Visual Arts, Graphic Design, A.A.S.

Purpose: Prepares students for an internship or entry-level position in the field of graphic design and enhances knowledge and skills of those already working in the industry. Students will develop fundamental skills in graphic design, including drawing, typography, digital imaging, photography and page design and layout.

A 120-hour internship course provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and professional experience in the industry. Provides specific coursework that can benefit those already in the workforce or who wish to supplement an existing degree.

As an important secondary function, the program recognizes the desire of many students to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Information on transfer is available - see the Visual Arts department chair. The final authority for accepting credit lies with the four-year institutions. This option should not be confused with a transfer degree program which leads to a bachelor’s degree in graphic design (see description for Visual Design (Web and Graphic) Option degree).

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses

AACC faculty developed the following sequence of courses to encourage greater success in each student’s program of study. This sequence incorporates all of the student’s requirements for this degree and provides the student with essential notes to guide their success. It is recommended that students view and save this as they plan courses for this degree.

Click Here to View, Save, or Print a PDF Copy of the Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses for this degree

General Education Requirements: 21-27 credits

An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education Requirements and degree program required courses section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

Biological and Physical Sciences, Computer Technology or Mathematics: 3-4 credits

See General Education Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Health/Fitness/Wellness: 3 credits

See General Education Health/Fitness/Wellness Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3-4 credits

See General Education Mathematics Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

See General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Program Requirements: 33-39 credits

ART 106 - Digital Design 3 credit hours
ART 117 - Digital Imaging 3 credit hours
ART 120 - Digital Photography 1 3 credit hours
ART 125 - Drawing 1 3 credit hours
ART 166 - Graphic Design 1: Fundamentals 3 credit hours
ART 170 - Web Design 1 3 credit hours OR
ART 171 - Interactive Design 1 3 credit hours
ART 250 - Digital Portfolio Development 1 credit hour
ART 264 - Fundamentals of Typography 3 credit hours
ART 266 - Graphic Design 2 3 credit hours
ART 275 - Digital Arts Internship 3 credit hours
Electives (with approval of department chair) 5-11 credit hours
No more than 3 credits of physical activity courses may be used as electives.

Additional Requirements

Computer Competency Requirement

ART 106 meets this requirement.

Diversity Requirement

Students may satisfy the diversity requirement simultaneously as they satisfy the arts and humanities, biological and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences or health/fitness/wellness general education requirements or elective requirements. See Diversity Requirement for a list of approved courses.

Related Educational Opportunities

Continuing Education and Workforce Development Offerings

Additional courses, credentials and/or certifications may be available through the AACC School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

Transfer Agreements

Agreements may exist for this program of study. To access agreements, go to www.aacc.edu/transfer.

Related Anne Arundel Community College Certificates

Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Certificate