Associate of Applied Science, Graphic Design and Multimedia

About this degree

This Visual Communications degree prepares students for initial employment and career advancement, or transfer to four-year colleges. Employment responsibilities in these areas include: graphic design with computer design software, Website design with animation abilities, development of layout and production design of advertising for newspapers and magazines, and the overall layout and production of signage, newspapers, magazines, corporate reports, and other publications. Increasingly, graphic designers develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:Use the basic tools and techniques of a visual communicator

• Communicate in an effective and professional manner both verbally and in writing with the ability to incorporate critique recommendations in revising their work
• Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines
• Use computer and related technology in the execution of visual communications projects
• Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design
• Produce a body of work demonstrating the ability to solve visual communications problems
• Market themselves using their portfolio and visual communications skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of graphic designs
• Use relevant tools and technologies including use of 2D and 3D software applications such as modeling, animation, illustration, video, sound, photography, print and web authoring programs
• Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design, color theory, and their application to graphic designs
• Produce a portfolio demonstrating the ability to solve graphic design problems

Career Opportunities

Graphic designer, graphic design assistant, graphic artist, layout and production technician.

Associate of Applied Science, Professional Photography

About this degree

 This program option prepares students for initial employment, career advancement, and transfer to four-year colleges. Employment responsibilities in these areas include: photographing in a studio and/or location, digital processing and imaging, marketing, exhibiting, and video production.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Use the basic tools and techniques of a visual communicator
• Communicate in an effective and professional manner both verbally and in writing with the ability to incorporate critique recommendations in revising their work
• Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines
• Use computer and related technology in the execution of visual communications projects
• Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design
• Produce a body of work demonstrating the ability to solve visual communications problems
• Market themselves using their portfolio and visual communications skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of industry standard equipment, techniques, and technologies specific to the practice of photography
• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, political and social context in which photographic images are created and viewed
• Interpret contemporary theory and forms and the contextualization of photography within the larger world of the arts
• Critically analyze and evaluate examples of photographic art
• Execute efficient lighting techniques for both natural and constructed scenes on location or in a studio setting
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of industry standard equipment, techniques, and workflows specific to the practice of photography
• Achieve an understanding of the historical, political, and social context in which photographic images are created and viewed
• Communicate with a visual vocabulary to interpret photographic works, theory, and design principles appropriate to the practice of image-based media in both the fine art and commercial fields
• Develop a branding identity package and a professional photography portfolio that showcases technical skills and individual vision

Career Opportunities

Commercial photographer, portrait photographer, wedding photographer, photojournalist, industrial photographer, videographer, digital imager, and photography lab manager.  Employment responsibilities in these areas include:  photographing in a studio and/or location, digital processing and imaging, marketing, exhibiting, and video production.

Associate of Applied Science, Simulation and Gaming Design 

About this degree

The Simulation Design and Gaming degree provides high quality, hands-on, career education in the areas of interactive and 3D design. Students will complete the process of developing 3D animation, visualization, simulation, and interactive experience. The program will prepare students for initial employment, career advancement, and transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Vocalize and document critical remarks in regards to a project’s quality, aesthetics, and basic requirements
• Develop a production process to complete consistent quality designs in an appropriate amount of time
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize a variety of industry standard hardware and software to produce aesthetically pleasing designs
• Produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional content that is optimized for animation, film, or interactive media
• Develop basic to intermediate-level computer code that is appropriate for multimedia and interactive presentations
• Create a portfolio that demonstrates solid foundational art skills as well as intermediate-level technical knowledge

Career Opportunities

Software engineer, graphics programmer, 2D/3D artist, game developer, animator in government agencies, computer consulting firms, advertising firms, gaming/gambling industries.

Associate of Applied Science, Video Production 

About this degree

This program option provides high quality, hands-on, career education in television, film, documentary, industrial, and commercial video production. The program helps students prepare for initial employment, career advancement, and transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Use the basic tools and techniques of a visual communicator
• Communicate in an effective and professional manner both verbally and in writing with the ability to incorporate critique recommendations in revising their work
• Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines
• Use computer and related technology in the execution of visual communications projects
• Demonstrate knowledge of the elements and principles of design
• Produce a body of work demonstrating the ability to solve visual communications problems
• Market themselves using their portfolio and visual communications skills
• Demonstrate preproduction, direction, production, postproduction, and distribution of narrative, documentary and commercial videos
• Perform the duties of various technical crew positions in single and multi-camera production environments
• Explain and demonstrate knowledge of video preproduction techniques by preparing preproduction materials for video productions
• Operate video production lighting, cameras and sound equipment according to industry standards
• Utilize post-production video techniques to edit digital video projects with graphics, picture, sound and editing

Career Opportunities

Camera operator, television production assistant, TV, film or video producer, video editor.

Associate of Applied Science, Web Design and Multimedia 

About this degree

The Simulation Design and Gaming degree provides high quality, hands-on, career education in the areas of interactive and 3D design. Students will complete the process of developing 3D animation, visualization, simulation, and interactive experience. The program will prepare students for initial employment, career advancement, and transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Vocalize and document critical remarks in regards to a project’s quality, aesthetics, and basic requirements
• Develop a production process to complete consistent quality designs in an appropriate amount of time
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize a variety of industry standard hardware and software to produce aesthetically pleasing designs
• Produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional content that is optimized for animation, film, or interactive media
• Develop basic to intermediate-level computer code that is appropriate for multimedia and interactive presentations
• Create a portfolio that demonstrates solid foundational art skills as well as intermediate-level technical knowledge

Career Opportunities

Web graphic designer, instructional designer, media communications consultant, web graphic animator, web page designer.