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Visual Communications A.A.S.
Program Available at:
- Brookhaven
Catalog Year 2020-2021 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.
Degree Type Associate of Applied Science
GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher
TSI Must be Complete
Visual Communications A.A.S. is now Digital Art and Design A.A.S. Attention: Students who were under the previous degree plan code of: AAS.DAD.DIG.ART.20. If you have questions regarding the completion of your program of study, please consult with a student success coach at your campus.
For more information, visit the Dallas College Visual Com webpage and your academic advisor at the Brookhaven Campus.
This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing the Visual Communications associate degree. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Visual Communications. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.
The A.A.S. degree program in Visual Communications is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge, creative and technical skills required for the visual communications industry. The complete course of study provides for the development of creative, conceptual, technical, interpersonal, and communication skills necessary for entry-level positions. The Visual Communication Associate of Applied Science Degree is awarded for successful completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours that include a common core of academic courses and a selection of technical courses based on two areas of specialization, Communication Design (Track A) and Web Design (Track B). The degree is designed to be completed in two years. Courses that complete the degree and the Visual Communications Certificate (VC) are noted below.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official degree requirements.
AAS DEGREE MINIMUM: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS
SEMESTER 1
ARTC 1302 – Digital Imaging I (Course also applies to VC)
ARTC 1309 – Basic Illustration (Course also applies to VC)
ARTC 1353 – Computer Illustration (Course also applies to VC)
ARTC 1305 – Basic Graphic Design (Course also applies to VC)
ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better.
SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
Total Hours: 15
SEMESTER 2
ARTC 1313 – Digital Publishing I (Course also applies to VC)
ARTC 1317 – Design Communication I (Course also applies to VC)
HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS ELECTIVE* This is a Core course.
CHOOSE ONE:
- ARTS 1304 – Art History II This is a Core course. OR
- ARTC 2311 – History of Communication Graphics (Course also applies to VC)
CHOOSE ONE:
- MATH 1332 – Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better. OR
- MATH 1314 – College Algebra This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of "C" or better.
* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your academic advisor for a specific list.
SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with your advisor to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.
Total Hours: 15
SEMESTER 3
ARTC 1359 – Visual Design for New Media (Course also applies to VC)
BUSI 1301 – Business Principles
COURSE 1 – Choose course from Specialty Track A or B* (IMED 1316 also applies to VC)
COURSE 2 – Choose course from Specialty Track A or B*
SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE** This is a Core course.
* Choose Specialty Track Courses A or B from the following corresponding tracks:
Track A – Communication Design: 1-ARTC 2313, 2-ARTC 2317, 3-ARTC 2347, 4-ARTC 2305, 5-MRKG 2349 or ARTC 2340
Track B – Web Design: 1-IMED 1316, 2-IMED 1345, 3-ARTC 2317, 4-IMED 2315, 5-ITSE 1301 or ARTC 2305
**There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your academic advisor for a specific list.
SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS
- Meet with a faculty or career advisor regarding placement for the Cooperative Education course, if needed.
- Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search.
Total Hours: 15
SEMESTER 4
COURSE 3 – Choose course from Specialty Track A or B*
COURSE 4 – Choose course from Specialty Track A or B*
COURSE 5 – Choose course from Specialty Track A or B* (ARTC 2305 also applies to VC)
CHOOSE ONE:
- ARTC 2335 – Portfolio Development for Graphic Design OR
- ARTC 2380 – Cooperative Education-Commercial and Advertising Art
CHOOSE ONE:
- SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication This is a Core course. OR
- SPCH 1315 – Public Speaking This is a Core course
* Choose Specialty Track Courses A or B from the following corresponding tracks:
Track A – Communication Design: 1-ARTC 2313, 2-ARTC 2317, 3-ARTC 2347, 4-ARTC 2305, 5-MRKG 2349 or ARTC 2340
Track B – Web Design: 1-IMED 1316, 2-IMED 1345, 3-ARTC 2317, 4-IMED 2315, 5-ITSE 1301 or ARTC 2305
SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS
- After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your advisor to apply for the Visual Communications A.A.S.
- Sign up for commencement.
- Join the Alumni Network!
Total Hours: 15
PATHWAY TOTAL: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS