Skip to Main Content Open Alternative Formats of This Page
Dallas College

GPS Map
Studio Art and Design Studies/Graphic Design

Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design Pathway Icon

Program Available at:

  • Brookhaven
  • Cedar Valley
  • Eastfield
  • El Centro
  • Mountain View
  • North Lake
  • Richland

Catalog Year 2023-2024 You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type Associate of Arts in Teaching

GPA Requirement Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI Must be Complete

For more information, visit the Dallas College Art webpage and your success coach at your campus.

The guided pathway in Studio Arts and Design Studies/Graphic Design begins with Survey of Art History and concludes with a first-level studio.  An Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in this pathway prepares students to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor's degree that opens the door to a career in employment fields including illustration, studio painter, sculptor, public artist, jeweler, including fashion design, graphic design, industrial design, and communication design.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Design Studies/Graphic Design. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an A.A. degree, which will increase your chances of transfer to bachelor's-level programs. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See the catalog for official degree requirements.

Visit http://www.dallascollege.edu/transfer and select “Transfer from Dallas College," then click on a university to view more information about transferring to that institution. Speak with your success coach to choose courses that will help you to transfer to a specific university.

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 program of study. See the catalog for official degree requirements.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE MINIMUM: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or higher.

MATH 1332 – Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)* This is a Core course. Must earn a grade of “C" or higher.

EDUC 1300 – Learning Framework All college students with fewer than 12 semester credit hours of successful college credit (grade of “C" or above) must take a student success course in the first semester.

ARTS 1316 – Drawing I**

ARTS 1303 – Art History I* This is a Core course.

PHED 1164 – Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness* This is a Core course.

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

** Elective courses should be selected according to the intended university you will transfer to. See your success coach for assistance with course selection.

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to confirm your academic and career goals.
  2. Meet with your success coach to research career options with a Design Studies/Graphic Design degree.
  3. At the end of the semester, begin researching colleges and universities where you wish to transfer and major in Design Studies/Graphic Design.

    Total Hours: 16​

SEMESTER 2

ENGL 1302 – Composition II This is a Core course.

ARTS 1304 – Art History II**

SPCH 1311 – Introduction to Speech Communication* This is a Core course.

SOCI 1301 – Introduction to Sociology* This is a Core course.

ARTS 1317 – Drawing II**

ARTS 1311 – Design I**
* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

** Elective courses should be selected according to the intended university you will transfer to. See your success coach for assistance with course selection.

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your success coach to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career pathway and program of study.

  2. Ask your success coach about your options to pursue a bachelor's degree.

    Total Hours: 18​

SEMESTER 3

GOVT 2305 – Federal Government This is a Core course.

BIOL 1408 – Biology for Non-Science Majors I* This is a Core course.

HIST 1301 – United States History I This is a Core course.

ARTS 1312 – Design II**

CHOOSE ONE:** 

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

** Elective courses should be selected according to the intended university you will transfer to. See your success coach for assistance with course selection

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Begin applying to your top choice universities.
  2. Begin applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships. You can start the FAFSA in December 2023, if you plan to register for classes at a university Fall 2024.

    ​Total Hours: 16​

SEMESTER 4

GOVT 2306 – Texas Government This is a Core course.

GEOL 1403 – Physical Geology* This is a Core course.

PHIL 1301 – Introduction to Philosophy* This is a Core course.

HIST 1302 – United States History II* This is a Core course.

CHOOSE ONE:** 

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.

** Elective courses should be selected according to the intended university you will transfer to. See your success coach for assistance with course selection.

SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS

  1. After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your success coach to apply for the Associate of Arts degree.
  2. Sign up for commencement.
  3. Request final transcripts to be sent to the college or university to where you will transfer.
  4. Join the Alumni Network!

    Total Hours: 16​  

DALLAS COLLEGE PATHWAY TOTAL: 66 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

Updated July 21, 2025