Graphic and Web Design, A.F.A.

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Title of Major: Graphic and Web Design, A.F.A.

Award: Associate of Fine Arts degree, A.F.A.

Total Credit Hours: 61

Code: Code provided by Records

About the Visual Arts Department

Purpose: Prepares students for transfer to a four-year web or graphic design program at a traditional or art school, by providing substantial instruction and opportunity for students to build a strong portfolio. After graduation from a transfer institution, students will be eligible for an entry level position in the web or graphic design industry. Students should work closely with the Graphic Design and Web Design faculty to identify potential transfer schools.

A grade of C or better is required in each Graphic and Web Design course requirement.

Graduation Requirements

Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements for college-wide graduation requirements.

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.).

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses

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General Education Requirements: 25 credits

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

English Composition: 6 credits

ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1 3 credit hours
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2 3 credit hours
ENG 101 and ENG 101A are equivalent courses. Students may take ENG 101-ENG 102 or ENG 101A-ENG 102 to meet their English Composition General Education requirement.

Arts and Humanities: 6 credits

ART 209 - Global History of Art: Prehistoric to 14th Century 3 credit hours
ART 100 - Two-Dimensional Design 3 credit hours

Biological and Physical Sciences: 7 credits

At least one laboratory science course is required. Refer to General Education Biological and Physical Sciences Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3 credits

Refer to General Education Mathematics Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

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

Program Requirements: 36 credits

Foundation Courses: 27 credits

ART 102 - Three-Dimensional Design 3 credit hours
ART 120 - Digital Photography 1 3 credit hours
ART 125 - Drawing 1 3 credit hours
ART 166 - Graphic Design 1 3 credit hours
ART 170 - Web Design 1 3 credit hours
ART 250 - Digital Portfolio Development 3 credit hours
Choose one of the following two courses:
ART 210 - Global History of Art: 14th Century to the Present 3 credit hours
ART 213 - History of Graphic Design 3 credit hours
Choose two courses from the list below:
ART 262 - Image & Design 3 credit hours
ART 264 - Fundamentals of Typography 3 credit hours
ART 266 - Graphic Design 2 3 credit hours
ART 268 - User Experience Design for the Web 3 credit hours

Program Electives: 6 credits

Please choose two courses from the list below. Courses may not count toward both a foundation requirement and an elective.
ART 103 - Color 3 credit hours
ART 137 - Illustration 3 credit hours
ART 149 - Relief Printmaking 3 credit hours
ART 160 - Video 1 3 credit hours
ART 161 - Video Editing 3 credit hours
ART 246 - Screen Printing 3 credit hours
ART 236 - Digital Photography 2 3 credit hours
ART 262 - Image & Design 3 credit hours
ART 264 - Fundamentals of Typography 3 credit hours
ART 266 - Graphic Design 2 3 credit hours
ART 268 - User Experience Design for the Web 3 credit hours
ART 270 - Web Design 2 3 credit hours
ART 275 - Digital Arts Internship 3 credit hours

Technology Requirement: 3 credits

ART 106 - Introduction to Digital Design 3 credit hours

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. It is recommended students choose a course from the Social and Behavioral Sciences list to fulfill this requirement.

Technology Requirement:

Satisfied by ART 106 .

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Apply principles and elements of design including typography, color, form, and layout to create visually compelling, conceptually driven, and effective design solutions across print and digital media.
Integrate conceptual development techniques (research, sketching, wireframing, storyboarding, prototyping) to generate innovative print and digital design projects that meet client goals.
Demonstrate knowledge of design history and contemporary cultural trends by producing work informed by historical, social, and professional contexts.
Use industry-standard design software and production processes to develop professional-quality projects suitable for both print and screen.
Select and optimize appropriate file formats, resolutions, and export parameters for print, web, and cross-platform applications.
Communicate design concepts and strategies effectively through written, verbal, and visual presentations to peers, instructors, and clients.
Apply basic web design and development skills including standards-compliant HTML/CSS and responsive design practices to create user-friendly, accessible digital experiences.
Develop a professional portfolio of work that demonstrates technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, and readiness for transfer to a four-year institution.

This program aligns with all the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

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