Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 SLCC General Catalog 
    
2019-2020 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Graphic Communications: AS


Associate of Science | 63 credits minimum

Visual Art & Design Division
South City Campus
General Information
801-957-4073
Program Information 801-957-3361
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising

Program Faculty
See program website

Visual Art & Design Department Concurrent Enrollment Liaison(s)
Trudy Richardson - Concurrent Enrollment Liaison, Instructor, BFA Drawing & Painting

Program Description
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, Graphic Communications, Graphic Design, Illustration, Multimedia, Photography, and Web Design.

Students who elect to pursue an AS Degree in Graphic Communications will prepare themselves for entry-level work in the graphic communications industry and/or transfer to a 4-year college or university. In this associate’s program students use standard software programs, basic printing techniques, and technical procedures to prepare materials for both traditional publishing (printing) and new digital publishing technologies (tablets and digital devices, etc…). Students pursuing this AS degree will prepare themselves for successful transfer to an institution offering four-year Graphic Arts degrees.

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…

Transfer/Articulation Information
This Associate of Science (AS) degree meets the requirements to satisfy the lower division general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree at all Utah public institutions of higher education. Admission into a major program at a transfer institution depends upon the receiving institution’s requirements for that major. Some major programs are restricted and require special application as well as a competitive GPA. See an Academic Advisor at both SLCC and the intended receiving institution for specific articulation information.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx

In addition to tuition and fees, and depending on chosen electives, Graphic Communications students may expect to pay an estimated $1000 for books and supplies needed for class projects in this two-year program.

Course fees: Approximately $500 depending on chosen electives. Course Fees are used for maintenance and upgrade of:

  • Press Equipment and Supplies
  • Computers, software and supplies
  • Servers, hosting, and storage space
  • Technologies relating to publishing

Estimated Time to Completion
The AS in Graphic Communications degree can be completed in four semesters. It is recommended students wishing to finish in that amount of time follow the suggested schedule outlined below specifically in regard to the sequencing of ART courses.

Program Entry Requirement
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Recommended: Artistic and technical aptitude, familiarity with computers is essential.

Program Student Learning Outcomes Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
  1 - Acquire substantive knowledge
2 - Communicate effectively
3 - Develop quantitative literacies
4 - Think critically & creatively
5 - Become a community engaged learner
6 - Work in professional & constructive manner
7 - Develop computer & information literacy

Demonstrate an understanding of current industry trends through selected reading materials, in class projects, and class trips.
Understand the history and establishment of the printing industry as it affects the past, present, and future of graphic communications.
Demonstrate an ability to properly follow safety regulations for working in an OSHA compliant environment.
Create comprehensive print-ready and digital publication files that meet current industry standards.

1

Create a detailed checklist of the information needed to create print-ready and digital project files.
Participate both in class and online discussions using proper grammar and well thought out responses.
Prepare and present new ideas and concepts to a group of students through class presentations and group work.

2

Prepare artwork for print and digital outputs from design through file preparation using industry leading software.
Output projects using multiple printing processes including digital, offset, screen printing, and new printing technologies.
Prepare artwork as color separations, knock outs, overprints, and with variable data printing when applicable.
Safely operate printing press equipment, print, and finish projects.

3

Use critical thinking skills to prepare complex impositions, dielines, 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.
Learn how math is used in the graphic arts industry by calculating basic paper weights, resolution and image sizes, and other math related problems.

4

Utilize industry standard software to complete print-ready documents.
Use industry standard software to complete digital publications.
Master industry standard prepress file preparation techniques.
Tour and/or intern at graphic communications industry companies.

5

Work in and/or tour professional printing companies.
Work collaboratively with professional organizations such as the Printing Industries of Utah.
Participate in hands-on printing activities at local printing companies.

6

Prepare artwork for print and digital outputs from design through file preparation using industry leading software.
Output projects using multiple printing processes including digital, offset, screen printing, and new printing technologies.
Prepare artwork as color separations, knock outs, overprints, and with variable data printing when applicable.

7

Work collaboratively with professional organizations such as the Printing Industries of Utah.
Understand the history and establishment of the printing industry as it affect the past, present, and future of graphic communications.
Prepare and present new ideas and concepts to a group of students through class presentations and group work.
Safely operate printing press equipment, print, and finish projects.

8

 

General Education Requirements


Core Skills


Quantitative Literacy (QL) 1 Course


American Institutions (AL) 1 Course


Institutional Requirements


Communication (CM) 1 Course


International & Global (IG) 1 Course


Lifelong Wellness (LW) 1 course


Distribution Areas


Select 1 course from each of the Distribution Areas, 5 total courses; 1 course must also be designated as a Diversity (DV).

Note


Students completing an AS in Graphic Communications are encouraged to complete a 3 credit ART 2080 - VAD Internship  for their chosen elective.

Advising Notes


Students who need to take preparatory classes to meet the requirements of first semester courses should plan on extra time to complete the program.

It is the student’s responsibility to examine each course description for details of prerequisite classes. Those prerequisites must be satisfied before the designated class may be taken. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C or better grade in order to continue in the program. A student may be dropped from a class if the prerequisite has not been completed. If progress is not deemed satisfactory, students will be counseled and/or given probationary status.

Students should check the semester class schedule on the Internet at www.slcc.edu for availability and modifications caused by varying enrollment. Required departmental classes are not offered every semester. To graduate in two years, students are encouraged to follow the recommended sequence.

Not all Visual Art & Design (ART) classes may be audited. This is especially true for any Visual Art & Design class that has a prerequisite (see course catalog for list of prerequisite classes). Auditing a prerequisite course does not guarantee that the student has mastered the required skills needed for the next level class. Some Visual Art & Design classes that have a prerequisite may be audited if the student can demonstrate an appropriate skill level to the instructor before registering for the class. Students wishing to audit any Visual Art & Design (ART) class without officially completing a prerequisite class (with a ‘C’ grade or better) must obtain signed permission from the instructor or email authorization before registering for the class. Visual Art & Design (ART) classes that do not have a prerequisite may be audited as per the Auditing Classes guidelines listed in the SLCC catalog.

All students enrolled in the Visual Art & Design program automatically become members of SkillsUSA, sponsor of the Professional Development Program (PDP). This program is designed to promote leadership, communication, problem solving and skills necessary for employment. Students are encouraged to participate in competitions in their area of specialization.

For information on clubs or organizations within the Visual Art & Design Department, contact the advisor or instructors in the individual areas of specialization.

Additional Program Notes


For information about Student Resources such as Academic Links, Learning/Tutoring, Financial Information, General Resources, Services for Students, Student Life, Health & Recreation, Campus Life and other important information (Disclosures, Student Code of Conduct, Policies/Procedures, and Student Records, etc.) visit: www.slcc.edu/students-current/resources