Last Updated

8/22/2024 2:56:42 PM

Visual Communication—Graphic Design, Associate in Applied Science

Pathway:

Graphic Design

Certificate Type:

Associate in Applied Science

Curriculum Code:

VIC.VIC.AAS (C248C)

Total Program Credits: 60

Explore the exciting world of Visual Communication at Triton College. In this innovative program, you will work with practicing artist-educators to explore the artistic and technical components of Graphic Design, Web Design, Animation, Digital Video, and Digital Photography. Master the tools of Adobe CC including Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop with our hands-on approach to learning. Create professional marketing materials as well as works of art. The program teaches you how to develop your eye by exploring the principals of design. For the capstone project you will create a portfolio of your images to be used for self-promotion. Upon successful completion of this program, students will have the technical skills to gain entry level employment in the field of Graphic Design. Additionally, the AAS degree contains general education courses for students who wish to transfer to a four-year school.

Stackable Certificate:

Visual Communication—Graphic Design Certificate

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design Degree program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Design digital and print layouts that are based on foundational design principles.
  2. Create digital and print layouts that are based on proficiencies in typography.

  3. Demonstrate technical proficiency using Industry Standard Graphic Arts software.

  4. Demonstrate ability to critique work using design language.

  5. Produce a professional-level portfolio that gives evidence of meeting industry standard.

(Reviewed Fall 2023)

Placement Measures

Program Map for Students

Semester One: Fall

CourseCategoryCredits
RHT 101 # Freshman Rhetoric & Composition I

Communications Gen-ed

3

VIC 100 Graphic Design

Core Course

3

VIC 121 Introduction to Adobe InDesign

Core Course

3

VIC 142 Introduction to Illustrator

Core Course

3

VIC 161 Introduction to Photoshop

Core Course

3

Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.

Semester Two: Spring

CourseCategoryCredits
SPE 101 # Principles of Effective Speaking

Communications Gen-ed

3

VIC 104 Computer Art I

Core Course

3

VIC 202 # Advanced InDesign and Typography

Core Course

3

VIC 242 # Advanced Illustrator

Core Course

3

VIC 261 # Advanced Photoshop

Core Course

3

Note: Grade of ‘C’ or high is an IAI requirement for RHT 101 and RHT 102. Students must complete RHT 101◊, with SPE 101◊, or RHT 101◊ with RHT 102◊. Students intending to transfer are encouraged to complete all three courses: RHT 101◊, RHT 102◊ and SPE 101◊ to meet university requirements.

Semester Three: Fall

CourseCategoryCredits
VIC 162 Digital Photography

Core Course

3

VIC 163 Digital Studio Photography

Core Course

3

VIC 273 Introduction to Animation

Core Course

3

VIC 285 Digital Video

Core Course

3

Take Credits Mathematics and/or Physical or Life Science

Physical or Life Science or Mathematics

3

Semester Four: Spring

CourseCategoryCredits
MCM 151 Cinema Appreciation

Fine Arts Gen-ed

3

VIC 160 History of Photography

Fine Arts Gen-ed

3

VIC 172 # Web Page Design

Core Course

3

VIC 282 # Portfolio for Graphic Design

Core Course

3

Take Credits Program Electives

Program Elective

3

Program Electives (3):

CourseCategoryCredits
ART 117 Drawing I

Core Course

3

ART 119 Two-Dimensional Design

Core Course

3

MCM 160 Reporting and Writing for Multimedia

Core Course

3

VIC 165 # Photography Exploration

Core Course

3

VIC 263 # Advanced Digital Studio Photography

Core Course

3

VIC 264 # Advanced Digital Photography

Core Course

3

VIC 265 # Photo Production and Lightroom

Core Course

3

VIC 275 Designing for Social Media

Core Course

3

VIC 286 # Advanced Digital Video

Core Course

3

VIC 288 Video Editing

Core Course

3

VIC 290 # Cooperative Work Experience

Core Course

1-2

VIC 296 Special Topics in Visual Communication

Program Elective

1 - 4

(Select courses that meet the requirements of your transfer college.)

 KEY
(AAS/CERT)
General Education Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements).
Core Course Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take.
Program Elective Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution.
General Elective Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits.
◊ symbol This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course)
# symbol This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course)