Graphic Design, Applied Art and Design
- AAS - Career Program
- Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Design a career limited only by your imagination
Our graphic design associate degree program lets you develop marketable design skills that complement your creative talents. This program attracts students who plan to put their training to work in many areas, including:
- Web
- Interactive
- Package design
- Motion graphics
- Computer gaming
Get to work or transfer to a bachelor's degree program
The graphic design A.A.S. prepares you for today’s job market or future studies, depending on your career goals. MCC graduates who choose to earn bachelor’s degrees have gone on to graphic design programs at many schools, including:
- SUNY:
- University of Buffalo
- Brockport
- Fredonia
- Oswego
- New Paltz
- Parsons School of Design
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- North Carolina State University
- Rhode Island School of Design
Add key graphic design skills to your portfolio
The visual communication technology: graphic design A.A.S. degree will put you on a wide range of graphic career paths – from print and package design to Web design, animation and new media. The program combines lectures, laboratory projects, studio classes, and hands-on experience.
You’ll develop key skills in:
- Typography
- Computer graphics
- Image manipulation
- Commercial illustration
- Motion graphics
- Production processes
You’ll also choose art electives to develop your creative aesthetic.
Graphic design jobs and employers
Award-winning faculty with real world experience will prepare you for jobs like these:
- Web designer
- Freelance graphic designer
- Package designer
- Art director
- Multimedia artist and animator
- Set and exhibit designer
MCC graphic design graduates start careers with a wide range of employers, including:
- Martino Flynn Advertising
- Upper Case Design
- Edge Color Graphics
- Geva Theater
- Dunn & Rice Design
To find out more about the visual communications technology: graphic design program A.A.S. from Monroe Community College, contact the admissions office at admissions@monroecc.edu or (585) 292-2200.
Graphic Design, Applied Art and Design
A.A.S. Degree - Career Program
Department:Visual and Performing Arts
School(s): Arts & Humanities
MCC Program Code: VC01
Description
The Graphic Design program is dedicated to fostering excellence in design as a dynamic, multidisciplinary field. The profession now encompasses a wide range of areas, from traditional publication design to emerging fields such as interaction design, experience design, motion graphics, and digital storytelling. Design extends beyond visual aesthetics, incorporating tools like illustration, iconography, branding, and user interface design, while continuously adapting to technological advancements. Through a blend of hands-on experiences and real-world projects, students gain a comprehensive foundation in both traditional and digital media, ensuring they are prepared for the rapidly changing landscape of design.
This program also encourages students to explore electives in art, design, and technology, allowing them to develop specialized skills and build a strong, adaptable professional foundation that will serve them well in various industries.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Create visual form (perceptible products) in response to design problems.
2. Solve design problems reasonably, independently, and creatively as designers.
3. Combine tools and technologies to a range of new and challenging design problems.
4. Apply knowledge and skills pertinent to the design profession.
5. Demonstrate goal-oriented planning through research sketching comping.
6. Demonstrate a working understanding of design heritage and ideas as citizens of a diverse global community.
7. Participate as a proficient member of a functional design team as well as in individual design endeavors.
8. Exhibit integrity and responsibility through professional practices.
9. Seek, embrace, and make the most of professional and educational opportunities.
Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: https://www.onetonline.org
|
Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| FIRST SEMESTER |  |
| ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| AAD 104 Introduction to Graphic Design, 2D | 3 |
| AAD 105 Typography | 3 |
| AAD 125 Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Art | 3 |
| ART 104 Drawing I: Foundation | 3 |
First Semester Total: | 15 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | |
| MTH 150 Survey of Mathematics OR ANY SUNY MATHEMATICS (SUNY-MATH) ELECTIVE | 3-4 |
| AAD 108 Ideation: Illustration and Design | 3 |
| AAD 160 Graphic Illustration: Vector Drawing | 3 |
| AAD 256 Motion Graphics | 3 |
| ART 204 Drawing II OR ART 154 Drawing the Human Figure | 3 |
Second Semester Total: | 15-16 |
| THIRD SEMESTER | |
| AAD 112 Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 118 Perspectives of Art History I: Ancient | 3 |
| SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION WORLD HISTORY AND GLOBAL AWARENESS (SUNY-WHGA) OR SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION WORLD LANGUAGES (SUNY-WLNG) ELECTIVE | 3-4 |
| SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION NATURAL SCIENCES and Scientific Reasoning (SUNY-NSCI) ELECTIVE | 3-4 |
| PROGRAM ELECTIVE* | 3 |
Third Semester Total: | 15-17 |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | |
| AAD 205 Graphic Design 2 | 3 |
| ART 119 Perspectives of Art History II: Modern | 3 |
| ART 212 Visual Arts, Identity, and Civic Dialogue | 3 |
| PROGRAM ELECTIVE* | 3 |
| OPEN ELECTIVE | 3 |
Fourth Semester Total: | 15 |
TOTAL CREDITS: | 60-63 |
Revised 8/6/2026