Graphic Design Track, Graphic Design AAS

(R): 304A

The graphic design degree prepares the student for employment in the field of graphic communication, or for possible transfer to a four-year institution. Emphasis is placed on the creative application of design principles and problem solving in graphic design and communication, using both traditional and industry standard 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 (GEEL)
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 (GEEL)
GDES 124 - Fundamentals of Graphic Design II 3 semester hours
GDES 214 - Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4 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
GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
GDES 218 - Graphic Design for the Web 4 semester hours
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)

Fourth Semester

GDES 224 - Graphic Design III 3 semester hours
TVRA 140 - Video Editing 3 semester hours
Elective 3 semester hours ‡
Natural science distribtuion with lab 4 semester hours

Total Credit Hours: 60

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

‡ Choose one 3-credit elective from ARTT 105 , ARTT 205 , GDES 134 , PHOT 161 , TECH 272 . Or choose one 4-credit elective from GDES 140 or GDES 230 . Please note that if a student opts to take a 4-credit elective, the credit total will be 61. Please see an advisor in the Graphic Design program.

Program Outline / Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

Foundation Courses

English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Mathematics foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)

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)

General Education Elective

ARTT 102 - Design Studio: 2-Dimensional 3 semester hours (GEEL)
ARTT 201 - Art History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours (GEEL)

Program Requirements

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 212 - Publication Design with InDesign 4 semester hours
GDES 214 - Photoshop for Graphics and Photography 4 semester hours
GDES 216 - Illustrator for Vector Graphics 4 semester hours
GDES 218 - Graphic Design for the Web 4 semester hours
GDES 224 - Graphic Design III 3 semester hours
TVRA 140 - Video Editing 3 semester hours
Program elective 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.