Nov 23, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Graphic Design - Visual Arts Professional (A.A.S.)


Official Title of Major: Visual Arts Professional - Graphic Design, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.

Code: AAS.VSL-P.GRPH-DSGN

Total Credit Hours: 60

About the Visual Arts and Humanities Department

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. This concentration may also allow professionals in a related industry to make a career change or supplement an existing degree.

Students will develop fundamental skills in graphic design, including drawing, typography, digital imaging, photography and page design and layout. Students will gain professional experience while working on client-based projects and completing a graphic design internship.

This is not intended as a transfer degree. Students who wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design should consider the Graphic and Web Design - Visual Arts Transfer (A.A.) . There is also a Graphic Design (certificate)  for those who wish for a more focused course of study.

Honors Program Courses


If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions  of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

Graduation Requirements


See Academic Regulations for college-wide Graduation Requirements .

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses


 

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Visual Arts Professional Degree Core Courses


The following courses make up the core for the Visual Arts Professional degree programs: ART 100  (satisfied by the Arts and Humanities general education requirement listed below), ART 106 , (satisfied by the Technology Requirement listed below), ART 250  and ART 275  (satisfied by the Area of Concentration requirement listed below). 

Students must complete all of these courses with a grade of C or better.

General Education Requirements: 21 credits


An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements  section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits


Arts and Humanities: 3 credits


Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits


A lab science is acceptable. See General Education Biological and Physical Sciences Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3 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.

Additional General Education Requirement: 3 credits


Area of Concentration: 39 credits


Technology Requirement: 3 credits


Choose two courses from the following: 6 credits


Electives: 5 credits


No more than 3 credits of physical activity courses may be used as electives.

Diversity Requirement


All students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Diversity Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective. 

Technology Requirement


Satisfied by ART 106 .

Wellness Requirement


Unless they are in a degree that is exempt, all students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Wellness Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective.

Program Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the Graphic Design Area of Concentration, students will be able to:

  1. Incorporate knowledge of design history into original design work;
  2. Apply conceptual techniques (sketching, storyboarding, etc.) as a preliminary process in the design of original work;
  3. Utilize principles and elements of design to respond to specific graphic design problems;
  4. Use mainstream technological tools to solve design problems and communicate complex information in a clear and creative format;
  5. Apply knowledge of production processes in the creation of a wide variety of design projects;
  6. Apply knowledge of typography, color, form, and layout, and apply this knowledge in a variety of design projects;
  7. Collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and non-profits to produce real-world, portfolio-ready design projects;
  8. Discuss primary historical periods and cultural trends in art and graphic design;
  9. Develop a professional portfolio of work, suitable to present at interviews for both transfer and job-related activities;
  10. Communicate with design instructors, peers and clients about select design projects.

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

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