Nov 25, 2024  
2023-2024 SLCC General Catalog 
    
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2023-2024 SLCC General Catalog [**** ATTENTION: YOU ARE VIEWING AN ARCHIVED CATALOG ****]

Graphic Communications: AS

Associate of Science | 61 credits minimum

Program Website
Academic Advising

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, Game Development, Graphic Communications, Graphic Design, Illustration, Multimedia, Motion Graphics, Photography, and Web Design.

Students who elect to pursue an Associate of Science in Graphic Communications will prepare themselves for transfer to a 4-year college or university and/or entry-level work in the graphic communications industry. Through this degree students use industry standard software applications, basic printing techniques, and technical procedures to prepare materials for both traditional publishing (printing) and new digital publishing technologies (web, tablets and digital devices).

The Graphic Communications AS degree has been aligned with the Graphic Communications CC as a pathway to completion. Students are encouraged to complete the CC first and then continue on the Graphic Communications AS degree (or Graphic Design AAS degree). Students wishing to transfer to a 4-year college or university should complete the Graphic Communications AS.

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 and a portfolio review. See an Academic Advisor at both SLCC and the intended receiving institution for specific course-level articulation information.

University of Utah Articulation Agreement

SLCC Graphic Communications AS to University of Utah Graphic Design BFA Program Articulation
SLCC and the University of Utah have partnered to create a program-level articulation for students wishing to continue their studies in the U of U’s Graphic Design BFA program. Students who successfully complete the Graphic Communications (AS) degree and choose the specific elective classes listed below will be accepted into the University of Utah’s Graphic Design BFA program at junior status. Please note, students must first be accepted as a student at the University of Utah before being admitted into the Graphic Design BFA program.
Please see Advising Notes below for the specific details of the articulation agreement. Graphic Design & Communications faculty will host a transfer information session with SLCC and University of Utah advisors during Fall and Spring semesters. Students interested in transferring should attend each semester to ensure adequate progress is being made toward completion.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Course Fees: $100
Supplies: $150

The Graphic Design & Communications program is committed to using Open Educational Resources (OER) whenever possible.

 NOTE: Fees may vary based upon specific registration and are subject to change.

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

General Education Requirements

Complete all General Education courses. Refer to Notes for program specific requirements and recommendations. 

 .

Program General Education Notes

RECOMMENDED:

Quantitative Literacy (QL): MATH 1030

Program Requirements

Required Courses (6 Credits)

Elective Courses (21-23 Credits)

Complete any 21-23 ART course credits until minimum credits needed for completion is met (61 credits). We recommend not exceeding 63 credits before completing this degree program. Students wishing to transfer to a 4-year college or university should complete the recommended courses for transfer (listed below). Students wishing to complete this certificate as a completely online degree may do so by choosing courses from the online course offerings list (also listed below).

Students planning to transfer to the University of Utah must complete the following courses.
Refer to the University of Utah’s transfer course and grade requirements for more details: University of Utah Articulation Agreement

Students wanting to complete this degree as a fully online program, and are not planning to transfer to the University of Utah, may choose any of the courses below:

Time to Completion & Graduation Map

  • Graphic Communications AS: Full-time  
  • Time to completion is 4 semesters based on a full-time minimum of 15 credits per semester. Less than 15 credits per semester will increase the time to completion.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes  in brackets.

  • Through the successful completion of this Associate of Science degree students will be able to: read and comprehend selected educational materials relevant to current printing industry trends, read and comprehend selected educational materials relevant to the history and establishment of the printing industry, understand and adhere to proper safety regulations for working in an OSHA compliant environment, and create comprehensive print-ready and digital publication files that meet industry standards. [1]
  • Create a detailed checklist of the information needed to create print-ready and digital project files, participate in both in-class and online discussions using proper grammar and well-thought-out responses, and prepare and present new ideas and concepts to a group of students through class presentations and group work. [2,7]
  • Prepare artwork for print and digital outputs from design through file preparation using industry standard software; output projects using multiple printing processes including but not limited to digital, offset, and screen printing; prepare artwork as color separations, knock outs, overprints, and with variable data when applicable; and safely operate printing press equipment, print, and finish projects. [3,8,9]
  • Use critical thinking skills to prepare complex impositions, die lines, 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; and learn how math is used in the graphic arts industry by calculating basic paper weights, resolution and image sizes, and other math related problems. [3,4]