Associate of Applied Arts in Graphic Design (AAA)

Graphic Design (AAA)

Offered at The Art Institute of Dallas

Program Description

The associate degree program in Graphic Design is a six-quarter, 90-credit program, emphasizing hands-on learning and technical skills. Students in the Graphic Design degree program utilize industry-related technology and software to complete projects. Course topics include typography, illustration, interface design and web development. With a Graphic Design degree, graduates can pursue entry-level jobs such as graphic designer and production artist.

Students develop an understanding of color, composition, design and technology. As they progress through the program, students are trained in technical problem solving and learn to offer solutions that are effective in the business world and applicable on various mediums.

Emphasis is placed on technical competency and creative problem solving as it relates to technology, design, and development. Skills and techniques of advanced technologies are often taught by industry professionals. Tools include scanners, digital cameras, mobile devices and various hardware and software.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

Design - Demonstrate versatile, aesthetic solutions of layout and design. This includes proper understanding and usage of; space, line, color, shape, texture, form and value. Typographic and photographic hierarchy structures will also be considered
Conceptual - Demonstrate conceptual thinking through work that reflects historical and contemporary trends by answering design problems with creative visuals and writings
Visual Communication - Express a clear message to specific demographics using various mediums
Professional Presentation - Articulate their chosen design direction and solution by communicating their mastery knowledge of graphic design, problem solving, ethics and industry standards in a visual presentation

Requirements for Graduation

Credit Hours: 90
Number of Weeks: 66 (6 quarters)
Contact Hours: 1,232

Associate of Applied Arts in Graphic Design: 90 Credits

Program-specific Courses: 66 Credits

GWDA101 Applications and Industry 3 credit hours
GWDA102 Rapid Visualization 3 credit hours
GWDA103 Digital Illustration 3 credit hours
GWDA105 Concept Design 3 credit hours
GWDA111 Introduction to Layout Design 3 credit hours
GWDA112 Typography - Traditional 3 credit hours
GWDA122 Typography - Hierarchy 3 credit hours
GWDA133 Fundamentals of Web Design 3 credit hours
GWDA202 Interface Design 3 credit hours
GWDA203 Pre-Press and Production 3 credit hours
GWDA209 Portfolio I 3 credit hours
GWDA212 Typography - Expressive and Experimental 3 credit hours
GWDA222 Intermediate Layout Design 3 credit hours
GWDA252 Advanced Layout Design 3 credit hours
GWDA272 Corporate Identity 3 credit hours
GWDA273 Intermediate Web Design 3 credit hours
GWDA308 Business of Graphic Design 3 credit hours
FND105 Design Fundamentals 3 credit hours
FND110 Observational Drawing 3 credit hours
FND135 Image Manipulation 3 credit hours
FND150 Digital Color Theory 3 credit hours
PHOA101 Principles of Photography 3 credit hours

General Education: 24 Credits

MAT100 College Mathematics 4 credit hours
COM101 Oral Communications 4 credit hours
PSY101 Psychology 4 credit hours
ENG104 Composition 4 credit hours
GE2084 Writing II 4 credit hours
GE2134 Survey of Art History 4 credit hours