Advertising and Graphic Design Technology

Associate of Applied Science. Certificate.
Design students in computer lab
student on computer
Design students in computer lab
student on computer

About the Program:

The Advertising & Graphic Design Technology Program prepares you for staff positions and freelance assignments where you might design commercial packaging, print publications, book covers, annual reports, websites, advertisements, mobile apps, brands and identities, and more. Students are trained in the leading industry standard software and in conceptual thinking, ideation, and professional practices.

Hard work and personal commitment are expected of visual arts students, but the faculty also recognizes the value of enjoying the creative process. The AGDT faculty sponsors the KC Visual Arts Club which provides students with opportunities to meet and share in creative, social and educational activities outside the classroom. Club field trips are organized to visit design studios and advertising agencies in the region, to glimpse the work of professionals succeeding in the industry.

Program information:

Career Tree - advertising & graphic design

NOTE: For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.

Advertising and Graphic Design Technology

Mission of the AGDT Program

Our mission is to train Visual Arts students as professional designers, ready to hire, through state-of-the-art equipment and experienced, professional faculty.

About the AGDT Advisory Board

The Advisory Board for the AGDT department at Kilgore College is made up of working professionals in the commercial art industry. Meeting twice annually, the board directs the various facets of the Advertising/Graphic Design Technology department.

Current members include:

  • Jeanine Tagg, Program Director, Department Chair for Communication, Theatre and Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Coy Lothrop, Lead Instructor, Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Larry Kitchen, Instructor, Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Mindy Stephens, Adjunct Instructor, Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Aaron Embrey, Adjunct Instructor, Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Joseph Schultz, Adjunct Instructor, Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Adam Ramirez, Adjunct Instructor, Visual Arts, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Aaron Blakeley, Creative Developer, Absolute Technology Solutions, Longview, TX
  • Jayson Lane, Web/Mobile App Developer, iClass Pro, Longview, TX
  • Sarah Robinson, Owner, Robinson Design, Longview, TX
  • Justin West, Owner, Ridiculously Good, Tyler, TX
  • David Samford, Art Director, Encore Multimedia, Longview, TX
  • Siera Baird, Designer, 413 Strength Gear, Tyler, TX
  • Sofia Cilk, Student Ambassador, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX
  • Cole Brasil, Student Ambassador, Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AGDT?

AGDT stands for Advertising/Graphic Design Technology. This program was formerly called Commercial Art. This field uses art to promote products, services, or ideas. Graphic Design is the design of anything to be printed or broadcast. Everything you see around you that has printed type, photos, and illustrations was designed by a graphic designer, including this website.

What do graduates of the program do?

This field uses art to promote products, services or ideas. Graphic Design is the design of anything to be printed or broadcast. Everything you see around you that has printed type, photos, and illustrations was designed by a graphic designer, including this website.  Former AGDT students from Kilgore College work all around the world. They acquire positions with area print shops, advertising agencies, corporate art departments and/or work in the freelance market.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The Advertising/Graphic Design program offers both an Associate of Applied Science degree (for completion in four semesters) and two certificates: a 30-hour certificate of Graphic Design (for completion in two semesters) and a 42-hr certificate of Web Design. These programs prepare students for entry-level graphic design careers in all areas of print, web and broadcast media.

What are the qualifications for AGDT?

A desire to learn about the industry of graphic design and illustration is the most important. In addition, you need the basic enrollment requirements discussed in the Kilgore College catalog. 

What jobs are available?

In our industry, jobs are plentiful because other businesses use advertising to promote their products, services, or ideas. In the Kilgore area alone, there are over fifty companies who need commercial artists. With the advent of modern technology, freelance work can be sought after from all over the world. 

What is the job outlook for graduates?

In our industry, jobs are plentiful because other businesses use advertising to promote their products, services, or ideas. In the Kilgore area alone, there are over fifty companies who need commercial artists on a regular basis. With the advent of modern technology, freelance work can be sought after from all over the world.

What kind of salary can graduates expect?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for Graphic Designers is $44,150; Multimedia Artists and Animators make $61,370; and Art Directors come in at $80,880. Local salaries will vary.

What scholarships are available to AGDT students?

A list of all scholarships can be found in the Kilgore College catalog along with vital information concerning deadlines for application. If you are a high school student, you may want to enter the annual Art Symposium hosted by Kilgore College's Visual Arts Department in which many entrants are offered scholarships and prizes. 

Important Files:

For information about Advertising and Graphic Design Technology:

Coy Lothrop
Associate Professor
Art - Advertising/Graphic Design
Phone:
(903) 988-7596
Office:
Turk Fine Arts Bldg. (TURK), 201A
clothrop@kilgore.edu
Shane Stover
Adjunct Instructor
Visual Arts
Phone:
(903) 988-7596
Office:
Porter Business Admin. Bldg. (PORTR), 211
sstover@kilgore.edu
Aaron Embrey
Adjunct Instructor
Visual Arts
Phone:
(903) 988-7596
Office:
Porter Business Admin. Bldg. (PORTR), 211
aembrey@kilgore.edu
Joseph Schultz
Adjunct Instructor
Visual Arts
jschultz@kilgore.edu
Adam Ramirez
Adjunct Instructor, Dual Credit
Visual Arts
aramirez@kilgore.edu
Jeanine Tagg
Department Chair
Instructor, Speech
"Communications, Theatre & Visual Arts"
Phone:
(903) 983-8176
Office:
Comm. & Automotive Bldg. (COMMA), 106
jtagg@kilgore.edu

Arts & Sciences