The Associate of Applied Science, Graphic Communications, offers classes that lead to the completion of a professional, industry-based AAS degree. The Graphic Design Track develops skills and knowledge in areas of creative problem solving, research and design thinking, design history, typography and layout using technologies for a variety of print and screen-based media.The Motion Graphics Track develops skills and knowledge in areas of motion and time-based media, including storyboarding, video production, sound, traditional and 2D animation techniques, and 3D animation (CGI and special effects). The Web/UI Development Track is a unique combination of creativity and technology, developing skills and knowledge in design, layout and typography with a variety of the latest Internet-based programming languages.Instruction includes the use of industry standard graphics software, and program computer labs are equipped with the latest Apple computers with support scanners, printers, a sound recording facility and a complete prepress/print shop facility.

Students completing the degree will:

Identify and apply historical and current design theories and concepts in the production of visually engaging media that meets the requirements of the graphic communications industry. Acquire a broad skill set in current graphics related technologies, including computer software applications, processes and other production techniques used in the graphic communications industry. Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to transfer to a four-year institution.

The Associate of Arts, Graphic Arts & Media Technology, offers classes that lead to transfer to a four-year institution, or entry into TMCC’s Advanced Certificate program. The Graphic Design Track develops skills and knowledge in areas of creative problem solving, research and design thinking, design history, typography and layout using technologies for a variety of print and screen-based media.The Motion Graphics Track develops skills and knowledge in areas of motion and time-based media, including storyboarding, video production, sound, traditional and 2D animation techniques, and 3D animation (CGI and special effects). The Web/UI Development Track is a unique combination of creativity and technology, developing skills and knowledge in design, layout and typography with a variety of the latest Internet-based programming languages.Instruction includes the use of industry standard graphics software, and program computer labs are equipped with the latest Apple computers with support scanners, printers, a sound recording facility and a complete prepress/print shop facility.

Students completing the degree will:

Identify and apply historical and current design theories and concepts in the production of visually engaging media that meets the requirements of the graphic communications industry. Acquire a broad skill set in current graphics related technologies, including computer software applications, processes and other production techniques used in the graphic communications industry. Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to transfer to a four-year institution.

The Advanced Certificate, Graphic Arts & Media Technology, Graphic Design Track, offers advanced classes that further develop skills for employment, and serves as the third year of an on-site four-year degree program. The program instructs in both theory and application of graphic design for print and display-based media including current graphics software and technologies. Students completing the advanced certificate will be eligible to enter the fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts program.

This program has been submitted for approval to the US Department of Education for financial aid funding. It is not eligible for financial aid at this time. However, it will be eligible for scholarship funding if the student is awarded scholarships.

The Skills Certificate, Graphic Software Certification, Adobe Certified Associate prepares students to pass the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) exams. There are six different certifications. GRC 118 and GRC 119 cover all six applications at a beginning level, and GRC 125 is specific to each application. Students wishing to prepare for more than one ACA exam would sign up for more than one section of GRC 125. Skill Certificate does not include taking the exam.

Students will analyze published objectives for Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) software exams and synthesize knowledge based on those objectives in order to successfully complete tone of the ACA exams.