Graphic Design

Graphic Design, A.A.S. (VC01)

Graphic Design program is committed to further excellence in design as a broadly-defined discipline. The areas represented in the profession range from publication design to the newer disciplines of interaction design, experience design, and motion graphics. Design can be incorporate the use of illustration, iconography, and branding, but is not limited to these devices. Through a combination of various hands-on experiences students are provided with an excellent foundation in both traditional and digital mediums.

This program encourages the selection of electives in art and design to build a strong professional base. 

Careers in the field

Freelance Graphic Designer, Computer Art and Design, Animation, Web Design, Magazine Design, Record/CD Cover Design, Branding, Interactive Design, Type Design, Motion Graphics, Package Design, Film Titles, TV Graphics, Book Design, Corporate Identity, Game Design, Environmental Design, Information Design

Schools to transfer to

  • SUNY: University of Buffalo, Brockport, Fredonia, Oswego, New Paltz, Purchase
  • School of Visual Arts
  • Pratt Institute
  • Parsons School of Design
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Virginia Commonwealth
  • North Carolina State University
  • Massachusetts College of Arts
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • Carnegie Mellon

Specific skills learned

Typography, packaging, branding, computer graphics, graphics and image manipulation, vector drawing, commercial illustration, animation, and motion-graphics

Full-time faculty

Coursework enhancement activities available

  • Student Art Association
  • Comic Creators Club
  • American Institute of Graphic Arts

Complete List of Course Descriptions

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
*Program Elective Options: AAD 101, ART 108, ART 110, ART 154, ART 204, COM 150, COM 203, COM 204.
Revised 8/6/2026