GRAPHIC DESIGN

ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE

The fully online Graphic Design degree program prepares students for an entry-level position in the graphic design industry. Positions include print designer, production artist, web designer, multimedia developer, and video editor. The program covers theory and practice of visual communication skills mainly by the means of computer generated and editing of images. Including the use of lines, value, texture, color, composition, and techniques of stylization; a practical understanding of print production, including preparing files for output to film and plate, theoretical knowledge of printing processes and some prepress functions; vector and raster based images and their appropriate preparation for print and web, including web animation.

All skills are oriented toward visual communication within the media of print, web, and multimedia, including video editing. This fully online associate degree program provides the flexibility to complete your degree in just 18 months while working full time.

Contact an Admissions Representative for additional program and course details.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Graphic Design Program, graduates will be able to:

1. Produce a portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in a range of graphic design skills and computer design applications
2. Demonstrate critical thinking, information management, personal and professional development, communication skills and respect and responsibility.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK

Whether someone has creative experience and skills but lacks the necessary formal training in design theory, or someone new to graphics design altogether, the Associate in Science Degree in Graphic Design is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a desaigner in one of many exciting industries. There are many other occupations in the art and design field:

1. Web designers
2. Artists
3. Commercial and industrial designers
4. Fashion designers
5. Floral designers
6. Interior designers

Median annual earnings for wage and salary graphic designers were $39,900 with the middle 50% earning between $30,600 and $53,310.* The National Employment Matrix anticipates that there will be a 10% increase in jobs from 261,000 in 2006 to 286,000 in 2016.

