How to Apply

We are excited that you are interested in joining our program. Please take a moment to read through these pages to become familiar with the process and requirements.

Before you become a Visual Communications student at Chemeketa Community College, you must submit an application to the program. These pages are designed to help guide you through the process.

Applying to the program

• If you are not currently a student at Chemeketa, you will need to apply to the college and the VC program.
• Then meet with Financial Aid (Building 2) to see if you qualify for any assistance. If you're eligible for Work Study, let us know—we hire students to work in our labs during the school year.
• A New Student Advising Session is required for all students new to Chemeketa. This will help you prepare for your education and will connect you with your Chemeketa advisor.
• VC program Overview Sessions are offered throughout the year to give you insight into the program and the application process. If you have additional questions after attending an overview, you may make an individual appointment with the program chair to discuss your application. You will then submit a portfolio of materials to be considered for the VC program.

Important: You are considered a pre-VC student until your completed application is evaluated and you are accepted into the program. Your application will be evaluated only after you have attended an Overview Session and submitted the required application package. If your financial aid status depends on being accepted into the program you must apply early.

VC Application Process Information »

Criteria for admission

We are not looking for professional-quality work as entrance criteria. We are looking for evidence of the creative, technical and communication skills that will help you be successful in the program. While some students seem to be born with talent, it is your experience, training and attitude that will determine your success. If you do not have examples of previous work, you may begin by taking art or photography courses and develop a portfolio from these projects. The program reflects a balance of creative, craft and communication skills, which should be evident in the work you submit, regardless of media. We are looking for potential, not excellence. More details can be found in the sections below.

Selection process

The program chair will review your completed application package. You may receive one of several email letters regarding the status of your application. You may be notified that you have been accepted and are ready to begin classes. You may be notified that you are ready to begin, but that we have more applicants than we can accept, and based on the date of your completed application, you will be placed on a waiting list. If it is determined that you need to complete additional work prior to gaining admissions into the program, you will be notified of this decision and may reapply for admission after this work is completed. You may make an appointment with the program chair to review your portfolio if your application is not successful.

2018-2019 Program deadlines

The VC program is no longer accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year. If you are interested in joining the program in the fall of 2019, please plan to attend our first Overview Session on November 7th. 2018.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. We usually accept 30-34 students for fall enrollment. If slots remain after the application date we may extend the application deadline. Any deadline extensions will be posted on the VC web site.

What is it like to be a part of VC?

As part of the VC program, you will learn not only the technical skills, but also the teamwork and creative problem solving essential to a growing and changing career. You will develop skills in graphic design, layout, typography, photography, and interactive media, while attaining an AAS degree. Classes in illustration, photography and filmmaking will open new possibilities for expanding your creative abilities.

You will produce both a print and a digital portfolio of work including a personal logo, résumé and web site in preparation for entering the job market. A portfolio show, introducing you to the business community, is part of spring term your final year.

Small class sizes allow for one-on-one critiques with instructors and lots of personal attention. You'll find instructors who are passionate about what they teach and students who are equally dedicated to their class work. We have two amazing Mac labs with wonderful technical support and the latest software.

It is an intense and demanding program. You will be challenged and you will smile as you work harder than you ever thought possible. The program is a great launching pad to wherever your creativity takes you.

For more information: Visit, call, or email

• For general program information, and questions regarding our web design and interactive options, contact Peter Hoelter, Program Chair ( or 503.399.6475)
• For information specific to graphic design, contact Christine Linder ( or 503.399.6473)
• For photography and filmmaking, contact Bret Malley ( or 503.399.7816)
• For general information or to arrange a tour contact Julian Harkema ( or )