Graphic Design, Graphic Design AAS

(R): 304A

The Graphic Design program offers one degree (two tracks) and one certificate. Tracks: (1) Graphic Design AAS, (2) Illustration AAS. Certificate: Graphic Design with Digital Tools

Appropriate courses may be used toward development of marketable skills, for vocational interests, or for possible transfer. A student interested in any of the AAS or certificate curricula should consult an academic adviser in the Department of Media Arts & Technologies.

The graphic design track prepares the student for employment in the field of graphic communication. Emphasis is placed on the creative application of design principles and the solution of problems in graphic design and communication, using both traditional and digital tools.

General Education Course Selections

Click here to view the Foundation/Distribution Courses for selection to fulfill the General Education Course Requirements.

Suggested Course Sequence

All students should consult an advisor.

First Semester

ARTT 100 - Introduction to Drawing 3 semester hours (ARTD)
ARTT 102 - Design Studio: 2-Dimensional 3 semester hours
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
GDES 116 - Digital Tools for the Visual Arts 4 semester hours
GDES 121 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design I 3 semester hours

Second Semester

ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours
GDES 124 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design II 3 semester hours
GDES 127 - Graphic Design Workflow 3 semester hours
English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)

Third Semester

GDES 212 - Publication Design with InDesign 4 semester hours
OR
GDES 218 - Graphic Design for the Web 4 semester hours
GDES 214 - Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4 semester hours
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Health foundation 1 semester hour (HLTF)
Speech foundation 3 semester hours (SPCF)

Fourth Semester

GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
GDES 224 - Graphic Design III 3 semester hours
TVRA 140 - Video Editing 3 semester hours
Natural sciences distribution with lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 , or GDES elective.

Program Outline / Degree Requirements

Foundation Courses

English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Health foundation 1 semester hour (HLTF)
Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
Speech foundation 3 semester hours (SPCF)

Distribution Courses

ARTT 100 - Introduction to Drawing 3 semester hours (ARTD)
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
Natural science distribution with lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)

Program Requirements

ARTT 102 - Design Studio: 2-Dimensional 3 semester hours
ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours
ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours *
GDES 116 - Digital Tools for the Visual Arts 4 semester hours
GDES 121 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design I 3 semester hours
GDES 124 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design II 3 semester hours
GDES 127 - Graphic Design Workflow 3 semester hours
GDES 212 - Publication Design with InDesign 4 semester hours
OR
GDES 218 - Graphic Design for the Web 4 semester hours
GDES 214 - Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4 semester hours
GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
GDES 224 - Graphic Design III 3 semester hours
TVRA 140 - Video Editing 3 semester hours

Total Credit Hours: 60

* ENGL 101 /ENGL 101A , if needed for ENGL 102 /ENGL 103 or GDES elective.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Demonstrate solid foundation skills and competency in a range of media, techniques, and knowledge of associated processes.
Demonstrate visual problem solving that employs appropriate technical skills and techniques.
Evaluate the creativity of ideas and concepts of designed graphics.