Graphic Design, A.A.S. (A30100)

Courses required to meet graduation requirements in this curriculum are offered during day hours only. Minimum time for completion: five semesters full-time attendance. The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded graduates of this curriculum.

The Graphic Design curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the graphic design profession which emphasizes design, advertising, marketing, and illustration for printed and digital media.

Students will be trained in the creative process and application of design principles for advertisements, branding, corporate identity, layouts, typography, visual assets, custom graphics, self-promotional material, and preparation of files for printed and digital distribution.

Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities with design, branding, advertising agencies, signage and printing companies, organizations with in-house marketing operations, freelance work, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Graphic Design students learn to think critically and creatively about strategies and concepts in the design process. The Graphic Design program uses industry standard research methods, and student projects foster unique and solid student solutions. Students are exposed to in-depth studies on the elements and principles of design, and receive training in typography, drawing fundamentals, illustration, and the ideation process. Using analog and digital lab environments, students are exposed to the latest technology trends for web design, UX Design, and multimedia design.

General Education Courses:

Major Courses:

GRD 110 - Typography I Credit Hours: 3
GRD 131 - Illustration I Credit Hours: 3
GRD 141 - Graphic Design I Credit Hours: 4
GRD 142 - Graphic Design II Credit Hours: 4
GRD 154 - Vector Imaging Software Credit Hours: 3
GRD 155 - Publication Design Credit Hours: 3
GRD 182 - Digital and Print Marketing Credit Hours: 2
GRD 188 - Graphic Design for Web I Credit Hours: 3
GRD 240 - User Interface/User Experience Credit Hours: 3
GRD 241 - Graphic Design III Credit Hours: 4
GRD 263 - Digital Image Editing Credit Hours: 3
GRD 265 - Digital Print Production Credit Hours: 3
GRD 271 - Multimedia and Video I Credit Hours: 2
GRD 280 - Portfolio Design Credit Hours: 4
GRD 285 - Client/Media Relations Credit Hours: 2
WBL 110 - World of Work Credit Hours: 1

Program Elective:

Students are required to take 3 SHC from the following:

BUS 110 - Introduction to Business Credit Hours: 3
CIS 110 - Introduction to Computers Credit Hours: 3
GRD 111 - Typography II Credit Hours: 3
GRD 113 - History of Graphic Design Credit Hours: 3
GRD 121 - Drawing Fundamentals I Credit Hours: 2
GRD 151 - Computer Design Basics Credit Hours: 3
GRD 152 - Computer Design Technology Credit Hours: 3
GRD 159 - Raster Imaging Applications Credit Hours: 3
GRD 167 - Digital Photography I Credit Hours: 3
GRD 168 - Digital Photography II Credit Hours: 3
GRD 183 - Concept, Design, and Process Credit Hours: 2
GRD 189 - Graphic Design Seminar Credit Hours: 1
GRD 242 - Graphic Design IV Credit Hours: 4
GRD 249 - Advanced Design Practice Credit Hours: 4
GRD 289 - Adv Graphic Design Semina Credit Hours: 1
MKT 120 - Principles of Marketing Credit Hours: 3
MKT 220 - Advertising and Sales Promotion Credit Hours: 3
MKT 221 - Consumer Behavior Credit Hours: 3
PHO 110 - Fund of Photography Credit Hours: 5
PRN 155 - Screen Printing I Credit Hours: 2
PRN 156 - Screen Printing II Credit Hours: 2
WBL XXX Work-Based Learning Credit Hours: 1-3

Work-Based Learning Option:

Qualified students may elect to take up to 3 credit hours of Work-Based Learning in place of 3 hours Program electives.

Total Credit Hours Required 65/66

Developmental Course Requirements:

Developmental coursework (both prerequisite and corequisite) will be required of students whose placement test measures indicate a need for greater proficiency in the areas of English and/or Mathematics. Please refer to the Course Description section for prerequisite and corequisite course information.