Integrated Media: Graphic Design - AAS Degree
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Integrated Media: Graphic Design (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in graphic design, digital media, advertising, and visual communication. The curriculum combines artistic development with hands-on technical training to prepare students for professional work in print, digital, and multimedia design environments.
Coursework includes topics such as layout design, typography, illustration, page composition, web design, branding, advertising, and digital media production. Students develop practical creative and technical skills using industry-standard Adobe software, Mac-based production tools, and digital design technologies.
The Integrated Media: Graphic Design program is workforce-focused and prepares students for careers as graphic designers, production artists, publication designers, freelance designers, marketing support specialists, and junior designers in a variety of creative industries.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Collaborate effectively with others
- Demonstrate ability to utilize industry standard technology
- Use effective oral and written communication
- Access and analyze information
- Demonstrate curiosity and imagination
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| GD150 | Principles of Graphic Design | 5 |
| IM120 | Computers and File Management | 1 |
| IM122 | Basic Image Editing | 1 |
| IM123 | Basic Sound Editing | 1 |
| IM124 | Basic Non-linear Editing | 1 |
| IM125 | Basic Page Layout | 1 |
| IM178 | Integrated Media Overview | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| GD151 | Composition and Production | 5 |
| GD160 | Typography Systems | 5 |
| IM165 | Image Manipulation | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| GD152 | Concept, Creativity and Unity | 5 |
| GD165 | Digital Illustration | 4 |
| IM190 | Web for Media | 2 |
| J100 | Media Professions | 2 |
| Human Relations | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| GD250 | Developing Brand Identity | 5 |
| GD260 | Professional Practice for Graphic Designers | 2 |
| IM270 | Project Development | 4 |
| GD248 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| GD251 | Advanced Typographic Layout | 4 |
| IM271 | The Creative Pitch | 4 |
| IM265 | Personal Branding | 2 |
| Health and Physical Education requirement | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Integrated Media Focus: Graphic Design | ||
| Integrated Media Focus: Graphic Design | ||
| Integrated Media Focus: Photography | ||
| Integrated Media Focus: Video | ||
| Integrated Media Focus: Video | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| GD252 | Digital Media Studio | 5 |
| IM290 | Integrated Media Portfolio | 4 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher) or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4 |
| Select a course or combination of courses from the following list to complete a minimum of 4 credits: | 4 | |
| Integrated Media Projects or Coop Ed-Integrated Media or Coop Ed-Integrated Media or Coop Ed-Integrated Media or Coop Ed-Integrated Media | ||
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 94 | |
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Students intending to transfer to a 4 year university are recommended to also take ART204 History of Western Art: Prehistoric - Byzantine, ART205 History of Western Art: Medieval - Renaissance and ART206 History of Western Art: Baroque - Modern.
Awarding Requirements
The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Integrated Media: Graphic Design degree:
- All core program courses (IM, GD) courses must be completed within ten (10) years of starting the program.