Motion Graphics, Graphic Communications, AAS

This is a draft edition of the 2024-2025 catalog. Information is subject to change.

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science, Graphic Communications, offers classes that lead to the completion of a professional, industry-based AAS degree. The Motion Graphics Emphasis develops design skills and knowledge in areas of motion and time-based media, including storyboarding, video production, sound, traditional and 2D animation techniques, and 3D animation. 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
VIS 120 Introduction to Animation 3
GRC 135 Storyboarding 3
Communications 1 3
Fine Arts-Humanities-Social Science/Diversity 2 3
 Semester Total15
3rd semester
GRC 182 Digital Video Production 3
GRC 200 Design Thinking & Methodologies 3
Emphasis Course 3
Science 1 3
US/NV Constitution 2 3
 Semester Total15
4th semester
GRC 282 Motion Graphics for Video 3
GRC 294 Portfolio Workshop 3
Emphasis Course 3
ENG/ART/GRC/VIS Course 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
Motion Graphics Emphasis Requirements 2
VIS 120Introduction to Animation3
GRC 135Storyboarding3
GRC 282Motion Graphics for Video3
GRC 182Digital Video Production3
GRC 2843D Modeling and Texturing3
Electives - choose two classes 26
Drawing for Animation
Commercial Printing Processes
Web Design I
Typography I
Graphic Design I
3D Character Animation I
3D Character Animation II
Web Design II
Independent Study
Life Drawing I
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.