Total Credit Hours - 91

Students pursuing the Associate of Science in Graphic Design are required to take a total of 29 courses as follows:

• 20 core courses
• 1 core elective
• 5 required general education courses
• 2 general education electives

Core Curriculum 60 cr.

Students are required to take 20 core courses as follows:

FND110 - Drawing

This is a fundamental drawing course in which students will explore various art and media, use a variety of drawing tools, draw 3-dimensional objects in one and two-point perspective and generate drawings that demonstrate correct proportions.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND111 - Color Theory

This fundamental course provides an introduction to the principles of color and an exploration of color theory as it relates to design and form. The psychological and cultural aspects of color will be examined in making appropriate design decisions. This course is equivalent to FND115

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND112 - Fundamentals of Design

This course will explore the basic principles of design and introduce the creative process. Design elements and relationships will be identified and employed to establish a basis for critical analysis. Design will be presented as a tool of communication.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND113 - Perspective

This is a foundation course in basic drawing. Students learn to draw three-dimensional forms through observation and application and perspective principles.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

FND135 - Introduction to Web Design

This course introduces basic web page design and development techniques using basic HTML. Students will create web pages utilizing the basic language of web documents, in addition to many of the other effects and extension scripts available for that medium. Aesthetic design principles such as page layout, type design, imaging and development using an HTML authoring tool will be covered. Students will publish files and optimize them for size and quality using an FTP host.

Prerequisite(s):
G133 or FND133

Credits: 3

G120 - Life Drawing

Students will draw from live models and examine the anatomy, proportion, surface planes and movement of the human form. Beginning with basic gesture drawings, the student will progress to sketching detailed figure representations. The student will explore the relationship of muscle structure, skeletal structure, light and shadow, movement and form in the tangible representation of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional plane.

Prerequisite(s): FND110 FND113

Credits: 3

G121 - Concept Development

This course will emphasize the conceptualization processes of art and design in solving given problems. The student will use creative problem-solving and research techniques, specifically, problem identification, analysis, brainstorming and idea refinement. Portfolio-quality projects will be produced throughout the course of the term.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

G131 - Typography

This course is an introduction to the history of the evolution and application of typography for the perception of meaning, intention and personality of the written word. This course is equivalent to MM133

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

G132 - History and Analysis of Design

A study of the art movements that have structured the field of graphic design covering political, social and economic influences and the analysis of contemporary design and design trends.

Prerequisite(s): FND112

Credits: 3

G133 - Digital Image Manipulation

This course is designed to explore photo retouching, image manipulation and the creation of original artwork using computers and appropriate software. Compositing, color adjustment and effects through the use of filters will be stressed.

Prerequisite(s): G150

Credits: 3

G150 - Introduction to Design Applications

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the industry-related graphic software applications currently used in the design professions. Students will be introduced to basic skills and technical devices for electronic production of visual communication. The three areas of concentration are digital illustration, image/photographic manipulation, and page layout.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

G210 - Mixed Media

This course explores the basic aspects of drawing and painting as related to illustration. The application of various media and techniques is emphasized while developing a series of illustrative studies.

Prerequisite(s): FND110

Credits: 3

G211 - Advanced Typography

This course will explore printed communication and the use of typography as an exclusive element of design. The course will focus on the development of marketable, original and creative problem solving solutions with an emphasis on professional presentation techniques.

Prerequisite(s): G131

Credits: 3

G212 - Electronic Design

This course will explore various means of indicating, placing and manipulating visual elements in page design, systematically developing strong and creative layout solutions by means of a cumulative, conceptual design process. The ability to effectively integrate photographs, illustrations, display and type will be developed using page composition software.

Prerequisite(s):
G150 and FND112 or PH135

Credits: 3

G224 - Design Principles

This course will concentrate on utilizing design principles and theories in problem solving, focusing on the importance of layout composition. Emphasis will be on the process of design development from roughs to comprehensives, layout, and the use of grid systems for multi-component layouts. Critical analysis will be applied through the usage of type and layout to create clear, communicative design.

Prerequisite(s): FND112

Credits: 3

G230 - Digital Illustration

Students will produce computer-generated compositions as related to the advertising, design and illustration artist.

Prerequisite(s): G150

Credits: 3

G231 - Corporate Identity

The role of design in a corporate identity program will be the focus of this course. An analysis of corporate objectives and practical applications will be the basis for developing a structured corporate image system including logo design and other business communication applications.

Prerequisite(s): G212 G230

Credits: 3

G312 - Design and Technology

This course will utilize computer applications interfacing the graphic and applied arts. Students will produce contemporary advertising and graphic design portfolio projects. Emphasis will be placed on creative concepts, good typography usage, image manipulation and presentation techniques.

Prerequisite(s): G133 G230

Credits: 3

G313 - Portfolio

This course will prepare students for job interviews by helping them compile a portfolio. Students will demonstrate their conceptual, design, craftsmanship and other skills as they assemble and refine their portfolio pieces. Working individually with an instructor, each student will select representative pieces, showcasing work that reflects a unique style.

Prerequisite(s): 90 credits successfully completed in the Graphic Design associate's program or 27 credits successfully completed in the Digital Design diploma program

Credits: 3

G333 - Packaging Design

This course will focus on design principles that are applied to the development of three-dimensional product graphics.  Materials, processes, industry guidelines, and restrictions will be addressed as they pertain to surface treatments of packaging. 

Prerequisite(s): G133 G230

Credits: 3

Core Electives 3 cr.

