Graphic Design (APGRD)

Associate in Applied Science

This associate's degree program prepares students for a career as a graphic designer. Graphic designers are specialists in the field of visual communication, trained to communicate, inform, instruct or sell. Students will gain skills in the principles of graphic design, publication design, interface and mobile design by working on a variety of projects that focus on theory, concept development, typography and production techniques that culminate in the production of a portfolio.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Career Outlook

Students go on to work in advertising agencies, design firms, marketing and public relations companies, and become freelancers.

Career Outlook in Michigan


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2018-192019-20 | 2020-21

2020-2021 Academic Requirements

This program prepares students for a career as a graphic designer. Graphic designers are specialists in the field of visual communication, trained to communicate, inform, instruct or sell. Students gain skills in the principles of graphic design, publication design, interface and mobile design working on a variety of projects that focus on theory, concept development, typography and production techniques that culminates in the production of a portfolio. Creative and artistic ability is required for careers in graphic design, as well as originality and the capacity for experimentation in visual problem-solving. Students also need the ability to master software skills as they relate to each medium.

College for Creative Studies, BFA degree.

Copies can be obtained from the Counseling Office, a program advisor, or from the Curriculum and Assessment Office Web site: Articulation Agreements.

Basic proficiency with desktop computers is required to enroll in GDT computer-based courses.

Note: Graphic Design computer-based courses are taught on Macintosh computers.

Division
Business/Computer Technologies
Department
Digital Media Arts Dept
Advisors
Ingrid Ankerson
Kevin Woodland
(Items marked with an icon online icon are available online.)
First Fall Semester
Class   Title Minimum Credits
Elective(s)   Social and Behavioral Science 3
ENG 111   Composition I 4
GDT 101   History of Graphic Design 3
GDT 104   Introduction to Graphic Design 4
WEB 115   Interface Design I 4
Total 18
First Winter Semester
Class   Title Minimum Credits
GDT 100   Typography I 4
GDT 112   Principles and Problem-Solving in Graphic Design 4
Elective(s)   Math 3
    Restricted Electives: ART 101, ART 102, ART 111, ART 112, ART 114, ART 120, ART 122, ART 125, ART 127, ART 129, GDT 106, GDT 108, or any 100 level or higher ANI, PHO, VID or WEB course. 3
Total 14
Second Fall Semester
Class   Title Minimum Credits
GDT 215   Typography II 4
GDT 220   Publication Design 4
GDT 239   Imaging and Illustration 4
WEB 215   Interface Design II 4
Total 16
Second Winter Semester
Class   Title Minimum Credits
GDT 252   Advanced Digital Studio 4
GDT 290   Professional Practices 4
Elective(s)   Natural Sciences 3
COM 101   Fundamentals of Speaking 3
    Restricted Electives: ART 101, ART 102, ART 111, ART 112, ART 114, ART 120, ART 122, ART 125, ART 127, ART 129, GDT 106, GDT 108, or any 100 level or higher ANI, PHO, VID or WEB course. 3
Total 17
Total Credits Required
65