Program Overview In this online program students will focus on graphic design theory and techniques which can support a professional career as a graphic designer or graphic artist. Students will learn the basics of art, color theory, format, design, digital publishing and how these are used in the corporate and business world. This program can help develop creative talents to produce effective print and multimedia designs in a practical career. Program features include a curriculum taught by industry professionals that utilizes classroom lectures, group forums, and hand-on desktop exercises. Students will practice within industry-specific graphic design software. Students successfully completing the program will have developed a portfolio which may be presented to prospective employers.
96 Credits 1360 Clock Hours Program Outline COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDIT HOURS IDG1004 Advertising Design I 4 IDG2001 Advertising Design II 4 IDG1012 Art History 4 IEN1053 Business Communications 3 IDG1011 Business of Graphic Design 4 IGE1054 College Math 4 IDG1008 Color Theory and Design 4 ICA1055 Computer Fundamental Concepts 2 IDG1003 Design Literacy 4 ICA1056 Desktop Publishing with InDesign 3 IDG1005 Digital Illustration 4 IDG1002 Digital Photography 4 IGE1004 Effective Communication 4 IGE1055 English Composition 3 IGE1010 Environmental Science 4 IGE1005 General Psychology 3 IDG2004 Graphic Design Portfolio 4 IDG1001 Introduction to Graphic Design 4 IDG1006 Multimedia Design 4 IDG2003 Package Design 4 IGE1006 Political Science 4 IJO2002 Professional and Career Development 2 IDG1009 Typography 4 IDG1007 Visual Communications 4 IDG1010 Web Design I 4 IDG2002 Web Design II 4
Course Descriptions IDG1001 - INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN This course is an introduction to the field of Graphic Design. Students will learn about current trends, career possibilities, issues and practices in the industry. In addition, students will learn the basic theory, techniques, and processes involved in creating graphical elements. IJO2002 - PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT The student will prepare a resume, a cover letter, and a thank-you letter. Skills necessary to properly prepare typical pre-employment forms will developed. Interviewing techniques are taught and practiced. Emphasis is placed on increasing the student s potential for employment by developing skills in communication, business etiquette, problem solving and critical thinking, time management and interpersonal skills. IDG1002 - DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY The course will explore many fundamental techniques for digitally correcting, enhancing, and altering scanned or digitally photographed images. Students will discover methods for working with various digital darkroom tools and the options and palettes associated with them. Creative uses for layers and masks will also be explored. IDG1003 - DESIGN LITERACY This course introduces students to fundamental visual design principles, vocabulary, and applications in design. Topics relevant to 2D and 3D design techniques for effective visual results will be covered. IDG1004 - ADVERTISING DESIGN I Conceptual skills in visual advertising are taught. Students will study and develop forms of advertising such as broadcast, direct mail, sales promotion, outdoor and collateral. Students will research and develop layout ads with markers and other commercial media, and study design principles, consumer motivation, advertising and ad format. IDG1005 - DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION This course focuses on drawing illustrative matter for commercial applications using various materials and techniques appropriate to the field of graphic design and illustration. Emphasis is placed on visualization and sketching of concepts. Students work with the latest painting and drawing software that digitally mimics traditional tools. IDG2004 - GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO In this course, students will focus on the development of a portfolio of projects in graphic design. Examination of career opportunities in graphic design and illustration is emphasized. Discussion of strategies for approaching and presenting to potential employers and/or clients are presented.
