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Graphic Design A.S.

Program Information

(GRPH-AS)

The purpose of the Graphic Design Associate Degree program is:

To provide a graphic design terminal or transfer program in the area of graphic design, digital media, computer graphics and advertising;

  • to offer a degree program for those considering an entry-level position in related graphic design fields; and

  • to provide greater technical knowledge and awareness of the creative visual arts to the community. The program is structured to equip students with a sound foundation in technical skills, graphic design concepts, aesthetics, terminology and vocabulary, and to provide an awareness of the application of acquired technical knowledge. Computer use will be an integral part of the program.

This degree provides the Graphic Design student with a broad, art-based degree primarily for transfer with fundamental skills developed in 2D, 3D and time-based studios. It provides students with a Graphic Design track to 4-year university programs with a broad and foundational art and design background.

In addition to the general Graphic Design degree, students may choose Graphic Design: Design & Illustration or Graphic Design: Digital Media/Web Design.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all Graphic Design degree program requirements, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of graphic design as a form of communication and art.

  • Develop an ability to use design processes and principles to create visual products that convey a specific message to a targeted audience.

  • Integrate creative thinking skills and strategies and use problem-solving techniques across a wide range of media.

  • Communicate an understanding of how creative processes and skills are integrated with printing and other reproduction processes found in the graphic design field.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of new technologies such as computer graphics that continue to evolve into important production tools.

  • Identify the varied career paths within the graphics industry including, but not limited to, art direction, illustration, project design, production art, graphic design and media direction.

  • Develop a portfolio of work reflecting knowledge, techniques, and creativity gained during the student’s course of study.

In addition to the Graphic Design A.S. program learning outcomes students will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the application of the Principles of Design, Elements of Art, Visual Literacy and as an option, gain industry experience through internship.

  • Integrate skills, techniques, and the safe use of materials and equipment necessary for studio art creation. Combine an understanding of art, design concepts, critical thinking, and problem solving in order to apply these skills to art processes using a variety of media.

  • Communicate and critique art and concepts using specific art vocabulary.

  • Apply a strong fine arts foundation and high quality, relevant coursework in preparation for career or transfer.

  • Evaluate and demonstrate a historical, cross-cultural appreciation and awareness of the field of visual art. Develop an understanding of the principles and elements of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design and their applications to various studio disciplines.

The Graphic Design A.S. transfers to 4-year State Universities and private 4-year Art Schools in-state such as the Hartford Art School, and out of state, Mass College of Art, Springfield College, SCAD. Students may enroll in art and graphic design courses full- or part-time. There are no requirements or prerequisites (other than individual course prerequisites) for students wishing to take courses part-time or as electives for other programs. Graphic design/fine arts faculty members are available for consultation with students who wish to enroll in the program and, thereafter, for course selection and transfer information.

Graphic Design General Education Core (21-24 credits)

Graphic Design Program Core (30 credits)

Studio Electives (9 credits)

Total Credits: 60 - 63

Graphic Design: Design & Illustration, AS (GRPH-AS-DIL)

Design & Illustration Option:

Illustration is a parallel field to Graphic Design and many designers are also illustrators. This option provides students with project-based, hands-on and digital classes in Illustration, drawing and painting to lay the foundation for transfer or career opportunities in Illustrating for design. It provides Graphic Design students an Illustration track to a 4-year transfer degree and/or career in illustration, with an emphasis on design.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all Graphic Design degree program requirements, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of graphic design as a form of communication and art.

  • Develop an ability to use design processes and principles to create visual products that convey a specific message to a targeted audience.

  • Integrate creative thinking skills and strategies and use problem-solving techniques across a wide range of media.

  • Communicate an understanding of how creative processes and skills are integrated with printing and other reproduction processes found in the graphic design field.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of new technologies such as computer graphics that continue to evolve into important production tools.

  • Identify the varied career paths within the graphics industry including, but not limited to, art direction, illustration, project design, production art, graphic design and media direction.

  • Develop a portfolio of work reflecting knowledge, techniques, and creativity gained during the student’s course of study.

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the application of the Principles of Design, Elements of Art, Visual Literacy and as an option, gain industry experience through internship.

Design & Illustration Learning Outcomes:

In addition to the Graphic Design A.S. program learning outcomes students will:

  • Become competent in a variety of artistic and digital media. Develop the ability to identify, analyze, and solve design problems.

  • Obtain an understanding of the aesthetics of illustration and of the history and current state of design. Become proficient in the selection and use of relevant technologies and computer software in illustration. Ability to use available software and non-digital processes to sketch, model, and produce an illustration.

  • Design and develop an illustration from sketch to mockup to finished process.

  • Become proficient in presenting work as well as discussing and constructively critiquing the work of others.

