Graphic Design Technology - Associate of Applied Technology Degree / Associate in Applied Science – T Degree
Prepares students for careers within the Graphic Communications Industry that includes: Graphic Design, Web design, Digital Marketing, Commercial printing, Sign companies, Specialty printing companies, ePublishing, Screen printing, and Packaging companies.
With rapid technological expansion and broadening of the scope of services provided by the Graphic Communications industry today, companies have expanded services to include e-commerce, web page design, design for social media, environmental graphics, and a host of services well beyond the core printing model.
Innovations in computer technology continue to rapidly change and expand the field of graphics. Therefore, the following courses of study may be subject to change in order to offer training based on current industry standards.
Students pursuing an AAT or AAS-T degree must complete all college degree requirements prior to graduation.
Program Length
This program is approximately six quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements.
Admission Dates
Fall and spring quarters.
Program Outcomes
• Creativity: Integrate originality with the fundamentals of art and design in the graphic design process from concept to completion.
• Technical Proficiency: Use traditional and emerging media technologies for graphic design and production, as well as web design.
• Professionalism: Employ professional standards of the graphic communications industry in the work environment, both independently and in teams.
• Craftsmanship: Produce design projects that show a high level of quality, care, and attention to detail.
• Critical Thinking: Formulate innovative solutions to challenges in the design process.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and professionally while working either individually or within a team.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
None.
Program Course List
| GTC 115 | Typography and Layout | 4 |
| GTC 120 | Computer Operations & Image Management for Graphic Professionals | 4 |
| GTC 125 | Introduction to the Principles and Elements of Design | 4 |
| GTC 130 | Digital Illustration | 4 |
| GTC 132 | Digital Imaging I | 4 |
| GTC 150 | Applied Graphic Layout I | 4 |
| GTC 163 | Portable Documents | 4 |
| GTC 170 | Digital Imaging II | 4 |
| GTC 172 | Applied Graphic Layout II | 4 |
| GTC 205 | Design Process, Visual Communication and Storytelling | 4 |
| GTC 208 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| GTC 215 | Generative AI in Design | 4 |
| GTC 220 | User Experience Design for the Web | 4 |
| GTC 230 | Intro to Programming for the Web | 4 |
| GTC 232 | Project Management and Team Design | 4 |
| GTC 241 | Logo Design, and Design Systems | 4 |
| GTC 253 | Digital Photography | 3 |
| GTC 254 | Capstone Class | 5 |
| GTC 257 | Branding | 4 |
| GTC 267 | Print, Package and Environmental Design | 4 |
| GTC 271 | Web Graphics and Digital Marketing | 4 |
| | |
| GTC 278 | Independent Study | 4 |
| Or | |
| GTC 280 | Internship | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 87 |
AAT Degree Requirements
| Technical Course Requirements | 87 |
| AAT General Education Requirements | 18 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 105 |
AAT Degree General Education Requirements: See list below
AAS-T Degree Requirements
| Technical Course Requirements | 87 |
| AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements | 23 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 110 |
AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements: See list below
General Degree Requirements
In addition to the program course requirements, students must also complete the general education requirements for the degree they seek to obtain. The two degree options in this program are the Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) and the Associate in Applied Science–T (AAS-T). The different requirements for each degree are listed below.
AAT Degree General Education Requirements (18 credits)
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| Or | |
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| | |
| Any 100-Level Math Class | 5 |
| Any college-level Science, Social Science, or Humanities course | 5 |
| COLL 102 | College Success for All | 3 |
AAS-T Degree General Education Requirements (23 credits)
All AAS-T degrees must have a minimum of 20 credits of transferable general education. These credits replace the academic courses required for the AAT degree. Required credits include:
5 credits in communication
5 credits in quantitative reasoning
10 credits in social science, humanities, or science
choose two from the following
3 credits in College Success