IDG1006 - MULTIMEDIA DESIGN This course introduces interactive multimedia design and production, focusing on the use of authoring programs to create interactive multimedia products. Projects emphasize user interface design, content design with storyboards or scripts, creation of graphics, animation, audio and/or video materials. IEN1053 - BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS This course explores the principles and techniques of effective written business communications. Students will discuss, critiques, and practice business-writing strategies to produce e-mail messages, letters, reports, and presentations, while developing critical thinking skills. Business communication in a global business environment is also emphasized. IDG1007 - VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS This course provides an introduction to visual literacy by considering the fundamentals of visual communication. Emphasis is placed on human visual perception as it is applied to communication problem solving. Students will acquire a new visual language learning how to use design principles, composition typography, photography, color and other vital components of visual literacy. The contributions, ethics, and methods of visual communicators will be explored by analyzing examples in a variety of visual forms, including print, graphics, illustrations, photographs, motion pictures, and computer imagery. IDG1008 - COLOR THEORY AND DESIGN This course presents principles and techniques for the perception and effective use of color in all media. The student will explore the nature of color, the uses of color and will develop and understanding of color as a vital element in design. Includes work with color values and basic color schemes. IGE1055 - ENGLISH COMPOSITION Principles of English composition are introduced and applied. Students develop clear and effective writing skills through the application of proper grammatical usage, paragraph development, and essay writing assignments. IDG1009 - TYPOGRAPHY This course introduces students to typography: the art of designing with type, including the planning of typeface, size, composition, and page layout. This course explores the fundamental principles of Typography and its integral role in graphic design. Through reading, assignments and practice, this course teaches the student how to utilize type conceptually and technically with digital graphic technologies. IDG2001 - ADVERTISING DESIGN II In this course, students will develop concept, design, and presentation of complete multimedia strategies for ad campaigns consisting of newspaper, magazine, direct mail, promotion and other means that will reach target audiences. IDG1010 - WEB DESIGN I This course will introduce beginners to the art of creating interesting, intelligent, usable, and well designed Web Sites. Students will learn the tools and techniques for creating a well-designed interactive Web Site.
IDG2002 - WEB DESIGN II Students continue their studies in web design. They will learn about aesthetics of designing for interactivity in nonlinear environments. The course introduces students to current authoring techniques and technologies to create and develop basic web design projects in which interactivity is the focus. IDG2003 - PACKAGE DESIGN This course introduces students to elements and principles of package design. Emphasis is placed on compositional organization, mechanics and successful presentation. Students will study effective packaging and unique and aesthetically pleasing containers. Review of typography, materials and photography relevant to packaging will be covered. ICA1055 - COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS Basic principles of computer terminology, file management, email, Internet, and basic word processing and spreadsheets will be explored. Fundamentals of computer literacy will be addressed, including reviewing the main elements of computer hardware and peripherals. ICA1056 - DESKTOP PUBLISHING WITH INDESIGN This course focuses on the uses of desktop publishing software for document layout and design. Students have the opportunity to learn how to integrate text, graphics, and photographs to create a variety of professional quality finished documents for practical and business use. Principles of layout and design will be practiced. IDG1012 - ART HISTORY This course will acquaint the student with art history, the critical process, and the production of art in order to achieve a well balanced appreciation for art and how it relates to the development of culture. The course emphasizes the connections among historical, political, social, religious and artistic developments, showing how artists and designers are influenced by the culture and time in which they live. IDG1011 - BUSINESS OF GRAPHIC DESIGN This course presents the principles and techniques students need to work effectively in a graphic design firm. Students will learn proper file management techniques, budget and time management essentials through the development of a initiated project on a production schedule, the focus of this course will also allow students to have an understanding of the complete design process that will be applicable to the client s need. IGE1005 - GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY This course is an introduction to the field of psychology as the scientific study of the behavior of man. Through a blend of application and theory, students develop a basic understanding of psychological principles. These principles are then applied in a variety of situations. IGE1004 - EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Communication skills are developed through the use of effective listening, speaking, and writing skills. The student will develop the ability to speak clearly and effectively by learning to plan, compose and deliver ideas. Emphasis is on the global, ethical, technological, and customer service aspects of communication.
IGE1010 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE In this introduction to environmental Science, students will learn about the concepts of sustainability as it relates to capital degradation. Students will learn to think critically about the costs and trade-offs of environmental solutions. A focus will be placed on preserving earth s natural resources. IGE1053 - COLLEGE MATH This course is designed to develop mathematical and computational skills needed by college students and aids students in making the transition from computational to application mathematics. The student gains practice in mathematical calculations including percent, ratio, proportion, measurement, evaluation of numerical expressions and using charts, tables and graphs to solve problems. Emphasis is on solving for the unknown to help students become comfortable using variables to represent numbers. IGE1006 POLITICAL SCIENCE This course allows for in-depth discussion and analysis of major contemporary, social, economics, and political issues, their effect on the current world situation, and their potential effect on future generations.