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2024-2025 College Catalog

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

Program Information

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.

Semester-by-Semester Plan

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

First Year

Fall Semester

GRD 110Typography I

3
GRD 141Graphic Design I

4
GRD 154Vector Imaging Software

3
GRD 159Raster Imaging Applications

3
GRD 183Concept, Design, and Process

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:18-19

Summer Semester

ENG 111Writing and Inquiry

3
Total Credit Hours:3

Spring Semester

ART 131Drawing I

3
Or
GRD 121Drawing Fundamentals I

2
 
GRD 131Illustration I

2
GRD 142Graphic Design II

4
GRD 155Publication Design

3
GRD 188Graphic Design for Web I

3
GRD 240User Interface and User Experience

3
Total Credit Hours:17-18

Second Year

Fall Semester

GRD 111Typography II

3
GRD 241Graphic Design III

4
GRD 281Design of Advertising

2
GRD 282Advertising Copywriting

2
 
COM 110Introduction to Communication

3
Or
COM 231Public Speaking

3
Total Credit Hours:14

Spring Semester

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:12

Total Credit Hours: 64-66

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