Graphic Design, Graphic Communications, AAS

Program Code: GC Graphic Design Emphasis-AAS

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science, Graphic Communications, offers classes that lead to the completion of a professional, industry-based AAS degree. The Graphic Design Emphasis develops skills and knowledge in areas of creative problem solving, research and design thinking, design history, typography and layout using technologies for a variety of print and screen-based media. Instruction includes the use of industry standard graphics software, and program computer labs are equipped with the latest Apple computers with support scanners, printers, a sound recording facility and a complete prepress/print shop facility.

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
ART 101 Drawing I 3
GRC 100 Introduction To Graphic Arts and Media Technologies 3
GRC 116 Introduction to Digital Art & Design 3
English 1 3
Math 2 3
 Semester Total15
2nd semester
GRC 117 Introduction to Motion Graphics 3
GRC 200 Design Thinking & Methodologies (GRC/ART/MKT Elective) 3
GRC/ART/MKT Elective 3 3
Communications 1 3
Fine Arts-Humanities-Social Science/Diversity 2 3
 Semester Total15
3rd semester
GRC 153 Commercial Printing Processes 3
GRC 175 Web Design I 3
GRC 210 Typography I 3
Science 1 3
US/NV Constitution 2 3
 Semester Total15
4th semester
GRC 220 Graphic Design I 3
GRC 275 Web Design II 3
GRC 294 Portfolio Workshop 3
GRC/ART/MKT Elective 3 3
Human Relations 2 3
 Semester Total15
 Total Units60
1

See approved General Education list for the AAS Degree.

2

See program recommendations or requirements.

3

See Graphic Communications Faculty Adviser for graphic communications elective requirements.

Program Requirements

AAS degrees are generally non-transfer degrees that are designed for students to enter the workforce.

To earn an AAS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AAS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
General Education Requirements
Diversity[3]
Recommended:
History of the Built Environment 1
Communications/English6
Recommended:
Business English (English)
Business Speech Communications (Communications)
Fundamentals of Speech Communications (Communications)
Composition Enhanced
Composition I (Communications or English)
Composition II (Communications or English)
Technical Communications I (Communications or English)
Composition I for International and Multilingual Students (Communications or English)
Composition II For International and Multilingual Students (Communications or English)
Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Science3
Recommended:
History of the Built Environment
Human Relations3
Recommended:
Leadership and Human Relations
Educational, Career, and Personal Development
Mathematics3
Recommended:
Business Calculations and Methods
Fundamentals of College Mathematics
Science3
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions3
Recommended:
Introduction to American Politics
American Experiences and Constitutional Change
Degree Requirements 2
ART 101Drawing I3
GRC 100Introduction To Graphic Arts and Media Technologies3
GRC 116Introduction to Digital Art & Design3
GRC 117Introduction to Motion Graphics3
GRC 200Design Thinking & Methodologies3
GRC 294Portfolio Workshop3
Graphic Design Emphasis Requirements 2
GRC 153Commercial Printing Processes3
GRC 175Web Design I3
GRC 210Typography I3
GRC 220Graphic Design I3
GRC 275Web Design II3
Electives - choose two classes 26
Introduction to Digital Photography
Drawing for Animation
Storyboarding
Digital Video Production
Motion Graphics for Video
3D Character Animation I
3D Character Animation II
3D Modeling and Texturing
Independent Study
Introduction to Animation
Recording Technology I
Virtual Studio Technology I
General Internship Program
Total Units60
1

Course may also count toward additional degree requirements. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

2

See Graphic Arts & Media Technology Faculty Adviser for sequencing of GAMT requirements.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Identify and apply historical and current design theories and concepts in the production of visually engaging media that meets the requirements of the graphic communications industry.

PSLO2: Acquire a broad skill set in current graphics related technologies, including computer software applications, processes and other production techniques used in the graphic communications industry.

PSLO3: Develop and assemble a portfolio of work that will illustrate and communicate their visual design skills at a professional level.