• The goal of the Visual Communication program is to create a stimulating learning environment for students where they can pursue their specific interest within six areas of professional study: graphic design, multimedia, web design, video and postproduction, motion graphics and 3-D animation.

Program Highlights

• Courses emphasizing advertising design, publication design, interactive media and multimedia design prepare the students for professional practice within a designer/client relationship. These courses emphasize conceptual communication following the model of professional practice while seeking to explore innovative designs.
• Students earning a degree are introduced to graphic design as a means of visual communication, organization, and persuasion. As preparation for employment in a range of design disciplines, students gain an understanding of ideation, visual organization, typography, and production tools and technology, including their application and the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual information. Students learn to design and/or create graphics to meet specific needs such as packaging, logos, displays, websites, publications, and various digital media and may work with sound, color, artwork, photography, software, and even animation to produce whatever the design project calls for.
• The Multimedia track and the Graphic Design track of the Visual Communication Program are recognized by the Texas Workforce Investment Council as having curriculum that aligns with the national industry defined and industry recognized skills standards.

Credentials and Careers

• Certificates are available within areas of professional study within visual communication and are designed to provide a core understanding. A certificate may be beneficial for a working professional who wants to update or expand their knowledge and skills to benefit their employment in the industry. The requirements of each certificate will apply to the program’s AAS degree. Areas of professional study include:
  1. Graphic Design
  2. Multimedia
  3. Web Design
  4. Video and Postproduction
  5. Motion Graphics
  6. 3-D Animation
• Completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Visual Communication prepares the graduate for an entry-level position in design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, computer systems design and related services and other related areas.

Transferability

• General education courses (Core) are designed for easy transfer to Texas public institutions and applicable to requirements at private and out of -state institutions.
• Technical coursework may be transferrable to other institutions.

Please consult with a program advisor for more information about transferability.