Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science

My Academic Plan

Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your degree and should be completed in the order listed. If you are unable to complete all courses listed in a semester, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Pathways Advisor.

Program Description

This program is designed for students wanting to complete a two-year AAS Degree in Graphic Design and enter the workforce. Students explore the traditional aspects of graphic design and print materials, digital illustrations, photography, and dynamic page layouts. This digital media degree gives students the foundation to go into a variety of career fields, from traditional advertising agencies to design agencies to video production companies to web production companies. Students learn how to use industry-standard design software and learn about typography, images, and the creative process involved in designing graphics that clearly present information. Our digital media degree program also includes a series of art courses to give students a solid foundation in the core of graphic design. 

Learn more about this program.

First Semester

MGD 111	Adobe Photoshop I	3
MGD 112	Adobe Illustrator I	3
MGD 117	Introduction to Visual Communications	3
MGD 133	Graphic Design I	3
MGD 103	Introduction to Production Design	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Semester Note: Upon completion of MGD 111, MGD 112, MGD 117, MGD 103, and MGD 133, you should apply for the Fundamentals in Multimedia Technology Certificate.

Second Semester

MGD 116	Typography I	3
MGD 114	Adobe InDesign	3
MGD 233	Graphic Design II	3
ENGLISH	ENG 121/122/131	3
ELECTIVE	MGD 211/212/202	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Third Semester

ART 121	Drawing I	3
ART 131	Visual Concepts 2-D Design	3
ELECTIVE	MGD 141/143/164/165, Any MGD Prefix, ART 139/239	3
ELECTIVE	MGD 211/212/202	3
GEN EDU	Any Approved Elective List Course	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Fourth Semester

MATH	MAT 107 or Higher	3
ELECTIVE	MGD 141/143/164/165, Any MGD Prefix, ART 139/239	3
ELECTIVE	MGD 203/256/259 or Any MGD Prefix	3
ELECTIVE	MGD 203/256/259 or Any MGD Prefix	3
MGD 268	Business for Creatives	3
Total Credit Hours:		15

Semester Note: You should take MGD 268 in the last semester.

Upon completion of MGD 111, MGD 112, MGD 117, MGD 133, MGD 103, MGD 116, MGD 114, MGD 233, MGD 268 and one course from: MGD 211, MGD 212, or MGD 202, you should apply for the Graphic Design Certificate.

Upon completion of MGD 111, MGD 112, MGD 117, MGD 114, MGD 103, MGD 141, MGD 211, MGD 268, either: MGD 163 or MUS 163, and one course from: MGD 143, MGD 153, MGD 164, or MGD 256, MGD 212, MGD 259, or ART 139, you should apply for the Multimedia Certificate.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Important Program Information:

Scheduling may vary per campus locations. You are encouraged to register for courses in accord with their main campus scheduling.

The Graphic Design Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree is valued with higher regard as it requires more education to obtain than a certificate. As such, it is recommended that interested students declare the AAS Degree as the overall goal. Students declaring the AAS Degree will also complete the Fundamentals of Multimedia Certificate as well as a certificate in the chosen focus area by the time of graduation.