want to continue on for a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to take the courses at the 20 code level. The main difference between taking the courses at the Associate Degree level vs the Transfer level is that Transfer requires an additional project (s) in the art classes, and the general education course requirements are different. Please note, they both lead to an associate degree. 10 and 20 code courses are laid out in the program course guide, with 10 code courses to the left and 20 code courses to the right.
For additional information on graphic design in general, go to the following link and type in "graphic designer." http://online.onetcenter.org/
What is it like to work as a graphic designer?
Although a wonderful area in which to work, the field of graphic design is fast paced and high stress. Designers are given little time to create and perfect their projects. Overtime and late nights are common.
Is the Graphic Design program tough?
Academic challenge varies for everyone, however, the simple answer is yes! Like the job of a graphic designer, the academic program is very demanding. Students will have to meet project deadlines which will mean putting in extra hours in the lab. Students will also have to accept constructive criticism, and make project adaptations as directed by their instructors. This program is a combination of studio, lecture and computer based art classes. It can’t be stressed enough that creativity, as well as, spelling, writing, and speaking are extremely important to success in this program.
Will my courses transfer into a bachelor’s degree program?
That depends. At present, we are in the process of working on articulation agreements (total credit transfer-junior status) with several 4-year institutions. The Graphic Design program offers two options. The first is to take all your courses at the 10 code, or Associate Degree level. The second is to take your classes at the 20 code, or University Transfer level. If you think you may want to transfer sometime in the future, you should take your classes at the 20 code level. The general education classes at this level will be slightly different than those at the associate degree level. The core classes are essentially the same, with added project(s) for the 20 code students. This can be a rather confusing topic which will be discussed in detail with your academic advisor.
If there is a wait list for the program, can I still take classes?
Graphic Design is a fall start program that has always reached enrollment capacity (there are only 19 seats). As a result, some students may have to wait until the following year to get core classes. You can start taking general education classes, but cannot take any core art classes until officially in the program. This will essentially extend the length of the program, but will lessen the credit load once in the program.
What is the employment outlook for graphic designers?
Although employment has been down in the last several years, the field of graphic design (and computers in general) has seen an up swing recently. As with most occupations, your chances of employment increases dramatically if willing to relocate, especially into an urban area.