Graphic Design, Graphic Communications, 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
| 1st semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Total | 15 | |
| 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 Total | 15 | |
| 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 Total | 15 | |
| 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 Total | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
- 1
- 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:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
- Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
- Satisfy General Education requirements for the AAS.
- Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Diversity | [3] | |
Recommended: | ||
| History of the Built Environment 1 | ||
| Communications/English | 6 | |
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 Science | 3 | |
Recommended: | ||
| History of the Built Environment | ||
| Human Relations | 3 | |
Recommended: | ||
| Leadership and Human Relations | ||
| Educational, Career, and Personal Development | ||
| Mathematics | 3 | |
Recommended: | ||
| Business Calculations and Methods | ||
or MATH 120 | Fundamentals of College Mathematics | |
| Science | 3 | |
| U.S. and Nevada Constitutions | 3 | |
Recommended: | ||
| Introduction to American Politics | ||
or CH 203 | American Experiences and Constitutional Change | |
| Degree Requirements 2 | ||
| ART 101 | Drawing I | 3 |
| GRC 100 | Introduction To Graphic Arts and Media Technologies | 3 |
| GRC 116 | Introduction to Digital Art & Design | 3 |
| GRC 117 | Introduction to Motion Graphics | 3 |
| GRC 200 | Design Thinking & Methodologies | 3 |
| GRC 294 | Portfolio Workshop | 3 |
| Graphic Design Emphasis Requirements 2 | ||
| GRC 153 | Commercial Printing Processes | 3 |
| GRC 175 | Web Design I | 3 |
| GRC 210 | Typography I | 3 |
| GRC 220 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| GRC 275 | Web Design II | 3 |
| Electives - choose two classes 2 | 6 | |
| 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 Units | 60 | |
- 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.
