Offers an education in graphic design communications, using processes and technologies relevant to the professional design environment. Students develop skills in visual literacy, problem solving, image creation, typography, layout, publication, design, and graphic arts production.
Program Outcomes:
Depending upon level of successful completion of coursework within the program, students will:
Visual Literacy and Creative Expression –
- acquire skills in drawing and three-dimensional design using traditional materials and techniques
- identify and apply the design principles to control aesthetic and compositional elements in the creation of visual solutions to art and design problems
- demonstrate the development of visual and conceptual skills required to create a successful design solution through the process of idea development, refinement, and assessment in the creation of design projects
- understand the function and impact of design, and the roll of the design profession in our society
Visual Communication, Conceptual and Critical Thinking –
- analyze a visual communication problem, develop visual concepts, and create design solutions that respond to client and audience needs through symbol and image creation, graphic illustration, paper selection, color, typography, and page composition
- communicate an understanding of design concepts, processes, and techniques using the “language” of design and the design and creation of original typographically-based visual communications process
Media and Technical Skills –
- gain competence in the Macintosh OS, file storage and retrieval, network navigation, and the output of digital images and designs
- acquire skills in the use of image scanning, page layout, and vector and raster image software programs so as to be able to design and execute graphic symbols and illustrations, raster images, and page compositions incorporating typography and image
- understand the basic concepts of printing and print production processes so as be able to successfully create electronic mechanical art for spot and process color graphic design projects
Professional Practice –
- understand project management, marketing, and business related responsibilities of a graphic designer (and interactive design in Interactive Media option) in the design and production of visual communication pieces, the necessity of participating in a collaborative work environment, and adhering to professional ethical standards
- demonstrate knowledge of design project goals, be able to set priorities to meet milestones for project completion, and show the ability to revise and refine designs based on ongoing evaluation
- present design solutions and portfolio, in a manner suited to professional presentation showing knowledge and application of the concepts, skills, and techniques presented in courses during the program
General Education –
- meet established general education requirements.
Program Coordinator: Kinga Wlodarska
| First Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course # | Title | Credits |
| ART*111 | Drawing I | 3 |
| CSS-101 | First Year Experience | 3 |
| ENG*101 | Composition (a) | 3 |
| GRA*101 | Design Principles | 3 |
| GRA*110 | Introduction to Computer Graphics | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART*112 | Drawing II (a) | 3 |
| GRA*200 | Visual Communications (a) | 3 |
| GRA*231 | Digital Imaging (a) | 3 |
| Humanities Elective (d) | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective (a) (from MAT*135 or above) | 3-4 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| GRA*201 | Typography and Design I (a) | 3 |
| GRA*236 | Digital Illustration (a) | 3 |
| Directed Studio Elective (b) (from ART*109-156, ART*211-284, DGA*, GRA*, NMC*) | 3 | |
| Science Elective (c) (from AST*, BIO*, CHE*, EAS*, EVS*, MET*, OCE*, PHY*) | 3-4 | |
| Select one of the following courses: | ||
| ART*100 | Art Appreciation or | |
| Art History Elective (e) (from ART*101/102/103/201/205) | 3 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ART*122 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| GRA*203 | Design and Production (a) | 3 |
| GRA*205 | Typography and Design II (a) | 3 |
| Directed Studio Elective (b) (from ART*109-156, ART*211-284, DGA*, GRA*, NMC*) | 3 | |
| Social Science Elective (from ANT*, ECN*, GEO*, POL*, PSY*, SOC*) | 3 | |
| Total | ||
| 60-62 | ||
(a) Prerequisite and/or co-requisite required.
(b) To be selected in consultation with faculty advisor based on student’s program of study.
To be selected from ART*109-ART*156, ART*211-ART*284, DGA* GRA*.
(c) Students intending to transfer to a four-year program should take a 4-credit lab science.
(d) To be selected from courses in ART*, ANT*, CHI*, COM*, ENG*, ESL*143 or above, FRE*, HIS*, ITA* LAT*, LAW*, LIN*,
MUS*, NMC*, PHL*, PLH*, POL*, Religious Studies, RUS*, SPA*, THR*.
(e) Students planning to transfer to a baccalaureate program should take an Art History course
STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. Get more details about this merger.