Art Department
Graphic Design
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Design is designed to serve as a degree program for students who wish to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an entry level position in the field of Graphic Design. It is structured to prepare individuals to be capable of (1) creative thinking, (2) producing professional quality graphic solutions to an employers needs, and (3) knowledgeable in the means of producing this work, both traditionally and digitally.
Graduates will be ready to be employed in most areas of graphic design including general design, layout, and even web design. Employers include advertising agencies, corporations, design firms, printing companies, newspapers, educational institutions and many other businesses that have graphic communication needs. Approximately 90% of the 2002 NWACC graduates were employed in the field of Graphic Design.
All Graphic Design courses must be passed with a grade of C or better. An internship is required for graduation. Students must participate in a minimum of 90 hours of supervised work in a graphic design related position with a local company prior to graduation.
Basic skill proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics is a part of acceptance into this program. Your proficiency may affect the sequence of courses in which you can enroll and may also extend the time required to complete this program. For details see the Academic Placement section, page 33.
NWACC’s Art scholarship may be available to assist Graphic Design students. For application information, see the Division of Communication and Art.
Graduates of the program will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design.
Major Emphasis: Graphic Design
(not all courses are available each semester; consult catalog to aid in planning)
General Education Required Courses Hours
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II 3
ENGL 2013 Technical Writing 3
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR 3
MATH 1103 Survey of College Math OR
MATH 1003 Math for AAS General Education
Social Science Elective (Select from Social Science courses in the catalog)
Art History Required Courses
ARHS 2913 Art History I* OR 3
ARHS 2923 Art History II* 3
ARHS 2823 The History of Photography and Graphic Design 3
Graphic Design and Art Required Courses
ART 1303 Introduction to Drawing* 3
ART 1313 Design I* 3
ART 2803 Introduction to Photography 3
ART 2363 Graphic Design I 3
ART 2003 Advanced Drawing 3
ART 2373 Graphic Design II 3
ART 2333 Color Studies 3
ART 2383 Graphic Design III 3
ART 2393 Advanced Graphic Design I 3
ART 295V Graphic Design Internship**
ART 1323 Design II OR 3
ART 2013 Figure Drawing 3
ART 2103 Introduction to Painting OR 3
ART 2123 Introduction to Watercolor 3
ART 2113 Advanced Painting OR 3
ART 2133 Advanced Watercolor OR 3
ART 2364 Advanced Graphic Illustration 4
ART 2403 Advanced Graphic Design II OR ** 3
ART 2813 Advanced Photography OR 3
CISM 1213 Web Page Design 3
Total Hours 63
*Should be the first classes taken in this degree
**Should be the last class taken in this degree.