Students are required to take 1 core elective course from the list below:

G320 - Intermediate Illustration

This course will focus on various applications of media and techniques in conjunction with concept development, research, and references. Drawing, designing, and painting skills will be further refined through illustrative compositions. Contemporary illustrators and their techniques will also be discussed and studied.

Prerequisite(s): G133 G210

Credits: 3

G331 - Contemporary Typography

This course will explore the current design trends in typography. The work of contemporary type designers: David Carson, Rodney Sheldon Fehsenfeld, Bill Nelson and others will be analyzed. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation of creative, innovative, new wave type designing.

Prerequisite(s): G211

Credits: 3

G412 - Advertising Design

This course will explore the various aspects of advertising design communications with the development of creative, original concepts. The preparation of concepts will utilize the principles of design, typography, color and problem solving skills and stress attention to detail, deadlines, professional presentation and cultural diversity. The course will also delve into the inner workings of advertising agencies and graphic design studios, contracts and billing along with the business ethics of the design and advertising fields.

Prerequisite(s): G131

Credits: 3

G444 - Interactive Portfolio Design

This course introduces design and development concepts for Graphic Design students who will identify, interpret, and implement the roles and responsibilities of Web industry design team members. Web page scripting skills, aesthetic design principles such as page layout, type design, imaging and development of web pages will be used. Students will design and develop the overall identity for a self promotional Website showcasing their graphic design portfolio.

Prerequisite(s): FND135

Credits: 3

General Education 20 cr.

Students are required to take 5 required general education courses as follows:

Students need to take ART1020 OR ART1030

ART1020 - Art History: Prehistory to the Early Modern Era

 

This course is an introduction to Western art from ca. 25,000 BCE to ca. 1700 CE and covers prehistoric art in Europe, the Near East and Egypt; Aegean and Greek art; Roman, Early Christian, Jewish and Byzantine art; and Gothic, Renaissance (Italian and Northern), and Baroque art. Concepts such as the artists’ influence, artistic motifs, stylistic evolution, cultural context, patronage, function, reception, and censorship as well as the incorporation of non-European art forms into the Western Tradition will be covered in this class. The course is designed to help students increase their art historical vocabulary for discussing an art object’s medium, composition, style, and iconography.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

ART1030 - Art History: From the Early Modern to the Contemporary

This course is an introduction to Western art before the Neoclassical from ca. 1700 CE to the present day and covers Neo-Classicism, Realism, Impressionism and Modernist movements from Fauvism through Abstract Expressionism to Contemporary. Concepts such as artists’ influence, artistic motifs, stylistic evolution, cultural context, patronage, function, reception, and censorship as well as the incorporation of non-European art forms into the Western Tradition will becovered in this class. The course is designed to help students increase their art historical vocabulary for discussing an art object’s medium, composition, style, and iconography.  

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

COM1010 - Introduction to Communications

In this course s

 

tudents will develop and refine oral and written presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material. Through a series of speeches, students will work to become better public speakers and have a basic understanding of various theories of communication. Emphasis is placed on communication theories and techniques used in interpersonal group, public, intercultural, and mass communication situations.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1010

Credits: 4

COM3010 - Advanced Communications

The purpose of this course is to examine the theoretical and practical aspects involved in effective communication. The course will emphasize essential elements of communication in both personal and professional environments as well as identify and analyze efficient oral and written delivery techniques.

Prerequisite(s): COM1010 ENG1010

Credits: 4

ENG1010 - Composition and Language

Students will be introduced to college level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Students will adhere to standard conventions of written English.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MTH1010 - College Math

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

General Education Electives 8 cr.

Students are required to take 2 general education electives.

One General Education Elective course must be at the 2000-level or higher.

 

Some courses are offered on a rotating basis.

Transitional Courses 0-12 cr.

Placement tests in Math and English are administered to determine if a student needs additional preparation in either of these areas.  If a need is indicated, accepted applicants are placed in developmental courses on the basis of their placement test scores and/or transfer credit.  Students must successfully complete or place out of transitional courses in order to progress in the program. Transitional course credits do not count towards the total number of credits for graduation or cumulative grade point average.  Taking transitional classes increases the number of courses a student will take and may extend the number of quarters a student will be in attendance.

 

ENG095 - Reading and Writing Skills

This course emphasizes the study of basic competencies needed in order to perform satisfactorily in a college-level English course. Specifically, this includes grammatical, mechanical, and usage skills essential to produce competent paragraphs and essays.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits:

MTH099 - Basic Mathematics

This course emphasizes the study of basic competencies needed in order to perform satisfactorily in a college-level basic mathematics course. Specifically this includes concepts and applications of whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, the order of operations and signed numbers.

Prerequisite(s): MTH100 requires a C or better for a passing grade. Once placed in MTH099 you must pass both Transitional Math courses (MTH099 and MTH100) with a C or better before taking College Math (MTH101).

Credits: 3

MTH100 - Elementary Algebra

This course emphasizes the study of basic algebraic concepts needed to perform satisfactorily in the college-level mathematics course. Specifically, this includes signed numbers, variables, exponents, equations, inequalities, graphing techniques, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions and applications.

Prerequisite(s): MTH099

Credits: 0

SS100 - Strategies for Online Learning

This course will familiarize students with the academic skills needed to succeed at the college level and in the online learning environment. Students will be encouraged to develop an attitude of curiosity and inquisitiveness, a capacity for perspective and comparison, and an ability to think rationally and contextually. The course will emphasize students' responsibility for a successful undergraduate education and the importance of being a lifelong learner. Students will also be introduced to policy and procedures of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3