Course Outline

Code	Course Title	Request Information Now! Interested in the Graphic Design Program? Fill out this form to have a College Admissions Representative contact you to answer any questions you may have and determine if Western Career College is right for you. First Name:* Last Name:* Address:* City:* State:* Select State... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Zip:* Email Address:* Home Phone:* Work Phone: Cell Phone:* When did/will you receive your high school diploma or GED?*    Month... January February March April May June July August September October November December   Year... 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 *Denotes Required Information
PSYC1	General Psychology PSYC1   General Psychology 3 credit hours This course will present concepts ideas and models that are fundamental to the discipline of psychology. In addition, it will introduce students to the basic elements of the scientific method and use of data driven decision-making. Students will learn basic skills that are essential to forming and examining questions, collecting relevant data and using this information to reach conclusions. The essential foundations that drive human behavior will assist the student as they prepare for a deeper understanding in both their personal and professional lives. Close this
CL100	Computer Literacy CL100   Computer Literacy 3 credit hours This course will examine the various applications and basic computer functions. Students will learn the basic elements of computer operations involving word processing, Excel spreadsheet, Powerpoint presentations, and research using internet search engines. Close this
MATH1	Principles of Mathematics MATH1   Principles of Mathematics 3 credit hours An introduction to mathematics emphasizing the deductive process; concepts of contemporary mathematics and algebraic equations. Close this
ENGL1	English Writing and Composition ENGL1   English Writing and Composition 3 credit hours A course in expository writing that includes argument or persuasion, techniques of research, and a substantial reading component. Students will be required to write a number of essays, short research papers, and topic reports during the course of the class. The course requires a minimum writing requirement of 5,000 words in a number of essays, short papers and other writing assignments. Close this
MATH10	College Algebra MATH10   College Algebra 3 credit hours This course is an introduction to algebra covering operations using signed numbers, operations on polynomials, algebraic expressions, factoring, exponents, rational and radical expressions, linear and quadratic equations and inequities, graphs, and an introduction to systems of equations. Close this
GD100	Visual Design Fundamentals GD100   Visual Design Fundamentals 4 credit hours In this course students examine the foundation of visual design. Topics include the design process; elements of design, such as line, color, form, function and space; and combining elements for enhanced visual design. Students explore these topics through various projects and by applying concepts using appropriate software. Close this
SPCH2	Interpersonal Communications SPCH2   Interpersonal Communication 3 credit hours This course involves practical communication skills useful for communicating in one's personal life as well as in working relationships. Topic areas include listening, nonverbal communication, assertiveness, self-awareness, intercultural communication, and conflict resolution Close this
GD155	Digital Imaging Fundamentals GD155   Digital Imaging Fundamentals 4 credit hours In this course students learn the concepts of digital imaging. This includes editing, optimizing, and preparing images for web-based delivery. Topics such as color, special effects, and compression formats are discussed. Close this
PHIL2	Ethics in Contemporary Society PHIL2   Ethics in Contemporary Society 3 credit hours This course examines the nature of ethical decisions, the problems of ethics, and the solutions to these problems. Emphasis is placed on the application of ethical theory to individual ethical problems and contemporary social issues. Where appropriate, career-specific applications are employed. Moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, discrimination, and animal rights are addressed. Close this
GD185	Document Design GD185   Document Design 4 credit hours This course presents the fundamentals of document design through study of rhetorical and ethical principles of technical communication, typography and linear components, visual components, page layout, document organization and development, usability, and ethical considerations. Critical evaluation of design elements and their relation to purpose, audience, and context in technical communication drives the planning, drafting, and revision processes in producing professional technical documents. Close this
MGT200	Techniques of Supervision MGT200   Techniques of Supervision 3 credit hours This course provides an overview of the foundations of supervision and how to get things done within an organization through the supervision of other people. The functions of planning, organizing, staffing, motivating and managing are presented. Close this
GD200	Rapid Visualization GD200   Rapid Visualization 4 credit hours Students in this course develop skills in creating graphic media. Students explore design and use of type, the process of using rapid visualization for design concept and idea formulation, as well as create media that enhance user understanding. Close this
GD205	Information Design GD205   Information Design 3 credit hours In this course students learn the principles of analyzing, explaining and communicating instructions, ideas, and information used in integrated text, graphics, and typography. The psychology and sociology of information content is explored, along with user-centered design theory and iterative-design philosophies for information development and communication. Close this
GD210	Print Design with Lab GD210   Print Design with Lab 3 credit hours Print Design builds on the skills acquired in the introductory level of the course, finally giving the student the opportunity to integrate all components of InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator into cohesive developed print designs. Beginning principles can be expounded upon to allow visual communication decisions of the student to become more evolved and more responsive to the critical eye of clients and employers. Elaboration of designs into an entire campaign is inclusive of advertising, collateral promotion, corporate identity, packaging, specialty printing, and marketing surveys. This is the culmination of the otherwise disparate pieces of the introductory level of the course regarding print. Close this
GD225	Technical Communications GD225   Technical Communications 3 credit hours Building on a foundation of general composition principles, the course presents guidelines and applications for development of technical reports with graphics, technical proposals, business letters, and memos. Oral presentations with visual aids and a brief informal research component are also included. Emphasis is placed on developing practical skills based on sound communications principles. Close this
GD245	Web Animation with Lab GD245   Web Animation with Lab 4 credit hours This course focuses on the design and production of animation within the constraints of Web applications. Topics include image-size limits, formatting requirements, and color. There is also a strong hands-on component to gain experience with industry-standard software for creating 2D and 3D animated graphics. Close this
MGT201	Human Relations in Business MT201   Human Relations in Business 3 credit hours This course provides an analysis of motivation, leadership, communications, and other human factors. Topics include customer relations and care. Also covered are the cultural differences that may create conflict and affect morale individually and within organizations. Close this
GD299	Portfolio GD299   Portfolio 4 credit hours In this final capstone course in graphic design the student prepares a professional portfolio that will showcase their graphic design products created throughout the curriculum. Faculty and students will provide critical feedback to each other in reviewing the design products for the final portfolio. The portfolio will prepare the student for interview and presentations to potential employers upon graduation. Close this

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Graphic Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm (visited August 12, 2009).