Graphic Design Associate in Arts Degree
Division: Visual and Performing Arts
PROGRAM CODE: 1A10448A
Financial Aid Eligible
Graphic design is the process of visual communication and problem-solving through the use of typography, photography, iconography and illustration. The field is considered a subset of visual communication and communication design, but sometimes the term "graphic design" is used synonymously. Students studying graphic design will create and combine symbols, images and text to form visual representations of ideas and messages. They use typography, visual arts, and page layout techniques to create visual compositions. Common applications of graphic design include corporate design (logos and branding), editorial design (magazines, newspapers and books), wayfinding or environmental design, advertising, web design, communication design, product packaging, and signage. The primary emphasis is to prepare the student for employment. To earn an Associate Degree students must complete: (1) all major course requirements with a grade of C or better; (2) Cypress College Local General Education requirements or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements; (3) any elective courses to complete a minimum of 60 units; and, (4) have a minimum GPA of 2.0. At least 50% of all major course work must be completed at Cypress College. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at a transfer institution offering a Baccalaureate Degree. For information on specific university requirements, please consult with your counselor, or visit the Transfer Center. This degree requires a total of 33 units in addition to other general education requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses are listed in suggested sequence (27 units): | ||
| MAD 122 C | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| MAD 100 C | Introduction to Media Arts Design | 3 |
| MAD 116 C | Graphic Design I (formerly ART 140 C) | 3 |
| MAD 117 C | Graphic Design II (formerly MAD 144 C) | 3 |
| MAD 118 C | Graphic Design III (formerly ART 142 C) | 3 |
| MAD 102 C | Introduction to WEB Design (formerly Introduction to WEB Graphics-Mac) | 3 |
| or MAD 103 C | Exploring WEB Design (formerly Introduction to WEB Graphics-Windows) | |
| MAD 112 C | Digital Illustration (formerly Electronic Illustration-Mac) | 3 |
| MAD 134 C | Digital Imaging (formerly Digital Imaging-Mac) | 3 |
| MAD 201 C | 3D Typography for Media Design | 3 |
| Elective Courses - Selectg one course from the following (3 units): | 3 | |
| Motion Design I (formerly Motion Graphics I) | 3 | |
| Video Editing (formerly Video Editing-Mac) | 3 | |
| Projection Design (formerly Projection Mapping for Live Entertainment) | 3 | |
| Introduction to 2D Animation | 3 | |
| Illustration | 3 | |
| Introduction to Photography | 3 | |
| Total Units | 30 | |
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
OUTCOME 1: Acquire the workforce preparation skills, including graphic design, motion design, typography, illustration and digital art necessary for employment in the graphic design industry.
OUTCOME 2: Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to conceptualize ideas and to create digital design.
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