professor pointing to images on bulletin board

Graphic Design, A.A.S.

The Graphic Design program emphasizes portfolio development through the study of principles and elements of design, typography, illustration, identity design, advertising design, web design and simulated studio work. Students gain experience in the use of traditional and digital design tools and software. Articulation agreements exist to continue education beyond the AAS degree. The Graphic Design degree consists of a minimum of 66 credits in program requirements and general education in the courses listed below.

For more information about Graphic Design, please visit the program page.

Degree Requirements

Field of Study Code: GRDSN.AAS

Program Requirements
GRDSN 1100Drawing for Design3
GRDSN 1101Digital Graphic Applications3
GRDSN 1102Graphic Design 13
GRDSN 1104Typography3
GRDSN 1105Graphic Design 23
GRDSN 1106Three-Dimensional Design3
GRDSN 1107Digital Illustration 13
GRDSN 1108Digital Illustration Design 23
GRDSN 2200User Experience Design3
GRDSN 2201Graphic Design 33
GRDSN 2202Web/Interactive Design 13
GRDSN 2203Advertising Design3
GRDSN 2204Digital Illustration 33
GRDSN 2205Graphic Design 43
GRDSN 2206Web/Interactive Design 23
GRDSN 2208Portfolio Seminar3
General Education
Select 18 to 22 credits, including one of the following courses: 1, 218-22
ART 2211
Art Histories Before 1400 CE
ART 2212
Art Histories 1400 to 1950
ART 2213
Art Histories Since 1950
ART 2214
Non-Western Art
Total Credits66-70
1

In addition to the courses listed above.

2

NASAD accreditation requires a three credit Art History course to fulfill the Humanities & Fine Arts general education requirement.

General Education Requirements

For general education requirements for the A.A.S. degree, please visit the A.A.S. degree catalog page.

Suggested Semester Sequence

Please note: A student's readiness to perform college-level coursework is based on the student's placement test and/or ACT scores. Below 1000-level coursework may be required prior to the student taking courses in the suggested sequences.

This is a typical program map; please meet with a Faculty or Program Advisor to discuss the details.

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredits
GRDSN 1100 Drawing for Design 3
GRDSN 1101 Digital Graphic Applications 3
GRDSN 1102 Graphic Design 1 3
GRDSN 1104 Typography 3
ENGLI 1101 English Composition I 3
 Credits15
Second Semester
GRDSN 1105 Graphic Design 2 3
GRDSN 1106 Three-Dimensional Design 3
GRDSN 1107 Digital Illustration 1 3
GRDSN 2200 User Experience Design 3
SPEEC 1100 Fundamentals of Speech Communication 3
 Credits15
Summer Semester
ElectiveGraphic Design Course 3
Gen EdPhysical and Life Sciences 4
 Credits7
Third Semester
GRDSN 1108 Digital Illustration Design 2 3
GRDSN 2201 Graphic Design 3 3
GRDSN 2202 Web/Interactive Design 1 3
GRDSN 2203 Advertising Design 3
Gen EdMathematics 3
Gen EdHumanities and Fine Arts 1 3
 Credits18
Fourth Semester
GRDSN 2204 Digital Illustration 3 3
GRDSN 2205 Graphic Design 4 3
GRDSN 2206 Web/Interactive Design 2 3
GRDSN 2208 Portfolio Seminar 3
Gen EdSocial and Behavioral Sciences 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits70
1

Choose one:
ART 2211 Art Histories Before 1400 CE
ART 2212 Art Histories 1400 to 1950
ART 2213 Art Histories Since 1950
ART 2214 Non-Western Art

Program Milestones

First Semester

  • Complete introductory courses as they are the prerequisites for other Graphic Design Courses.
  • Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.
  • Consider joining or visiting with a professional, cultural, or interest-based Student Club.

Second Semester

  • If you have not done so yet this semester, it is important to make an appointment with a Faculty or Program Advisor to discuss your future academic progress.
  • Complete Graphic Design foundation courses.
  • Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.

Third Semester

  • Complete Graphic Design core courses.
  • Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.

Fourth Semester

  • Development and presentation of Portfolio. Undertake a client based/industry project in Graphic Design 4.
  • Students must pass with a C or better grade. Full-time students are recommended to take 15 credit hours during each of the 4 regular semesters and 7 credit hours over the summer semesters.