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Graphic Design

Ready to turn creativity into powerful visual solutions? Build your future with a career in graphic design.

Graphic design blends art and technology to shape the way ideas are shared with the world. Whether for print or digital media, designers combine creative thinking with technical skill to craft compelling visuals that inform, inspire, and connect. You’ll explore everything from design principles and color theory to typography, photo editing, and digital illustration — using industry-standard software and tools to bring concepts to life.

Graphic design is more than just making things look good — it’s about solving problems, communicating ideas, and leaving a lasting impact. With skills that translate across industries, designers are essential to everything from advertising and branding to web content and digital marketing.

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100% Online Program

Learn from anywhere on your schedule so you can balance school, work, and life.
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Real-World Accounting Skills

Build skills in financial reporting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation that employers look for.
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Career-Ready Training

Graduate prepared for entry-level accounting jobs in business, non-profits, and government.
graphic designer sitting at a desk designing a logo on the computer screen using a stylus pen and tablet
Overview
Class Time Day | Evening
Semester Fall | Spring
Campus Brooklyn Park
Awards

Graphic Design Digital Specialist Certificate

Graphic Design: Creative Diploma

Graphic Design: Production Diploma

Graphic Design: Creative Associate of Applied Science

Check out the new Graphic Design Digital Specialist Occupational Certificate

Tuition & Learning

Planning your investment is easy. Our program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for immediate entry into your chosen field. Below you'll find detailed information about program costs and required materials.

Tuition Estimates by Award

Costs below apply to each specific award option:

Certificates

Graphic Design Digital Specialist
$3,565
Occupational Certificate

Diplomas

Graphic Design: Creative
$8,809
Diploma

Diplomas

Graphic Design: Production
$11,325
Diploma

Associates Degrees

Graphic Design: Creative
$14,471
Associate of Applied Science
The tuition rate for 2025-2026 academic year is
$209.73 per credit

Scholarships & Savings

Ready to turn your dreams into reality? At Hennepin Tech, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your education. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of paying for college, so you can focus on what really matters – your future.

FAFSA

Your key to financial aid. The first step to unlocking financial assistance for college is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, you’ll qualify for a variety of federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Don’t worry, our financial aid advisors are here to help, even if you have unique circumstances or are an undocumented individual.

Check out your first step to funding college

North Star Promise

If you’re a Minnesota resident who meets certain income criteria, you may also qualify for the North Star Promise, which provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It’s another way we’re making college more accessible and affordable for students like you.

See if you qualify for free tuition

Foundation Scholarships

The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your college expenses!

Explore scholarships just for our students

PSEO & Concurrent Enrollment

High school students can jumpstart their college education by participating in our Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or Concurrent Enrollment programs. Earn college credits while still in high school and save on future tuition costs!

Discover how you can earn college credit in high school

VA Benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. Contact our veterans services office for assistance in accessing and maximizing your VA benefits.

Maximize your military education benefits

Third-Party Payments

Did you know that some employers, organizations, or government agencies offer tuition assistance programs? If you’re eligible, you can use these funds to help cover your college expenses. Be sure to check with your employer or inquire about any available benefits.

Let a sponsor help fund your education

Transfer Credits

Transfer the credits you’ve already earned from previous colleges or programs to reduce the classes you need, helping you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.

Make your hard work count twice

To maximize your savings, apply for FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and review your potential for credit through prior learning and transfer evaluations.

Accreditation & Recognition

Accreditations

AIGA, NAPP, PIM, ADFED, Photoshop user group, Dreamweaver user group, InDesign user group.

Articulations

If you choose to further your education after graduating from Hennepin Tech, the college has several articulation agreements from which you can choose. Contact the Graphic Design faculty for more information, or see a list of current articulation agreements by visiting the Minnesota Transfer website.

Agreements with many high schools in Minnesota allow students to receive credit. The Graphic Design program is constantly willing to explore potential college credit options for new students with both life and past training experience.

Industry Partners

The Graphic Design advisory committee is comprised of art directors, production managers, business owners, and freelance artists who work in a diverse range of industry sectors relating to both print and web media. Their input helps assure the program is constantly advancing, meeting, and often exceeding, industry requirements.

The advisory committee meets twice per year officially and throughout the year assisting in tours, guest speaking engagements, internships, job shadowing, reviewing portfolios, resume reviews, and contest judging. Our advisory committee is key in our advancement and success.

How to Apply

Ready to start your journey at Hennepin Tech? Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed and follow our simple application process to take the first step toward your career goals.

Skills Required

Students enrolling at Hennepin Tech will complete Accuplacer Placement Testing. The purpose of the assessment test is to provide you and the college with information about your current academic skill levels in reading, writing, mathematics, and computer literacy. This will help you select appropriate courses and support services, help you succeed, plan a course of study with your counselor or academic advisor, and have a successful college experience.

Application Process

Applying to Hennepin Tech is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get started on your educational journey:

  1. Submit Your Application
    Visit our Get Started page to complete your application online. As part of the application process, you will need to pay the application fee. This helps us process your materials quickly.

  2. Submit Transfer Requests (If Applicable)
    If you have previously completed college courses or earned a degree, you can save time and money by transferring your credits. Be sure to submit official transcripts or transfer requests from any previous colleges or high schools you attended. This allows us to evaluate your credits and apply them toward your new program.

  3. Receive Your Admission Decision
    Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive an official admission decision.

  4. Placement Testing for New Students
    If you are new to college, you will need to take a placement test after you have been accepted. The placement test helps identify your current skills in reading, writing, and math. It is used to determine if developmental courses are necessary before you start certain college-level classes. Please note that the placement test does not affect your admission status.

  5. Plan Your Courses
    Based on your placement test results and transfer credit evaluation, you will work with an advisor to select the right courses to ensure your success.

Special Admissions Processes

  • If you are an international student, please visit our international admissions page for specific instructions.

  • If you are a PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) student, please visit our PSEO admissions webpage for details on the application process.

If you have questions or need help during the application process, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

Faculty & Staff

Dodi Vessels Adjunct Graphic Design Phone: 763-488-2438 E-mail: Dodi.Vessels@HennepinTech.edu
Brian Schroeder MMVP Faculty-Adjunct Phone: 763-488-2438 E-mail: Brian.Schroeder@HennepinTech.edu
Ryan Hall MMVP Faculty-Adjunct Phone: 763-488-2438 E-mail: Ryan.Hall@HennepinTech.edu
Paul Howlett Faculty Phone: 763-488-2623 E-mail: Paul.Howlett@HennepinTech.edu

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College Honors Adoptees

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Image of the words "Together We Belong" in the "O" of "Together" there is a heart.
Each November, National Adoption Month reminds us of the human need to belong.

$4.1M DEED Grant Received

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

image of an engineer analyzing a computer microchip
Hennepin Tech receives $4.1M from DEED to expand semiconductor training and grow Minnesota’s high-tech workforce.

Invitation to Vote on New Website Design Theme

Monday, October 20, 2025

mockups of redesigned homepage
Help choose the new Hennepin Tech website design and score some swag! Vote now for your favorite theme before October 31.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Friday, October 3, 2025

Photographic montage showing hands working on a control Board, a person welding, hands manipulating electronics devices, and items made with a 3d printer.
October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota and across the nation.

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