Program Overview

Graphic Design Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)

The Graphic Design Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in graphic design principles, visual arts, and technical skills. The program is not offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online; students are advised to review the academic program pages for information on where each program is offered.

College and Program Learning Objectives

The program aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of graphic design, including two-dimensional design, color theory, and visual arts. Students will learn about the design process, from concept to completion, and explore the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator and other industry-standard software.

Course Requirements

The program requires students to complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. The course requirements are divided into two categories: Major Core Courses and Liberal Arts and Science Core Courses.

Major Core Courses

• GRD1100 Graphic Design Principles (3 Credits): Introduces two-dimensional design and color theory, exploring the elements and principles of design, color, and light in the creative process.
  • Students learn about the design process, from concept to completion, and explore the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator.
• GRD1170 Drawing (3 Credits): Develops drawing skills for graphic design and the visual arts, including genres of fine art such as observation of the human figure in composition.
• GRD1101 Photoshop and Digital Graphics (3 Credits): Investigates the principles of visual design using Adobe Photoshop, emphasizing creative expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking.
• GRD1102 Illustrator and Digital Graphics (3 Credits): Surveys the world of vector-based design and illustration using Adobe Illustrator, exploring the unique capabilities of vector graphics.
  • Prerequisite: GRD1101
• GRD1105 Painting (3 Credits): Approaches two-dimensional theory through the freeform and experiential painterly process, recreating and building on elements of design in a painterly manner.
• GRD1190 Typography I (3 Credits): Introduces the history, physical attributes, family classification, terminology, and structural aspects of type, exploring typography as a medium that conveys aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual meaning.
  • Prerequisite: GRD1100
• GRD2205 Three-Dimensional Design (3 Credits): Focuses on spatial organization, transforming two-dimensional ideas into three-dimensional experiences, exploring balance, form, and volume.
  • Prerequisite: GRD1170
• GRD2210 Graphic Design in Visual Culture (3 Credits): Traces the development of visual communication from the first cave paintings to present-day digital marketing, examining how cultural and technological developments have affected our viewpoints of the relationship and use of images and typography.
• GRD2220 3D Design and Modeling (3 Credits): Introduces 3D modeling, rendering, and lighting techniques using Autodesk Maya, gaining hands-on experience in building 3D models, applying lighting techniques, and rendering scenes.
• GRD2230 Digital Photography and Creative Media (3 Credits): Introduces the basic concepts, terminology, and applications of digital photography, exploring the creative transformation of images for effective visual communication.
• GRD2233 Web Design (3 Credits): Introduces foundational web technologies and languages, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, learning to create responsive websites and ensure accessibility across diverse platforms.
• GRD2240 Digital Publishing (3 Credits): Explores the integration of type and images in digital page layouts and multi-page projects, applying industry-standard software to produce work for both print and digital output.
  • Prerequisite: GRD1102 or GRD1190
• GRD2290 Typography II (3 Credits): Develops the skills acquired in Typography I, incorporating type as a decorative element to produce creative marketable design results.

Liberal Arts and Science Core Courses

• ENG1105 Writing and Research (3 Credits): Introduces expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition, teaching students to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles.
• ENG2205 Writing Through Literature (3 Credits): Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.
  • Prerequisite: ENG1105
• MAT2211 College Algebra (3 Credits): Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches, covering topics such as the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, and exponential functions.
  • Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score
• HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics (3 Credits): Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development and major figures, presenting the perspectives of various schools of thought and encouraging students' own critical thinking on ethical and moral issues.
• SOC1123 First-Year Experience (3 Credits): Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree, identifying perceived challenges and implementing a plan of action to address and overcome them.
• SOC2231 Human Relations (3 Credits): Develops the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions, focusing on challenges of workplace relationships and covering major skill areas such as making a good impression, managing conflict, and providing exceptional service.
• Mathematics/Science Elective (3 Credits)

Program Requirements and Supplies

The program requires students to obtain specific supplies, the cost of which totals approximately $125.00. Detailed information describing the required supplies and listing typical prices for each item is available upon request. Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours to graduate.