West Virginia's Graphic Design pathway develops digital creativity and technical skills for careers in visual communication. Growing demand for digital content supports career growth in design fields.
Students learn design principles, Adobe Creative Suite, digital imaging, and web design fundamentals. Projects include branding, marketing materials, and digital assets for real clients.
Graduates work as graphic designers, UI/UX designers, marketing specialists, or freelance designers. Some establish their own design businesses. Advertising agencies, marketing firms, and in-house corporate design teams employ graduates.
Graphic Design at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
West Virginia's graphic design standards emphasize both aesthetic principles and technical proficiency. The framework covers design theory, color theory, and industry software.
Curriculum includes Adobe Creative Suite, layout design, typography, and client communication. Assessment includes design portfolios and practical projects demonstrating professional-quality work.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Design Fundamentals |
| Adobe Creative Suite |
| Digital Imaging and Web Design |
| Professional Portfolio Development |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Visual Design Specialist
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design Specialist
- ✓Unity Certified User - Programmer
- ✓Unity Certified User - Artist
- ✓Unity Certified User - VR Developer
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Graphic Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $31,390 - $47,500
Adjusted for cost of living: $34,967
UI/UX Designer
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,490 - $120,580
Adjusted for cost of living: $80,907
Marketing Designer
Entry LevelSalary range: $37,140 - $69,990
Adjusted for cost of living: $41,372
Design Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $31,390 - $47,500
Adjusted for cost of living: $41,072
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with marketing firms, advertising agencies, and corporate marketing departments throughout West Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps West Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
West Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in West Virginia
Multimedia Publishing
West Virginia's Multimedia Publishing pathway develops skills for careers creating digital content across multiple platforms. Growing demand for multimedia creators supports diverse opportunities. Students learn content creation, digital publishing, animation, and interactive media. Projects include creating websites, digital publications, and multimedia presentations. Graduates work as content creators, multimedia specialists, web developers, or digital publishers. Marketing firms, publishing companies, media organizations, and corporations employ graduates. Many establish independent publishing businesses.
Arts, A/V Technology & CommunicationsVisual Communication
West Virginia's Visual Communication pathway develops skills for expressing ideas through visual media. Strong foundation for careers in design, marketing, and creative industries. Students study visual design principles, color theory, composition, and presentation techniques. Projects include posters, infographics, and multimedia presentations communicating messages effectively. Graduates work as visual communicators, designers, marketing specialists, or creative directors. Advertising agencies, marketing firms, nonprofits, and corporations employ graduates. Some establish independent creative services.
Arts, A/V Technology & CommunicationsWeb Design and Development
West Virginia's Web Design and Development pathway combines design skills with web technologies for careers creating and maintaining websites. Growing digital presence needs support diverse web developer opportunities. Students learn web design principles, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and user experience. Projects include designing and developing functional websites for real or simulated clients. Graduates work as web designers, web developers, or UX/UI specialists. Many establish freelance web development businesses. Portfolio projects support remote work opportunities.
Information TechnologyReady to Build Graphic Design Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Graphic Design in West Virginia.