Program Overview
Students with an aptitude in creative problem solving, drawing, design, photography and/or computer related visual communication should consider this rapidly expanding and competitive field. The Visual Art & Design department allows students to specialize in the following areas: Animation, Game Development, Graphic Communications, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Photography, and Web Design.
Students who elect to pursue an Associate of Science in Graphic Communications will prepare themselves for transfer to a 4-year college or university and/or entry-level work in the graphic communications industry. Through this degree students use industry standard software applications, basic printing techniques, and technical procedures to prepare materials for both traditional publishing (printing) and new digital publishing technologies (web, tablets and digital devices).
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of this certificate, students may find entry-level design and layout positions in the Graphic Communications industry including but not limited to printing, publishing, and web design related careers. Students may elect to work in customer service, sales, design, production coordination, estimating, or prepress, etc.
What You Will Learn
- Through the successful completion of this Associate of Science degree students will be able to: read and comprehend selected educational materials relevant to current printing industry trends, read and comprehend selected educational materials relevant to the history and establishment of the printing industry, understand and adhere to proper safety regulations for working in an OSHA compliant environment, and create comprehensive print-ready and digital publication files that meet industry standards.
- Create a detailed checklist of the information needed to create print-ready and digital project files, participate in both in-class and online discussions using proper grammar and well-thought-out responses, and prepare and present new ideas and concepts to a group of students through class presentations and group work.
- Prepare artwork for print and digital outputs from design through file preparation using industry standard software; output projects using multiple printing processes including but not limited to digital, offset, and screen printing; prepare artwork as color separations, knock outs, overprints, and with variable data when applicable; and safely operate printing press equipment, print, and finish projects.
- Use critical thinking skills to prepare complex impositions, die lines, and other pertinent graphic arts industry skills; use basic math calculations to estimate job pricing, commissions, discounts, cost centers, budgeted hourly rates, and paper pricing; and learn how math is used in the graphic arts industry by calculating basic paper weights, resolution and image sizes, and other math related problems.
Transfer Pathway
The Graphic Communications AS degree has been aligned with the Graphic Communications CC as a pathway to completion. Students are encouraged to complete the CC first and then continue on the Graphic Communications AS degree (or Graphic Design AAS degree). Students wishing to transfer to a 4-year college or university should complete the Graphic Communications AS.
Estimated Cost
- Course Fees: $100
- Supplies: $150
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.
Additional Information
The Graphic Design & Communications program is committed to using Open Educational Resources (OER) whenever possible.
Program Entry Requirement
- Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Recommended: Artistic and technical aptitude, familiarity with computers is essential.