How to Apply

The Graphic Design program is a two-year degree that starts every Fall Quarter only. Because space is limited, admission is competitive. Follow the steps below to apply.

Step 1

Apply to Seattle Central College

Complete the Seattle Central Application.
Watch for your ctcLink ID number in your admissions email.
Use this ID to activate your student account through the ctcLink Gateway.

Step 2

Check Academic Requirements

You must be eligible for:
English 101 (College Composition)
Math 081 (Pre-Algebra)

You can show this through placement testing or by submitting transcripts.

Step 3

Meet with an Advisor

Email Jayjay Pastores (Jayjay.Pastores@seattlecolleges.edu) with your ctcLink ID to set up your program file.

Step 4

Submit Your Portfolio

Admission requires a portfolio review.

How to Submit:Email your portfolio as a single PDF file (max 20MB) to: design.central@seattlecolleges.edu

File must be named: lastname_firstname.pdf
Example: salverda_marc.pdf

You may include a website URL, but applications will not be considered without:

  • PDF Portfolio
  • Written Essay
  • Composition Exercise

You will receive confirmation when your portfolio is received and an admission decision within four weeks of submission.

Portfolio Submission dates for Fall 2026:
You may turn in your portfolio at any time during these weeks
Fall 2025 – November 10th – 14th, 2025
Winter 2026 – February 16th – 20th, 2026
Spring 2026 – May 18th – 22nd, 2026
Summer 2026 – July 27th – 31st, 2026

View Portfolio Guidelines

Step 5 (Optional)

Attend an Open House

We strongly recommend attending an Open House about this program at your earliest convenience. Open House is scheduled at the beginning of each quarter from 5:30 to 6:30 pm on the fifth floor of the main building. You may drop in anytime, and no RSVP is required.

Fall 2025 – October 23rd

Winter 2026 – January 28th

Spring 2026 – April 30th

Enrollment

Students on the Approved List will be contacted by email in late Spring Quarter.
Enrollment is offered in the order names were added. If the program is full, you may choose to:

  • Remain available for late openings
  • Defer to the following year (one-time option).

You are responsible for informing us if your e-mail information changes. Please notify the Division Office directly by e-mail.