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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Major: 3201
Effective Term: 2024 Fall   

Award: AAS
Total Credits: 61-68
CIP Code: 50.0409

Instructional Council: Art
GPA: 2.0
SOC Code: Upon completion of this degree, students may pursue a career as:
27-1021.00 Commercial and Industrial Designers
27-4021.00 Photographers
27-1024.00 Graphic Designers

Upon completion of a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue a career as:
27-1011.00 Art Directors


Description: The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Graphic Design develops the knowledge and skills required in the areas of photography, digital imaging, and graphic design. The coursework includes creating graphic designs, including images, layouts, typography, packaging, motion and interactive graphics, and branding in various print and digital media. This degree prepares students for employment and upgrades the skills of persons employed in occupations such as production artists, graphic designers, freelance artist-designers, and art directors. A Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Graphic Design is also available.

Learning Outcomes
1. Create complex designs to project specifications, demonstrating professional competence in research, planning, production, and presentation. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC248, AVC283, AVC100, ART111, ART113, AVC114, ART116, AVC142, AVC178, AVC/MMT190, ART255, AVC280++, AVC297++, CIS133DA, AVC289, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC192, AVC200, AVC210, AVC/THO246, (COM), (CRE), [FYC], [MA], [SB], [SG], [SQ])
2. Apply critical thinking skills, the creative process, and historical and visual literacy to solve complex visual, technical, and conceptual problems. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC248, AVC283, ART111, ART113, AVC114, ART116, AVC142, AVC178, AVC/MMT190, ART255, AVC280++, AVC297++, CIS133DA, AVC289, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC192, AVC200, AVC210, AVC/THO246, ARH101, ARH102, ARH110, (CRE), [FYC], [SB], [SG], [SQ])
3. Critique design solutions to evaluate their effectiveness. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC248, AVC283, AVC178, AVC/MMT190, ART255, AVC280++, AVC297++, AVC289, ART113, AVC114, AVC142, CIS133DA, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC192, AVC200, AVC210, AVC/THO246, ARH101, ARH102, ARH110, (CRE), [FYC])
4. Apply industry standard tools and research to develop effective media, designs, and workflows. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC283, AVC100, AVC178, AVC/MMT190, AVC280++, AVC297++, AVC114, AVC142, CIS133DA, AVC289, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC192, AVC200, AVC210, AVC/THO246, (CRE), [FYC], [MA], [SB], [SG], [SQ])
5. Demonstrate collaborative practices. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC248, AVC283, ART113, AVC114, AVC178, ART255, AVC280++, AVC297++, AVC289, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC/THO246, ARH101, ARH102, ARH110, (CRE), (COM), [FYC], [SB], [SG], [SQ])
6. Communicate design solutions that meet audience needs and recognize cultural and individual differences. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC248, AVC283, AVC100, ART113, AVC114, ART116, AVC142, AVC178, AVC/MMT190, ART255, AVC280++, AVC297++, CIS133DA, AVC289, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC192, AVC200, AVC210, AVC/THO246, ARH101, ARH102, ARH110, (CRE), (COM), [FYC], [SB])
7. Create a collection of works (e.g., capstone, internships, and/or portfolio) that reflect professional competency. (AVC169, AVC177, AVC183, AVC248, AVC283, ART111, ART113, AVC114, ART116, AVC142, AVC178, AVC/MMT190, ART255, AVC280++, AVC297++, CIS133DA, AVC289, ART103, ART/COM/STO150, AVC175, AVC192, AVC200, AVC210, AVC/THO246, [FYC], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
8. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Program Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.




Required Courses
+ AVC169 2D Media Design 3
+ AVC177 Digital Photographic Imaging I 3
AVC183 Digital Graphic Arts I 3

AVC248 Design Self Promotion (3) OR
ART255 Art Marketing (3) 3

+ AVC283 Digital Graphic Arts II 3
AVC100 Introduction to Digital Arts 1

ART111 Drawing I (3) OR
ART116 Life Drawing I (3) 3

ART113 Color (3) OR
AVC114 Digital Color (3) 3

AVC142 Introduction to Digital Photography 3
+ AVC178 Digital Arts Studies 3

AVC/MMT190 Art of Web Site Design (3) OR
CIS133DA Internet/Web Development Level I (3) 3

Capstone/Internship Course:
+ AVC280++ Digital Media Arts and Design Capstone (1-3) OR
+ AVC297++ Computer Graphic Design Internship (1-3) 1-3

FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
Credits: 33-37

+ indicates course has prerequisites and/or corequisites.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 27, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.