Admission Requirements and Curriculum (catalog)
AWARD OFFERED Associate in Applied Science (4 semesters)
Graphic designers—or graphic artists—plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques.
Graphic designers use a variety of graphics and layout computer software to assist in their designs. Designers creating Web pages or other interactive media designs use computer animation and programming packages. Computer software programs allow ease and flexibility in exploring a greater number of design alternatives. Employers expect new graphic designers to be familiar with computer graphics and design software.
Wallace State’s degree in graphic arts, called Visual Communications, combines artistic talents and high-tech delivery to satisfy an ever growing ‘creative economy’ and industry demand for employees skilled in ‘new media’ production.
The 68-credit hour program consists of 25 semester hours of general education courses, with the balance of hours involving both rigorous art studio and technically-rich visual communications computer courses.
Upon completion of the Visual Communications program, students will have a firm foundation to start possible careers in graphic and commercial design, desktop publishing, computer animation, gaming design, industrial design, apparel and fashion design, photography, advertising, marketing and promotions and Web page design.
Demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms, and from the rapidly expanding market for Web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market. Entry-level designers earned a median salary of $32,000 in 2005. Graphic designers with ownership or partnership interests in a firm or who were principals of the firm in some other capacity earned $100,000 or more. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Click here for catalog description of degree requirements and course listings.
Adrian Scott, Program Director
256/352-8145
adrian.scott@wallacestate.edu
