Associate of Applied Science | 62 credits minimum
Program Website
Academic Advising
Program Description
Students with an aptitude in creative problem-solving, drawing, painting, design, photography, and related visual communication should consider the rapidly expanding and competitive creative field of Visual Art. The Visual Art AAS degree allows students to choose a track for an emphasis in one of the areas to specialize in: Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Content Creation & Delivery, Photography, and Web Design. The foundational classes are open to all levels of ability. There are no departmental entrance requirements other than curiosity and an interest in exploring your creative voice and vision.
Animation Emphasis: Students learn and develop foundation drawing and design skills, apply animation principles in time-based visualizations, and illustrate a working knowledge of quality visual storytelling. Pursuing this track, students will earn an AAS in Visual Art with Emphasis in Animation.
Game Development Emphasis: Pursuing an emphasis in Game Development provides a foundational knowledge of design, 3D modeling, and programming. With this knowledge and skillset, students are equipped to develop engaging and innovative digital experiences across various industries.
Graphic Design Emphasis: Bringing real-world experience and expertise into visual communication projects, students learn about typography, layout, design, brand identity, paper, printing, package design, advertising methods, file preparation, Adobe software, and more. Pursuing this track, students will earn an AAS in Visual Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design.
Photography Emphasis: Industry demand for imagery is extremely high and supports photographers and videographers who can drive the marketplace forward. Students will acquire essential visual communication through exceptional composition, light, and technology through the art of making imagery. Photography is the visual engine for storytelling and is widely utilized across diverse businesses. Pursuing this track, students will earn an AAS in Visual Art with Emphasis in Photography.
Web Design Emphasis: Students obtain creative and technical skill sets in web design, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as structural knowledge of web marketing, web animation, e-commerce, and the social and mobile web. Pursuing this track, students will earn an AAS in Visual Art with Emphasis in Web Design.
Career Opportunities
Animation Emphasis: Animation artists find a variety of careers in creating digital 2D and 3D art and animation in the video game, film, broadcast, visual effects, mobile, and Internet industries.
Game Development Emphasis: Graduates of the Game Development program are prepared for careers in entertainment, education, medicine, and military applications. In these fields, they create interactive experiences using VR, AR, and other immersive technologies.
Graphic Design Emphasis: A good foundation in graphic design will prepare you for jobs in graphic design, package design, advertising and marketing, lettering design, surface pattern design, TV and film, book and magazine publishing, printing, paper, web design, animation, textile design, tradeshow and exhibit design, game design, art director, creative director, production artist, and public relations.
Photography Emphasis: Opportunities in photography include advertising, architecture, aerial (drone) photography, automotive, catalog photography, concerts, events, editorial photography, fashion, fine art, portrait photography, people, stock photography, sports, real estate, and travel. Photographers often work entrepreneurially as freelancers or in-house for a business corporation as digital technicians, digital image specialists, image editors, or salespersons.
Web Design Emphasis: A web design artist will find varied careers in the design, creation, and maintenance of websites in the promotion, film, broadcast, visual effects, mobile, and internet industries. Various careers for web designers include web designer, web project manager, media designer, web developer, content developer, front-end developer, social media strategist, UI designer, interaction designer, art director, UX designer, webmaster, SEO specialist, digital marketing manager, content manager, web manager, web strategist, web marketing director, and web animator.
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
| Emphasis |
Course Fees |
Supplies |
Total |
| Animation |
$300 |
$300 |
$600 |
| Game Development |
$300 |
$300 |
$600 |
| Graphic Design |
$185 |
$600 |
$785 |
| Photography |
$270 |
$600 |
$870 |
| Web Design |
$50 |
$200 |
$250 |
Note: Fees vary based upon specific registration and are subject to changes.
Program Entry Requirements
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Recommended: Artistic and technical aptitude, familiarity with traditional drawing and computers.
Photography: Students seeking the Photography Emphasis must have their own camera with full manual capabilities.
