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2023-2024 College Catalog

Advertising and Graphic Design A.A.S. Degree [A30100]

Program Information

The Advertising and Graphic Design curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the graphic design profession which emphasizes design, advertising, illustration, and digital and multimedia preparation of printed and electronic promotional materials.

Students will be trained in the development of concept and design for promotional materials such as newspaper and magazine advertisements, posters, folders, letterheads, corporate symbols, brochures, booklets, preparation of art for printing, lettering and typography, photography, and electronic media.

Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities with graphic design studios, advertising agencies, printing companies, department stores, a wide variety of manufacturing industries, newspapers, and businesses with in-house graphics operations.

Program of Study

General Education Required Courses (15-16 Credits)

Required Courses

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3

Art (3 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

ART 115Art History Survey II

3
ART 116Survey of American Art

3

Communication (3 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

COM 120Intro to Interpersonal Communication

3

Math (3-4 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3
MAT 152Statistical Methods I

4
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4

Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits)

Take one (1) course from:

PSY 150General Psychology

3
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3

Major Required Courses (46-47 Credits)

ART 131Drawing I

3
Or
GRD 121Drawing Fundamentals I

2
 
DES 111Creative Problem Solving

2
GRD 110Typography I

3
GRD 111Typography II

3
GRD 131Illustration I

2
GRD 141Graphic Design I

4
GRD 142Graphic Design II

4
GRD 151Computer Design Basics

3
GRD 152Computer Design Techniques I

3
GRD 188Graphic Design for Web I

3
GRD 240User Interface and User Experience

3
GRD 241Graphic Design III

4
GRD 280Portfolio Design

4
GRD 281Design of Advertising

2
GRD 282Advertising Copywriting

2
GRD 285Client/Media Relations

2

Approved Electives (4-6 Credits)

ART 261Photography I

3
Or
ART 264Digital Photography I

3
 
GRA 255Image Manipulation I

2
GRD 271Multimedia Design I

2
GRD 272Multimedia Design II

2
GRD 288Graphic Design for Web II

3
Total Credit Hours:65-69

Suggested Curriculum by Semesters

Applies to day offerings. Due to time restraints, evening students should expect to have fewer offerings each semester.

First Year

Fall Semester

ART 131Drawing I

3
Or
GRD 121Drawing Fundamentals I

2
 
DES 111Creative Problem Solving

2
ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3
GRD 110Typography I

3
GRD 141Graphic Design I

4
GRD 151Computer Design Basics

3
Total Credit Hours:17-18

Spring Semester

COM 110Introduction to Communication

3
Or
COM 231Public Speaking

3
 
GRD 142Graphic Design II

4
GRD 152Computer Design Techniques I

3
GRD 188Graphic Design for Web I

3
GRD 240User Interface and User Experience

3
Total Credit Hours:16

Second Year

Fall Semester

GRD 111Typography II

3
GRD 131Illustration I

2
GRD 241Graphic Design III

4
GRD 281Design of Advertising

2
GRD 282Advertising Copywriting

2
 
MAT 110Mathematical Measurement and Literacy

3
Or
MAT 121Algebra/Trigonometry I

3
Or
MAT 143Quantitative Literacy

3
Or
MAT 152Statistical Methods I

4
Or
MAT 171Precalculus Algebra

4
Total Credit Hours:16-17

Spring Semester

Major Elective

2-3
Major Elective

2-3
 
ART 115Art History Survey II

3
Or
ART 116Survey of American Art

3
 
GRD 280Portfolio Design

4
GRD 285Client/Media Relations

2
 
PSY 150General Psychology

3
Or
SOC 210Introduction to Sociology

3
Total Credit Hours:15-17

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of visual design, color theory, information hierarchy, and typography to successfully communicate narratives, concepts, emotions, and/or identities across a variety of media.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of industry-standard tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual communication across various media.
  • Demonstrate concept development; critical thinking skills, research methodologies and creative ideation as a means of problem-solving and enhancing visual communication.

Technical Requirements

The Advertising and Graphic Design program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.

Standard  Essential Function   Examples
Communication
Oral / Written 		  
  • Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  
  • Communicate with coworkers and customers via email, phone, or face-to-face
Mobility / Motor Skills   
  • Motor skills sufficient to grasp and manipulate objects
  • Ability to perform basic computer functions
  • Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require occasional use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
  
  • Move a computer mouse, draw with a stylus, draw with paper and pencil, insert flash drive, use a camera, use paper cutter, use x-acto knife, etc.
  • Press multiple keyboard keys simultaneously
  • Physical activities may include:
    • Bending
    • Squatting
    • Lifting
    • Climbing
Physical Strength and Stamina   
  • Ability to sit at computer for extended periods of time
  • Ability sufficient to lift equipment
  
  • Sit at desk for periods of time to finish projects
  • Carry and set up photography equipment
 

Sensory

  • Sight
  • Sound
  • Taste
  • Touch
  • Smell
  
  • Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
  • Ability to clearly distinguish colors and shades of color
  
  • Distinguish keyboard keys and small details on ruler or computer monitor
  • Use multiple colors in a project
Environmental / Occupational Exposure  
  • Possible exposure to chemicals and fumes
  
  • Chemical exposure in printing processes such as various glues and inks