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department of art, architecture + design
Amanda Bartley, Graphic Design, AA+D, Norwalk Community College
Amanda Bartley

Graphic Design

The Art, Architecture + Design department offers two Graphic Design options—an Associate in Science Career Program, and a Certificate Program for College Graduates.

Graphic Design A.S. Career Program
Graphic Design Certificate Program for College Graduates

Graphic Design A.S. Career Program

The Graphic Design program serves to introduce students to the fundamental skills, principles, techniques, terminology, technology and history of graphic design while also providing a strong liberal arts background. Students must complete a minimum of 22–23 credits in graphic design courses; at least 15 of these credits must be completed at NCC.

Working with the program advisor, students are required to create a portfolio of design work that exhibits proficiency in visual communication. The contents of the portfolio provide evidence of student skill level, aesthetic sensibility and technical mastery to future employers or transferring institutions.

Students should also work closely with their faculty advisor to choose electives that best meet their goals.

Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:
Requirements for the A.S. Degree (61–63 credits)
Core Requirements (24–26 credits) Credits
ENG 101 Composition 3
ENG 102 Literature and Composition 3
MAT 136 Intermediate Algebra (or higher level math) 3–4
COM 173 Public Speaking 3
    Humanities elective (either ART 101, 102 or 207) 3
    Science elective‡ 3–4
    Social Science elective‡ 3
    General elective 3
Major Requirements (37 credits)
ART 109 Color Theory 3
ART 111 Drawing I 3
ART 112 Drawing II 3
    or  
ART 113 Figure Drawing  
GRA 151 Graphic Design I: Skills and Principles 3
GRA 202 Typography 3
GRA 241 Digital Page Design: Adobe InDesign 3
ART 250 Digital Photography I 3
    or  
ART 141 Photography I  
GRA 231 Digital Imaging: Adobe Photoshop 3
GRA 236 Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator 3
GRA 252 Graphic Design II: Process and Presentation 3
    ART or GRA elective 3
GRA 296 Graphic Design Internship++ 3
    or  
    ART or GRA elective  
GRA 290 Portfolio Preparation 1
Recommended Sequence of Study
Semester 1
ENG 101 Composition 3
COM 173 Public Speaking 3
ART 109 Color Theory 3
ART 111 Drawing I 3
GRA 151 Graphic Design I: Skills and Principles 3
Semester 2
ENG 102 Literature and Composition 3
MAT 136 Intermediate Algebra (or higher level math) 3–4
ART 112 Drawing II 3
    or  
ART 113 Figure Drawing  
GRA 202 Typography 3
GRA 236 Digital Illustration: Adobe Illustrator 3
Semester 3
ART 250 Digital Photography I 3
    or  
ART 141 Photography I  
    Humanities elective (either ART 101, 102 or 207) 3
GRA 231 Digital Imaging: Adobe Photoshop 3
GRA 241 Digital Page Design: Adobe InDesign 3
    Social Science elective‡ 3
Semester 4
GRA 252 Graphic Design II: Process and Presentation 3
    Science elective‡ 3–4
    General elective‡ 3
GRA 296 Graphic Design Internship++ 3
    or  
    ART or GRA elective  
GRA 290 Portfolio Preparation 1
    ART or GRA elective 3

‡ Interdisciplinary requirement—of the three courses in science, humanities, and social science, one of the courses must be an interdisciplinary course.

++ GRA 296 can be taken in any semester, including summer, after completing 30 credits of the program, of which at least 12 credits are ART/GRA requirements, being in good academic standing, and the recommendation of the Department Chair or Program Coordinator.

Graphic Design Certificate Program for College Graduates

A one-year course of study for people who hold an Associate or Bachelor’s degree and who wish to concentrate in the field of graphic design. Not all courses are offered each semester and night/daytime scheduling varies.

Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

Requirements for the Certificate (28 credits) Credits
ART 109 Color Theory 3
ART 111 Drawing I 3
ART 207 History of Graphic Design 3
    or  
ART 102 Art History II: Renaissance to the Present  
ART 250 Digital Photography I 3
GRA 151 Graphic Design I: Skills and Principles 3
GRA 202 Typography 3
    200 Level Graphic Design (GRA) Studio course 3
GRA 241 Digital Page Design: Adobe InDesign 3
GRA 252 Graphic Design II: Process and Presentation 3
GRA 290 Portfolio Preparation 1

Words Have Meaning, Type Has Spirit And The Combination Is Spectacular

Paula Scher