Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in
Graphic Arts
Specialized associate degree in graphic arts at our State College and Altoona Campuses.
Altoona Campus Classes Begin August 2025!
Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Graphic Arts
Earn your specialized associate degree in graphic arts at our State College and Altoona, Pennsylvania, campuses.
Accredited by ACCSC
Licensed by the PA Department of Education, Department of Private Licensed Schools
NEW: Graphic Arts Program now available at our Altoona Campus Location!
Program Highlights :
Specialized Associate Degree in Graphic Arts:
With so much of our lives and jobs being conducted online and through computers, the role of digital graphic design has become key to how we work and function. The field of graphic arts combines creative, artistic work with the latest in computer technology to transform everything from the websites and apps we use to the advertisements we see and more. With the Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Graphic Arts from South Hills School of Business & Technology, you can gain the skills you need to step into a dynamic, ever-changing career that unites the worlds of art and tech.
At South Hills, we update our graphic arts curriculum regularly and give you hands-on training so you know you’ll study the most up-to-date software and best practices used in your field today.
Our experienced instructors cover topics like:
- Applying fundamental traditions of design through concept development, color, composition, image making, typography, and verbal and written communication
- Engaging in creative problem solving to produce solutions that are effective in visually communication information about products, services, companies, or individuals
- Creating graphic design using software like Adobe Creative Suite, as well as website design and productivity software commonly used in the graphic arts industry
- Understanding publishing, packaging, and social media and marketing and how it applies the graphic arts field
- Using either digital photography or video production and editing skills to augment and expand on your digital design career
- Creating a complete print and digital portfolio that reflects the professional skills acquired through both education and continued on-the-job designs
Internship:
We include a 12-week internship with one of our partner employers as part of your program, so you’ll have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned to work. Previous internship locations have included:
Why You should Choose South Hills
South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career. Here are just a few reasons why:
Small Class
Sizes
It’s important to us that each of our students feels seen, both in what they need out of their education and what their goals are. It’s why we keep our class sizes small, so you can build a personal relationship with your teachers.
Internship and
Networking Opportunities
Every specialized degree program we offer at South Hills includes a 12-week internship component, which gives you not only hands-on experience, but also a chance to network and connect with our partner organizations.
Financial Aid
and
Scholarships
Finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you being able to train for the career you want. South Hills offers a number of ways to help pay for your program for those who qualify. Grants, loans, and special funding for veterans are just some of the possibilities we can explore with you, and our Financial Aid team is available to help you navigate these options.
Experienced
Instructors and Mentors
Our instructors are also experienced professionals who know what it takes to be successful in the job market. Graphic Arts classes are taught by professional designers who incorporate their experience into the curriculum.
The Outlook for Graphic Arts Jobs and Careers
The Graphic Arts program at South Hills is designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs like:
- Multimedia Specialist
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
- Creative Director
- UX Designer
- Videographer
- Publication Designer
- Advertising Coordinator
- Freelance Designer
- Pre-Press Specialist
- Illustrator
There is a consistent need for new, skilled graphic designers in today’s workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20,000 job openings for graphic designers are expected each year on average, as people currently employed in graphic arts either shift to different positions or retire.
With a specialized associate degree in graphic arts, you also lay the foundation to increase your opportunities for success. The BLS found that people who earned their specialized associate degrees average almost 20% higher wages and had an unemployment rate two percentage points lower than those who had only a high school diploma. A specialized associate degree is also a potential jumping off point to getting your bachelor’s degree or even master’s degree later on as you advance in your career.
A closer Look at Our Graphic Arts Classes
The Graphic Arts AST Degree at South Hills is an on-campus program that features small class sizes and more opportunities for individualized attention.
Credits:
Our GA curriculum consists of 119.5 credits that can be completed in just 2 years. It includes courses like: Fundamentals of Design, Color Theory, Video Production & Editing, Social Media and Marketing for Designers, and Advanced Web Site Design.
The complete course list for the Graphic Arts program is located in our Course Catalog.
Hear From Our Alumni
Explore the impact of our programs through the experiences and accomplishments of our esteemed alumni. Check out our Alumni Testimonials page for more.
Attending South Hills was transformative, extending beyond academics. The tight-knit community fostered strong friendships and a supportive network. The small class sizes ensured personalized attention and a sense of belonging, making South Hills feel like a second home. If you’re considering a career in Graphic Arts, South Hills should be at the top of your list. The program offers experienced instructors, small class sizes, a comprehensive curriculum, internship opportunities, and job placement assistance. My advice to those considering this program is simple: embrace every opportunity, work diligently on your portfolio, and build strong connections. The education and experiences you gain at South Hills will be the foundation of a successful and fulfilling career.
My education at South Hills gave me the confidence to go after the jobs I really wanted. The instructors in the GA program became my mentors and are people who I now hold in high regard in my professional life. They provided me with the tools I needed to not only get a job, but to do it well straight out of graduating. As a returning adult who has a family to support, I received extensive support from faculty and staff in my educational journey. The teachers here feel like family who are invested in your success. I would highly recommend attending South Hills because every class I took within the program directly pertained to the job I have now. I will forever be grateful for the foundation South Hills has provided me.
Meet the Faculty
Jim Colbert
Program Coordinator/
State College Main Campus
Jim Colbert is the Program Coordinator of the Graphic Arts Program. Colbert has been an instructor at South Hills since 2008, and has taught classes in the MCB, BAMM and IT/SDP programs in addition to Graphic Arts. Jim spent over 25 years as an award-winning art director for local ad agencies and design firms, with work ranging from publication and logo design to copywriting and video production. He is principle of jimcolbertdesign, focusing primarily on arts-related clients, including Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, First Night State College, Hudson Harding Music, Tempest Productions and The Acoustic Brew Concert Series.
Ray Liddick
Instructor/
State College Main Campus
Ray Liddick Jr. has been an Information Technology and Graphic Arts Instructor at South Hills School of Business & Technology since 2004.
Ray is a graduate of Tyler School of Art, Temple University and has had MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) accreditation. Ray has spent decades utilizing his IT and graphic arts creativity on the job. Outside of the school, he is the Marketing Media & IT Manager at Pneu-Dart, Inc., a global manufacturer of remote drug delivery, as well as being the Creative Director/Owner of Open Door Visions.
In the classroom and on the job, Ray applies his artistic vision and IT experiences to a wide range of projects including print design, web development, project management and IT infrastructure/networking.
