Graphic Design Associate of Science

Program Overview:

The purpose of the Graphic Design A.S. Degree Program is to provide the first two years of experience for transfer to any higher education institution for careers in Graphic Design. There are many opportunities in Graphic Design careers such as designing logos, posters, packaging, and promotional materials; working on layout for magazines, books, and publications; and creating advertisements

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Graphic Design program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Utilize the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, or Typography in order to create effective and aesthetically appropriate compositions.
• Demonstrate fundamental technical skills in the creation and presentation of design.
• Evaluate the aesthetic quality, cultural significance, personal reaction, and historical context of works of art and design.
• Develop unique and innovative solutions using conceptual thinking.
• Identify significant works of art and design throughout history.
• Explore a variety of media used in art and design.

Additional Information:

An articulation agreement has been established between Rochester Community and Technical College and Metropolitan State University. As a result, students will be able to transfer the Graphic Design Program as a package. Students will enter the transfer program earning full credit for RCTC’s two-year degree program.

GRAPHIC DESIGN AS

MINNESOTA TRANSFER CURRICULUM (MnTC)/GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (30 CREDITS)

GOAL 1: COMMUNICATION (7 CREDITS)

• COMM 1114 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr) OR COMM 1130 – Interpersonal Communication (3 cr)
• ENGL 1117 – Reading and Writing Critically I (4 cr)

GOAL 3: NATURAL SCIENCES (3 CREDITS)

Credits from MnTC Goal 3

GOAL 4: MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL REASONING (4 CREDITS)

Credits from MnTC Goal 4

GOAL 5: HUMANITIES AND THE FINE ARTS (3 CREDITS)

Credits from MnTC Goal 5

GOAL 6: HUMANITIES AND THE FINE ARTS (6 CREDITS)

• ART 1111 – Art History Survey I (3 cr)
• ART 1112 – Art History Survey II (3 cr)

MnTC GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVES (8 CREDITS)

Credits from MnTC Goal 1-10

PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (27 CREDITS)

• ART 1120 – Computer as Creative Media (3 cr)
• ART 1121 – 2D Design (3 cr)
• ART 1124 – Graphic Design I (3 cr)
• ART 1130 – Digital Art I (3 cr)
• ART 1134 – Drawing I (3 cr)
• ART 1184 – Photography I (3cr)
• ART 1223 – Typography (3 cr)
• ART 1232 – Web Design I (3 cr)
• ART 2224 – Graphic Design II (3 cr)

ELECTIVES (3 CREDITS)

• ART 1233 – Web Design II (3 cr)
• ART 2230 – Digital Art II (3 cr)
• ART 2240 – Motion Graphics I (3 cr)
• ART 2286 – Photo Lighting Techniques (3 cr)

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES

FULL-TIME

• Semester 1 (16 CREDITS): ART 1111, ART 1120, ENGL 1117, MnTC Goal 4, MnTC Goal 5
• Semester 2 (15 CREDITS): ART 1112, ART 1121, ART 1130, ART 1134, COMM 1114 OR COMM 1130
• Semester 3 (16 CREDITS): ART 1123, ART 1124, ART 1232, MnTC Goal 3, MnTC Goal 1-10 Elective
• Semester 4 (13 CREDITS): ART 1184, ART 2224, ART Elective, MnTC Goal Elective

PART-TIME

• Semester 1 (10 CREDITS): ART 1120, ENGL 1117, MnTC Goal 4
• Semester 2 (6 CREDITS): ART 1111, MnTC Goal 5
• Semester 3 (9 CREDITS): ART 1121, ART 1130, COMM 1114 OR COMM 1130
• Semester 4 (6 CREDITS): ART 1112, ART 1134
• Semester 5 (9 CREDITS): ART 1124, ART 1232, MnTC Goal 3
• Semester 6 (7 CREDITS): ART 1123, MnTC Goal 1-10 Elective
• Semester 7 (7 CREDITS): ART 2224, MnTC Goal 1-10 Elective
• Semester 8 (6 CREDITS): ART 1184, ART Elective

Course descriptions can be found at: RCTC course descriptions