Graphic Design: Interactive Design Specialization, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
Campuses: Alexandria, Loudoun

The curriculum is designed for individuals who seek full-time employment in the communication design profession. Upon completion, an individual would be prepared to work in the field of web-based interactive design including multimedia techniques specific to the web. Job opportunities include web designer, UX designer, web content developer and motion graphic designer, among others in the graphic design marketplace.

Equipment and Supplies: Graphic Design students are required to purchase certain basic equipment and materials necessary to achieve professionally oriented objectives. Most of the equipment is purchased in the beginning class, ART 140 Introduction to Graphic Skills, and can be used throughout the two-year program.

Recommended Preparation Information

Proficiency in high school English and a satisfactory aptitude for drawing.

Course Curriculum

Below is a table that shows the courses needed to satisfy this program. Please speak with an advisor to ensure you meet your program requirements.

Two Years Credits
1st Semester
ART 121 Drawing I 3
ART 131 Fundamentals of Design I 3
ART 140 Introduction to Graphic Skills 3
ENG 111 College Composition I 3
Choose One
SDV 100 College Success Skills 1
SDV 101 Orientation to (a Specific Discipline)
1   Social/Behavioral Sciences Electives 3
Total 16
2nd Semester
2ART   Elective 3
ART 116 Design for the Web I 3
ART 130 Introduction to Multimedia 3
ART 135 Visual Communications 3
Choose One
3ART 251 Communication Design I 3
3PHT 270 Digital Imaging I
4   Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
Total 18
3rd Semester
ART 141 Typography I 3
ART 250 History of Design 3
ART 263 Interactive Design I 3
ART 270 Motion Graphics I 3
Choose One
5MTH 154 Quantitative Reasoning 3
4   Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab
Total 15-16
4th Semester
ART 142 Typography II 3
ART 203 Animation I 3
ART 264 Interactive Design II 3
ART 287 Portfolio and Resume 3
CST 110 Introduction to Communication 3
Total 15
Total credits for the Associate of Applied Science = 64-65
Two Years Credits
1st Semester
ART
121
 3
ART
131
 3
ART
140
 3
ENG
111
 3
Choose One
SDV
100
 1
Orientation to (a Specific Discipline)
SDV
101
  Social/Behavioral Sciences Electives
1
 3
Total 16
2nd Semester
  Elective
2ART
 3
ART
116
 3
Introduction to Multimedia
ART
130
 3
ART
135
 3
Choose One
3ART
251
 3
3PHT
270
  Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
4
Total 18
3rd Semester
Typography I
ART
141
 3
ART
250
 3
Interactive Design I
ART
263
 3
ART
270
 3
Choose One
5MTH
154
 3
  Physical or Life Science Elective w/Lab
4
Total 15-16
4th Semester
Typography II
ART
142
 3
ART
203
 3
Interactive Design II
ART
264
 3
Portfolio and Resume
ART
287
 3
CST
110
 3
Total 15
Total credits for the Associate of Applied Science = 64-65

1 See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives.

2 Approved ART Electives: ART 150 or ART 204 or division approval for other ART courses. For students double majoring in both the Graphic Design and Graphic Design Interactive Specialization A.A.S. degrees, there must be a total of 25% difference in ART credits between the degrees. 

3 PHT 270  will teach digital imaging from a photography perspective, whereas ART 251 provides a design perspective.

4 See fine arts/humanities courses other than ART listed under General Education Electives.

5 Division approval required for substitution. The science elective may be selected from biology, chemistry, ENV 121-ENV 122, physics, geology, or natural science courses with a lab component, listed under General Education Electives. Some four-year colleges require a two-semester sequence.

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