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
Please refer to the Student Resources section of the SLCC University Transfer webpage.

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.

Associate of Science (AS) / Associate of Arts (AA) Degree General Education Requirements

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

ART 1110 Foundation I Drawing
ART 1135 Printing Fundamentals
ART 1230 Typography & Layout
ART 1280 Photoshop Software
ART 2010 History of Graphic Design - 3 credits
ART 2412 Illustrator Software
ART 2200 Advanced InDesign Software
ART 2230 Advanced Typography & Layout
ARTH 2720 Art History: Renaissance/Contemporary (HU) (take as Humanities general education requirement)

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]