Advertising and Graphic Design

Course Requirements

First Year - Fall Semester

• ACA 115 Success & Study Skills

  This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

• ART 111 Art Appreciation

  This course introduces the origins and historical development of art. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of design principles to various art forms including but not limited to sculpture, painting, and architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods, and media.

• DME 110 Intro to Digital Media

  This course introduces students to key concepts, technologies, and issues related to digital media. Topics include emerging standards, key technologies and related design issues, terminology, media formats, career paths, and ethical issues. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the various media formats that are used in digital media technology.

• GRD 141 Graphic Design I

  This course introduces the conceptualization process used in visual problem solving. Emphasis is placed on learning the principles of design and on the manipulation and organization of elements. Upon completion, students should be able to apply design principles and visual elements to projects.

• GRD 151 Computer Design Basics

  This course covers designing and drawing with various types of software applications for advertising and graphic design. Emphasis is placed on creative and imaginative use of space, shapes, value, texture, color, and typography to provide effective solutions to advertising and graphic design problems. Upon completion, students should be able to use the computer as a creative tool.

• ENG 110 or ENG 111

  Intro to Audio/Video Media or Intro to Audio/Video Media

First Year - Spring Semester

• DME 140 Intro to Audio/Video Media

  This course is designed to teach students how to manipulate digital and audio content for multimedia applications. Topics include format conversion and a review of current technologies and digital formats. Upon completion, students should be able to modify existing audio and video content to meet a range of production requirements associated with digital media applications.

• GRD 110 Typography I

  This course introduces the history and mechanics of type and its application to layout and design. Topics include typographic fundamentals, anatomy, measurements, composition, identification, and terminology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in design application, analysis, specification, and creation of typographic elements.

• GRD 121 Drawing Fundamentals I

  This course increases observation skills using basic drawing techniques and media in graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing the use of graphic design principles, media applications, spatial considerations, drawing styles, and approaches. Upon completion, students should be able to show competence and proficiency in finished works.

• GRD 142 Graphic Design II

  This course covers the application of visual elements and design principles in advertising and graphic design. Topics include creation of various designs, such as logos, advertisements, posters, outdoor advertising, and publication design. Upon completion, students should be able to effectively apply design principles and visual elements to projects.

• ENG 112 or COM 231

  Illustration I or Illustration I

• MAT 110 or MAT 143

  Illustration I or Illustration I

Second Year - Fall Semester

• GRD 131 Illustration I

  This course introduces the application of rendering techniques to create illustrations. Emphasis is placed on controlling various media, methods, surfaces, design problems, and the appropriate media selection process. Upon completion, students should be able to produce quality illustrations from conception through finished artwork.

• GRD 152 Computer Design Tech I

  This course covers complex design problems utilizing various design and drawing software applications. Topics include the expressive use of typography, image, and organization to communicate a message. Upon completion, students should be able to use appropriate computer software to professionally present their work.

• GRD 167 Photographic Imaging I

  This course introduces basic camera operations and photographic production. Topics include subject composition, depth of field, shutter control, light control, color, photo-finishing, and digital imaging, correction and output. Upon completion, students should be able to produce traditional and/or digital photographic prints with acceptable technical and compositional quality.

• GRD 188 Graphic Design for Web I

  This course introduces the application of graphic design principles to web sites and graphics for web/mobile device delivery. Emphasis is placed on visual communication and presentation principles applied to web sites, including page layout, typography, color theory, navigation, responsive design, and image optimization. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the principles of design in the creation of full and mobile websites.

• GRD 241 Graphic Design III

  This course is an advanced exploration of various techniques and media for advertising and graphic design. Emphasis is placed on advanced concepts and solutions to complex and challenging graphic design problems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence and professionalism in visual problem solving.

• Social/Behavioral Science Elective

  Following are social/behavioral science elective courses that are recommended for fulfilling social/behavioral science elective requirements. All of the courses listed earn a minimum of three semester hours of credit. Other courses with social/behavioral science elective prefixes may be suitable for these requirements as well. Students should discuss all course selections with their advisor before registration. ANT 220, ECO 151, ECO 251, ECO 252, GEO 111, GEO 130, HIS 111, HIS 112, HIS 116, HIS 121, HIS 122, HIS 131, HIS 132, HIS 145, HIS 163, HIS 211, POL 120, POL 130, POL 220, PSY 118, PSY 150, PSY 241, PSY 281, SOC 210, SOC 213, SOC 220

Second Year - Spring Semester

• GRD 168 Photographic Imaging II

  This course introduces advanced camera operations and photographic production. Topics include lighting, specialized equipment, digital image correction and output, and other methods and materials. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in producing high quality photographic prints.

• GRD 242 Graphic Design IV

  This course is a continuation of GRD 241. Emphasis is placed on using advanced media techniques, concepts, strategies, and professionalism in all aspects of design. Upon completion, students should be able to conceptualize, create, and produce designs for reproduction.

• GRD 280 Portfolio Design

  This course covers the organization and presentation of a design/advertising or graphic art portfolio and appropriate related materials. Emphasis is placed on development and evaluation of the portfolio, design and production of a resume and self-promotional materials, and interview techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and professionally present an effective portfolio and related self-promotional materials.

• MKT 232 Social Media Marketing

  This course is designed to build students' social media marketing skills by utilizing projects that give students hands on experience implementing social media marketing strategies. Topics include integrating different social media technologies into a marketing plan, creating social media marketing campaigns, and applying appropriate social media tools. Upon completion, students should be able to use social media technologies to create and improve marketing efforts for businesses.

• WBL 111 Work-Based Learning I

  This course provides a work-based learning experience with a college-approved employer in an area related to the student's program of study. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with related work experience. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate career selection, demonstrate employability skills, and satisfactorily perform work-related competencies.