Graphic Design, A.A.S.

Overview

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Introduction to Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program provides you with a comprehensive educational experience that develops creativity, technical expertise and professional industry knowledge. The program’s curriculum integrates theory and practice that fosters your ability to create expressive, effective visual communication.

As you progress through the coursework, you will gain proficiency in traditional media and cultivate computer design skills, analytical skills and critical thinking. The curriculum is supplemented with guest lecturers, service learning projects, internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

During your studies, you will create a well-rounded, professional digital portfolio that showcases a variety of skills and projects and includes a resume, contact information and references. The program concludes with capstone courses where you will explore career opportunities in graphic design and apply newly acquired skills and professional job attitudes.

Degree & Certificate Options

When you study Graphic Design at MCC, you have the following degree and certificate training options. Follow the link below for more information about earning a certificate.

• Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
• Graphic Design Certificate

Program Goal

The mission of the Graphic Design program is to provide students with a solid foundation in design education for entry-level careers and/or transfer to 4-year institutions.

Curriculum

You have the option to complete the degree fully on campus, fully online, or using a hybrid of both modalities.

Admission Requirements

In addition to college-wide admissions requirements, you must have:

• An interview with the Graphic Design Program Coordinator prior to admission to the program
• An Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription
• A computer / laptop that supports Creative Cloud system requirements

Successful candidates to this program also have these skills:

• Sufficient speech and language ability to express, comprehend and exchange information and ideas verbally and non-verbally and to interact clearly and logically with professors, peers and clients.
• Eye-hand coordination to perform intensive project construction.
• Maturity to accept critique of work and perform changes based on constructive criticism.
• Capacity to work in teams to solve design problems.
• Ability to meet deadlines under stressful conditions.

Incoming Transfer Policy

Appropriate transfer credits for courses within the major may be accepted within a five-year time frame. Transfer of courses more than five years old will be evaluated by the Department Chair on an individual basis.

Curriculum: Required Courses

Outcomes

Aquired Skills

After earning your Graphic Design degree you will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency with graphic design principals and elements including color and type.
• Show the ability to conceptualize design solutions.
• Possess a skill-set of digital tools used in graphic design software.
• Showcase the capability to learn and create in a progressive digital environment.
• Exhibit evidence of verbal and visual presentation skills.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Graphic Design program will possess the skills and knowledge to obtain entry-level positions in advertising agencies, printing companies, publishing firms and companies that maintain in-house design departments in positions such as:

• Advertising
• Digital Media Specialist
• Editorial Design
• Entry-Level Graphic Design
• Freelance Graphic Design
• Packaging Design
• Social Media Design
• Surface Pattern Design

Potential Salary*

There is a wide range of jobs in the design industry. See below for the average annual salary range in central NH for a Graphic Designer.

*Career Coach 2024; Go to mccnh.lightcastcc.com for more.

Outgoing Transfer Opportunities

Graduates of MCC’s Graphic Design A.A.S. degree program have successfully transferred to:

• Keene State College
• Maine College of Art
• Plymouth State University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of New Hampshire
• UMass Lowell
• …and many more!