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Design

 

What Is Design, Really?

Design is everywhere — from the spaces you hang out in, to the websites you scroll, to the visuals that grab your attention. It’s creative, fast-paced, and always evolving.

At Sinclair College, you can dive into design through three exciting areas:

  • Visual Communications (Graphic Design/Arts)
  • Digital Media Design (Video Production or Web Design)
  • Interior Design

Is Design Your Thing?

You might be a future designer if:

  • You love expressing ideas and listening to others.
  • Creativity just clicks for you.
  • You thrive when juggling lots of projects at once.
  • You notice the little details others miss.
  • You see a space and instantly imagine how to make it both stunning and functional.

Why Study Design at Sinclair?

Our programs are built to help you turn creative passion into a real career. You’ll get hands-on experience, industry tools, and job-ready skills.

With design jobs expected to grow 4–7% over the next decade in the Dayton area, your opportunities are wide open. Think roles like:

  • Graphic or Web Designer
  • Video or Interactive Designer
  • Exhibit or Package Designer
  • Interior or Kitchen & Bath Designer
  • Color Consultant
  • Marketing or Branding Creative
  • Professional Organizer (yes, that’s a thing — and it’s awesome)

For those students interested in furthering their education, we have articulation agreements with:

  • Art Academy of Cincinnati (Design BFA),
  • Columbus College of Art & Design (Film/Video BFA, Graphic Design BFA, Interior Architecture & Design),
  • Franklin University (Interactive Media Design),
  • The Modern College of Design (Design Leadership), 
  • Ohio University (Interior Architecture BFA, BTAS)
  • University of Dayton (Graphic Design BFA)
  • (Wright State University (Organizational Leadership BS to lead to Masters' in Instructional Design),
  • WSU-Lake Campus (Graphic Design)

So, if you’re ready to create, innovate, and make your mark, Sinclair’s Design programs are the perfect place to start.

Take the first step and contact admissions!

Department Open Lab Hours:

Scheduled Open Lab time effective 10.19.25:
(Please note: start date and hours are subject to change without notice.)

Monday - Rm. 13-321
2:30 pm - 5:00pm		 Thursday - Rm 13-316
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tuesday - Rm 13-316
2:00pm - 4:00pm		 Friday - Rm. 13-321
11:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday - Rm 13-321
2:00pm - 5:00pm		 Saturday
9:00am - 1:00pm


The Master Tutor is available to assist students via Virtual  Zoom meeting (V)
or in person during Open Lab (OL). Hours in the TLC will require students to make an appointment & bring their personal laptop. (Please note: Hours are subject to change without notice.)

Schedule a VIS Tutor

Accreditation

Sinclair Community College has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 2002.

Book IconAvailable Programs

Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Digital Media Design will prepare students for careers and transfer degrees in digital media. In this interdisciplinary program, students select a pathway specific to their interest -- Video Production or Web Design. The program is creative, fast paced, and in demand by most businesses. Students will develop the knowledge and technical skills necessary to produce and design quality videos or web applications. Creativity, problem-solving and the design process are stressed. Advanced computer skills, portfolio development and job-seeking strategies are also incorporated into the curriculum. View Full Program Details
The program prepares students for careers in the creative, detail-oriented field of interior design. Students will develop the knowledge and technical skills necessary to design an interior. Developing floor plans and selecting and coordinating colors, floor and wall coverings are common tasks performed by interior designers. They also place furniture, fixture and cabinetry, and prepare drawings, cost estimates and contracts. Sustainability, building codes, the ADA and basic business practices are included, as well as the development of individual design portfolios. This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates which will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the embedded certificate(s), please notify Registration and Student Records at studentrecords@sinclair.edu. View Full Program Details
The program prepares students for careers in visual communication which is creative, fast paced and in demand by most businesses. Students will develop the knowledge and technical skills necessary to create both printed and digital design work. This includes the design of stationery, brochures, magazines, advertising, packaging, signage, web pages, interactive media and other pieces. Creativity, problem solving and the design process are stressed. Advanced computer skills, portfolio development and job-seeking strategies are also incorporated into the curriculum. This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates which will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the embedded certificate(s), please notify Registration and Student Records at studentrecords@sinclair.edu. View Full Program Details
Certificate
This one-year certificate introduces students to video production, including lighting and cinematography, motion design, video editing, and audio production. Students will learn the design process, including use of digital photography, appropriate applications; and, video and audio equipment to create quality videos. View Full Program Details
This one-year certificate introduces students to web coding and design, including conceptualizing, designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Students will also learn UX/UI, motion design, and working with a web content management tool. Students will learn a variety of web concepts and digital design applications. View Full Program Details
Short-term Certificate
This certificate provides an introduction to the design process including hand sketching, development of thumbnails, digital illustration and imaging, page layout; and, composition techniques to support a variety of entry-level design positions. Students will be exposed to the latest version of the Adobe products. View Full Program Details
Post Associate Certificate in Interior Design Go to Program Details Display Program Description
The certificate will provide an introduction to REVIT, SketchUp, construction drawings, materials and application; and kitchen and bath designs to support additional academic requirements to gain eligibility to take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. View Full Program Details
Processes for Interior Design Go to Program Details Display Program Description

This certificate provides students with an introduction in the field of interior design. It will include the following introduction to the design process: problem solving techniques, space planning, production selection, ADA compliancy, ergonomics, lighting, color, furniture placement and accessorizing, scaled floor plan, elevation and detail drawings, defining/applying architectural and interior-related materials, estimating/budgeting products, writing specifications; and, presentation skills.

View Full Program Details
This certificate introduces students to the basics of video production, including lighting & cinematography and audio production. Students will learn the design process, appropriate applications and video and audio equipment to create quality videos. View Full Program Details
This short-term certificate introduces students to the basics of web coding and design, including conceptualizing, designing, developing, and maintaining websites. Students will learn a variety of web design concepts and digital design applications. View Full Program Details
 
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