The Graphic Design A.S. transfers to 4-year State Universities and private 4-year Art Schools in-state such as the Hartford Art School, and out of state, Mass College of Art, Springfield College, SCAD. Students may enroll in art and graphic design courses full- or part-time. There are no requirements or prerequisites (other than individual course prerequisites) for students wishing to take courses part-time or as electives for other programs. Graphic design/fine arts faculty members are available for consultation with students who wish to enroll in the program and, thereafter, for course selection and transfer information.

Design & Illustration Electives (9 credits)

Choose 3 courses:

Total Credits: 60 - 63

Graphic Design: Digital Media/Web Design, AS (GRPH-AS-DMW)

The purpose of the Graphic Design Associate Degree program is:

To provide a graphic design terminal or transfer program in the area of graphic design, digital media, computer graphics and advertising;

  1. to offer a degree program for those considering an entry-level position in related graphic design fields; and

  2. to provide greater technical knowledge and awareness of the creative visual arts to the community. The program is structured to equip students with a sound foundation in technical skills, graphic design concepts, aesthetics, terminology and vocabulary, and to provide an awareness of the application of acquired technical knowledge. Computer use will be an integral part of the program.

The Digital Media/Web Design program prepares students with a foundation of courses in art, graphic design, and digital media. This provides our students with a broad range of skills and the opportunity to explore a variety of career options. Web and Media design is in high demand as an industry and career track. This option focuses on digital media and web development to prepare students for a career in time-based media and web design.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of all Graphic Design degree program requirements, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of graphic design as a form of communication and art.

  • Develop an ability to use design processes and principles to create visual products that convey a specific message to a targeted audience.

  • Integrate creative thinking skills and strategies and use problem-solving techniques across a wide range of media.

  • Communicate an understanding of how creative processes and skills are integrated with printing and other reproduction processes found in the graphic design field.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of new technologies such as computer graphics that continue to evolve into important production tools.

  • Identify the varied career paths within the graphics industry including, but not limited to, art direction, illustration, project design, production art, graphic design and media direction.

  • Develop a portfolio of work reflecting knowledge, techniques, and creativity gained during the student’s course of study.

  • Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the application of the Principles of Design, Elements of Art, Visual Literacy and as an option, gain industry experience through internship.

Digital Media/Web Design Learning Outcomes:

In addition to the Graphic Design A.S. program learning outcomes students will:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in the skills that are required in today’s graphic design industry.

  • Attain an expanded awareness and a critical understanding of graphic design products.

  • Demonstrate proficiency with graphic design and digital media software that are industry standards. Become proficient in principles of Interaction Design and user experience processes as they relate to front- end web design and interactive graphics.

The Graphic Design A.S. transfers to 4-year State Universities and private 4-year Art Schools in-state such as the Hartford Art School, and out of state, Mass College of Art, Springfield College, SCAD. Students may enroll in art and graphic design courses full- or part-time. There are no requirements or prerequisites (other than individual course prerequisites) for students wishing to take courses part-time or as electives for other programs. Graphic design/fine arts faculty members are available for consultation with students who wish to enroll in the program and, thereafter, for course selection and transfer information.

Digital Media/Web Design Electives (9 credits)

Choose 3 courses:

Total Credits: 60-63

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Graphic Design: Web Design Certificate (WEBD-CC)

The Web Design Certificate (WEBD-CC) prepares students with foundation courses in graphic design and web design. The courses provide students with skills needed for a career in web design. The focus of this certificate option is to complement graphic design skills learned in Graphic Design, AS (GRPH-AS), Graphic Design: Design & Illustration, AS (GRPH-AS-DIL), Art Studies - CSCU Transfer Degree, AA (ARTT-AA-TAP) (graphic design), or AS, AA, BA or BFA degrees in graphic design. Having a range of skills in both print and web design strengthens career opportunities for graphic designers. The certificate explores the application of the principles of design related to web design. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Web Design Certificate requirements, graduates will:

  1. Use creative thinking skills and strategies, typography, image editing, design processes and principles to create visual products that convey a specific message to a targeted audience.

  2. Demonstrate a working knowledge in software applications, file management and computer navigation basics used in the field of graphic design and web design.

  3. Develop websites that apply industry standard techniques and are accessible, audience specific and publishable across several platforms.

  4. Write and edit code for websites built for mobile devises.

  5. Analyze and critique websites based on aesthetic contexts, functionality and client needs.

  6. Evaluate the economic and ethical concerns when creating a website and how it can influence and affect society.

  7. Identify the varied career paths within the graphics industry including, but not limited to, art direction, illustration, project design, production art, graphic design and media direction.

  8. Create a portfolio of work reflecting knowledge, techniques, and creativity gained during the student’s course of study.

Required Courses

Studio Electives - Choose 9 credits

Total Credits: 18
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Get in Touch

860-512-2692

maura.oconnor@ctstate.edu

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