Graphic Design and Computer Graphics
Associate of Applied Science
Division: Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences
Division Chair: Martha Rottman, mrottman@sunyrockland.edu
Department Chair: Emily Dennis Harvey, eharvey@sunyrockland.edu
Department Support Staff: Caryn Costa, ccosta2@sunyrockland.edu
Educational Support Staff: Brooke Evans, bevans@sunyrockland.edu
Lili Grady, lgrady@sunyrockland.edu
Lena Hyun, lhyun@sunyrockland.edu
Department Office: Cultural Arts Center, Room 7111, Phone: 845-574-4268
Why Study Graphic Design and Computer Graphics?
Graphic designers use their creative, intellectual and technical skills to make relevant and compelling images to visually communicate and engage audiences. Students learn to develop their skills and their voices to shape form and content across a spectrum of digital media. This broad-based program is designed to prepare students for entry into an exciting, fast-moving, creative field, or for transfer to bachelor’s degree programs at SUNY campuses, art schools and other colleges and universities.
Related disciplines include Art, Communication Media Arts, Performing Arts, Photography and Computer Web Development.
Degrees Offered:
Occupational Objectives:
Graphic Design students have a wide range of occupations to pursue: advertising; publications; exhibit design; web design; animation, interactive; motion graphics; and many more emerging fields in a new media. While some students may find entry-level jobs directly after graduation in commercial art, most will need to continue their studies.
5 Top Reasons
To Study Graphic Design and Computer Graphics at RCC:
- VALUE: Affordable tuition, financial aid, scholarships.
- FLEXIBILITY: Part-time study can accommodate work, family or other time commitments.
- SUPPORT: Small class sizes, more individual attention, free tutoring, on campus childcare.
- FACULTY: Learn from instructors with the rare combination of practical work experience in the field and advanced academic degrees.
- TRANSFER: The AAS in Graphic Design and Computer Graphics meets the requirements to pursue a range of four-year degrees. High-achieving RCC graduates transfer to distinguished art schools and college art programs.
Opportunities at Rockland Community College:
There are more than 40 student clubs offering many activities to explore special interests, socialize, or develop additional skills. For those interested in graphic design, there are award-winning publications including the Outlook student newspaper and the art and literary magazine, Impulse. Students may join the video game and animé club and enjoy exploring the world of gaming and contemporary animé computer graphics. Portfolio Day offers art students the opportunity to have their work reviewed by admissions representatives from several major art schools.
Program Goals:
Students will develop the knowledge and skills that will help them shape a career in visual arts. Foundation courses give students a solid background in drawing, two-and three dimensional design, photography, computer art, and art history. The course Careers in Art helps students understand how many fields are open to them, what it is like to work in those professions, and the variety of paths artists take in their lives.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand the roles artists and designers have in today’s world
- Demonstrate creative and technical abilities in graphic design, website design, and related skills such as drawing, photography, animation and typography
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in visual media