2020 - 2021 Catalog
Program: Visual Communications
Degree Plan: Visual Communications A.A.S.
(Associate of Applied Science Degree)
- Students pursuing this award program are required to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards and course prerequisites.
- Complete at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College.
Degree Plan Code: Individual degree plan codes(s) have been assigned to a specific track(s) within this degree plan.
The Visual Communications program 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 four areas of specialization. The degree is designed to be completed in two years. Each specialized track of study is described as follows:
Communication Design prepares students to enter the fields of graphic and Web design, advertising art, desktop publishing, and print production. This track emphasizes concept development as well as technical skills.
Web Design prepares students for a career in Web design, interface design, and design for applications in e-commerce. This track focuses on visual presentation of Web sites, including concept development, page design, and preparation of graphics and images as well as technical skills required in Web page construction.
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTC 1302 | Digital Imaging 1 | 3 |
| ARTC 1309 | Basic Illustration | 3 |
| ARTC 1353 | Computer Illustration | 3 |
| ARTC 1305 | Basic Graphic Design | 3 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTC 1313 | Digital Publishing 1 | 3 |
| ARTC 1317 | Design Communication 1 | 3 |
| ARTS 1304 | Art History 2 OR | 3 |
| ARTC 2311 | History of Communication Graphics | (3) |
| MATH 1332 | Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) OR | 3 |
| MATH 1314 | College Algebra | (3) |
| +Elective | Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BUSI 1301 | Business Principles | 3 |
| ARTC 1359 | Visual Design for New Media | 3 |
| Course 1 | Track (A or B) | 3 |
| Course 2 | Track (A or B) | 3 |
| ++Elective | Social/Behavioral Science | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course 3 | Track (A or B) | 3 |
| Course 4 | Track (A or B) | 3 |
| Course 5 | Track (A or B) | 3 |
| ARTC 2335 | Portfolio Development for Graphic Design OR | 3 |
| ARTC 2380 | Cooperative Education-Commercial and Advertising Art | (3) |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication OR | 3 |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | (3) |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| Minimum Hours Required | 60 | |
|---|---|---|
+Humanities/Fine Arts Elective - must be selected from the AAS Core Options for Humanities/Fine Arts.
++Social/Behavioral Science Elective - must be selected from the AAS Core Options for Social/Behavioral Science.
Choose Specialty Track courses A or B from the following corresponding tracks:
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ARTC 2313 | Digital Publishing 2 | 3 |
| 2 ARTC 2317 | Typographic Design | 3 |
| 3 ARTC 2347 | Design Communication 2 | 3 |
| 4 ARTC 2305 | Digital Imaging 2 | 3 |
| 5 MRKG 2349 | Advertising and Sales Promotion OR | 3 |
| 5 ARTC 2340 | Computer Illustration 2 | (3) |
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IMED 1316 | Web Design 1 | 3 |
| 2 IMED 1345 | Interactive Digital Media 1 | 3 |
| 3 ARTC 2317 | Typographic Design | 3 |
| 4 IMED 2315 | Web Design 2 | 3 |
| 5 ITSE 1301 | Web Design Tools OR | 3 |
| 5 ARTC 2305 | Digital Imaging 2 | (3) |
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.