Bismarck State College

Graphic Design Programs Available at Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College appears in our ranking of the 20 Most Affordable Associates in Web Design and Development Online.

Bismarck State College offers several options for students with an interest in graphic design. The college’s graphic design and communications major is only available on its campus in Bismark. Students must agree to start in the fall and meet all the requirements to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. The college looks for students who have graphic design experience such as working on their high school yearbooks or newspapers. Students take 15 to 18 credits of classes over four semesters and spend two years to complete the program. They will take classes such as Current Imaging, Print Production, Introduction to Multimedia and Design and Layout. Many of these classes include a lab that requires students to create and edit their work.

Also available is a major in web development and design, which allows students to earn their degrees on the Bismarck campus or online. Both programs include the same classes but give students the chance to choose how they want to finish their degrees. A special scholarship is available from the college for students in this major, which allows them to cover some of their costs before they get any other financial aid. All the classes in this program focus on teaching students the basics of web design and how they can develop and create websites. The college expects students to submit a final website before they graduate, which they can use in their portfolios to show some of their past work.

The college also offers a graphic design and communications certificate program that includes 52 credits of classes. Students can complete this program while they work on a related degree, but the college also offers this as a separate program that students can complete without working towards a degree. It asks that students take four credits of general education courses and 48 credits of graphic design and communications classes, including Introduction to Electronic Imaging and Design and Layout.

About Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College is a small college located in Bismarck, North Dakota. It is part of the North Dakota University System and ranks as one of the largest schools in that system. Founded in 1939, it started life as a small school and later became one of the first community colleges in the state. Though it is technically still a community college, it offers bachelor’s and four-year degree programs in addition to two-year and technical programs. Many opportunities are available for students in and around Bismarck, including internships and co-op programs.

Also called BSC, the college now offers more than 20 bachelor’s degree programs and has partnerships with other schools in the state. Those partnerships allow students to spend two years at BSC and then transfer to a different college or university to finish their degrees. There are also more than 30 technical and associate degree programs available from the college as well as some online programs. It is one of the only community colleges in North Dakota to offer on-campus housing too. BSC has an enrollment of more than 3,700 students across all its programs.

Bismarck State College Accreditation Details

BSC has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which covers all the graphic design and similar programs offered by the college. This is important because it lets students who took college classes before get credit for those classes in Bismarck. It is also what lets students apply for aid when they start at the college and continue their studies. The allied health, engineering and clinical lab programs offered by the college also have accreditation.

Bismarck State College Application Requirements

BSC has admissions counselors who can help students with its application. Those counselors are available online and over the phone, but students can also visit the campus and meet with a counselor in person. There is a $35 application fee that most students will pay. The college waives this fee for military students and those who meet other requirements, including those on active duty status and students who already paid the fee in the past. BSC asks that students fax documents to the admissions department to prove they qualify for a fee waiver.

The application is just one step in the total process though. Students will also provide transcripts to show that they earned a high school diploma and that they took classes that prepared them for college. Those who want to transfer credits from another college must also supply official college transcripts. The college asks for an ACT or SAT score too and will accept scores from other college placement exams. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree or submit a college transcript do not need to submit a test score. It typically takes three weeks or less for the college to evaluate a student’s application and make a decision on the status of that student.

Tuition and Financial Aid

North Dakota residents pay around $4,000 a year to attend BSC. Both residents and military students qualify for a rate of between $133 and $187 per credit hour based on the type and level of the classes they take. A discount is available for Minnesota residents that lets them pay between $149 and $210 per credit hour. All other students who are from the United States will pay $200 to $281 per credit hour for their classes. Students taking any online or distance education classes will pay the same rate and an extra $45 per credit hour. The college also offers a range of room and board options for students that cost extra each semester.

Graphic design majors who need financial aid must complete the FAFSA and use the BSC code on the form. This is what helps them get jobs working for Bismarck State as well as grants and loans. Scholarships can also help students, and more than 75% of BSC students qualify for at least one scholarship. The college awards funds to students based on their need and/or merit. Students typically need to submit a letter of recommendation and a transcript when applying for a scholarship. The college will award half the funds they win during each of the two traditional semesters. Bismarck State College encourages students applying to its graphic design degree programs to look at some of the scholarships offered by the state too.