Visual Communications Foundation Certificate

Program Overview

Visual Communications Foundation Certificate

Summary

The Visual Communications Foundation certificate is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills that are essential building blocks in the field of Visual Communications Technology. All courses within this certificate are also part of a AAAS degree in Visual Communications Technology.

What You’ll Learn

• Build their knowledge base in many areas of visual communications as a foundation for further study and learning
• Create, select and organize essential design elements including letter forms, illustrations, typography and other graphic images
• Use computer software applications for graphic design, illustration, print and web production and publishing, and image manipulation for multimedia and animation
• Be familiar with procedures, processes and concerns in many types of introductory-level visual communication projects

Courses & Requirements

Program Description:

The Visual Communications Foundation Certificate of Proficiency is designed to provide an introductory level of knowledge and practice in visual design principles; graphic and typographic design; photography and video; computer graphic technologies; and offset printing, pre-press and new imaging technologies.

Certificate of Proficiency (61-64 Credits)

• GPA of 2.0 or better for the entire program required.
• Substitutions and waivers may be made with faculty approval.
• Check for prerequisites for all of the upper level classes, and plan ahead!
• Choose a mix of different types of classes for each quarter. For example: lecture, computer/software, studio, general education classes
• In addition to this 1-year certificate, students may earn a Certificate(s) in a specialized area. Students may also add classes to complete a two-year degree.

General Education Core Requirements (12-15 Credits)

Communication (5 Credits)

• Choose one of the following courses: ENGL 99, ENGL& 101, BTWRT 115, BTWRT 215.

Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (5 Credits)

• BUS 102 Business Mathematics

Human Relations (2-5 Credits)

• Choose one of the following courses: HUM 105, BUS 105, CMST& 101.

Core Requirements (49 Credits)

• ART 109 Two-Dimensional Design
• VCT 101 Graphic Design 1: Typography
• VCT 112 Visual Communications Survey
• VCT 124 Basic Mac & PC Systems
• VCT 125 Intro to Image Construction, Editing & Output
• VCT 134 Adobe: Illustrator (Vector Graphics)
• VCT 136 Adobe: Raster Graphics w/Photoshop
• VCT 170 Adobe: Interactive/Web Design
• ART 144 Photography 1
• or
• ART 131 Drawing 1

Portfolio: (Choose one)

• VCT 205 Specialization: Design Studio/Portfolio 5
• VCT 215 Specialization: Adobe Studio/Portfolio 1
• VCT 225 Specialization: Interactive Web/Studio 1
• VCT 235 Specialization: Autodesk/3D Studio/Game Design 1
• VCT 245 Specialization: Video/Visual Effects Studio 1

Approval To Graduate

• Student Name, SID and Date:
• Faculty Advisor and Date:
• Division Dean and Date:
• Credential Approval and Date:

Program Advisor:

• Christine Shafner, Rm 2174
• Alan Yates, Rm 2054

Program Information:

• Length of Program: 61-64 Credits
• Completion Award: Certificate of Proficiency
• Enrollment: Every Quarter
• Approximate Quarterly Costs: $25-$85 (in addition to tuition, books and parking)

Careers & Opportunities

• Graduates are hired in entry-level position as web designers, print designers, print/sales representative, production artists and customer service representatives.
• Potential employers include: Graduates of the certificate program may find entry-level employment in a variety of settings including advertising agencies, publication houses, news agencies, imaging agencies and print shops.

Gainful Employment

• Federal regulations require certain educational programs that qualify for a variety of federal student funding to comply with Gainful Employment rules.

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Tuition & Fees

• Per Quarter
  • WA-Resident: $126.47 (1 credit), $632.35 (5 credits), $1,387.14 (12 credits)
  • Non-WA resident, US citizen, & Eligible non-citizen On Campus: $246.49 (1 credit), $1,232.45 (5 credits), $2,487.04 (12 credits)
  • Non-WA resident Non-US citizen: $327.01 (1 credit), $1,635.05 (5 credits), $3,408.94 (12 credits)
  • Non-WA resident, US citizen Online Only: $144.67 (1 credit), $723.35 (5 credits), $1,571.08 (12 credits)

Additional Program Fees

• Approximately $60 - $200 per quarter, depending on courses selected

Ways to pay for school

• Federal aid, scholarships, grants, and more are available to help you pay for school.

Related Program Options

• Computer Graphics Foundation Certificate
• Web Design Certificate
• Digital Video Certificate
• Digital Photography Certificate
• Game Art and Design AAAS
• Visual Communications Business Foundation Certificate
• Creative Project Management AAAS
• Art and Design Foundation Certificate
• Digital Illustration/Animation Certificate
• Visual Communications Foundation with Specialization Certificate
• Graphic Design AAAS
• Foundation Studio Art AFA
• Art History Pre-Major
• Animation/Video for Multimedia AAAS
• Visual Communications Computer Foundation Certificate
• Humanities Pre-Major
• Photography AFA

Program Outline

Outline:

• The Visual Communications Foundation certificate provides knowledge and skills necessary for the field of visual communications technology.
• Courses in this certificate are also part of the AAAS degree in Visual Communications Technology.

Careers:

• Graduates are hired in entry-level positions as web designers, print designers, print/sales representatives, production artists, and customer service representatives.
• Potential employers include advertising agencies, publication houses, news agencies, imaging agencies, and print shops.