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Graphic Design FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About the Graphic Design Program

What is the Graphic Design Program?

Graphic Design is a two-year program to prepare graduates to enter the workforce as a graphic designer or production artist. It is different from traditional art programs in that it does not include classes such as painting, ceramics, or sculpture. The curriculum focuses on developing a strong design foundation and the technical and production skills that are necessary and in demand in the workforce today.

How is Multimedia and Web Graphics different?

The Multimedia and Web Graphics program starts with the same core classes as the Graphic Design Program but replaces the advanced drawing courses with beginning and intermediate multimedia. Students learn to produce animated web graphics and self-running and interactive presentations using basic ActionScripting. Students will produce an interactive, digital portfolio in addition to their traditional portfolio.

What kind of software will I learn?

All students will receive 100 hours of training in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Dreamweaver, and 200 hours in Adobe Photoshop. Multimedia and Web Graphics majors will also receive 200 hours of training in state-of-the-art animation software. These software programs will then be used to produce subsequent assignments in a variety of other classes. So students will have
a high level of skill and proficiency in these standard software packages.

What kinds of things will I design?

Class projects are designed to reflect the exact problems a working designer must solve on a daily basis, such as logos, brochures, posters, ad layouts, corporate and product identity, interactive presentations, web graphics, and animations. You will work with actual clients and printers to provide real-world experience in concept development, production skills, and output methods.

What does “occupational” mean?

“Occupational” simply means that the content of the program deals with the development of design sensibility, creative skills, and technical skills needed to be employable in the Graphic Design industry today. After completing the degree, graduates are capable of entering the workforce as entry-level graphic designers and production artists. Unlike a typical fine art degree, we do not teach painting, sculpture, ceramics, or textiles. The educational curriculum is geared to what is needed for graduates to become employable. However, “occupational” does not mean non-transferable.

Can I transfer to another school to complete a bachelor’s degree?

The Graphic Design curriculum is a two-year occupational degree and is not set up as a direct transfer program. However, all of the General Education and academic elective courses will transfer into a bachelor’s degree program and, depending on what college you wish to attend, some of the Graphic Design courses may also transfer. As with any transfer program, schools will look at the courses you have taken, the grades you have earned, and a portfolio of your work to determine acceptance of course credit. You will need to discuss these topics with the Admissions Office at the school to which you are considering for transfer.