Visual Communications, Associate in Applied Science Degree
This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.nmc.edu.
NMC Code 351
Students in this program explore a full range of skills: drawing, typography, photography, graphic design, illustration technique, animation, film, new media, and social media design. In unique, studio-like classrooms there are plentiful opportunities for hands-on work including customized projects based on portfolio goals and real-world pieces published in the community. Students participate and lead critiques and reviews with peers as well as clients/instructors. Several of the digital courses are led by Apple and Adobe Certified trainers. Apple and Adobe Certification and testing is available and is part of the Time Based Media, Digital Imaging, Digital Graphic Design, and Typography classes.
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | English Composition | 4 |
| ENG 112 | English Composition | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| History of Western Art I | ||
| History of Western Art II (preferred) | ||
| Modern Art History | ||
| Math Competency 1 | ||
| Any Group 1 Science lecture course with a lab | 4 | |
| Any Group 1 Social Science course | 3 | |
| Occupational Specialty Requirements | ||
| ART 121 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 131 | 2-D Design | 3 |
| VCA 100 | Materials and Techniques | 3 |
| VCA 125 | Typography I | 3 |
| VCA 126 | Typography II | 3 |
| VCA 127 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| VCA 146 | Interactive Animation | 3 |
| or ART 174 | Digital Photography I | |
| VCA 147 | Web Design I | 3 |
| VCA 150 | Digital Graphics Design I | 3 |
| VCA 200 | Visual Communications II | 3 |
| VCA 220 | Visual Communications III | 3 |
| VCA 225 | Visual Communications Studio | 3 |
| VCA 230 | Visual Communications V | 3 |
| VCA 235 | Visual Comm Portfolio | 3 |
| VCA 250 | Time Based Media | 3 |
| Total Credits | 63-64 | |
| 1 | Placement into MTH 111 Intermediate Algebra or higher, or completion of MTH 23 Beginning Algebra |
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ART 121 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 131 | 2-D Design | 3 |
| VCA 127 | Digital Imaging (Adobe Certified Associate) | 3 |
| VCA 150 | Digital Graphics Design I (Adobe Certified Associate) | 3 |
| ENG 111 | English Composition | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| VCA 100 | Materials and Techniques | 3 |
| ART 174 or VCA 146 |
Digital Photography I or Interactive Animation |
3 |
| VCA 147 | Web Design I | 3 |
| VCA 125 | Typography I (Adobe Certified Associate) | 3 |
| ART 112 | History of Western Art II 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| VCA 250 | Time Based Media (Apple Certified) | 3 |
| VCA 126 | Typography II | 3 |
| VCA 200 | Visual Communications II | 3 |
| VCA 220 | Visual Communications III | 3 |
| ENG 112 | English Composition | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| VCA 225 | Visual Communications Studio | 3 |
| VCA 230 | Visual Communications V | 3 |
| VCA 235 | Visual Comm Portfolio | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Lab Science | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
| 1 | ART 213 Modern Art History may be taken in place of ART 112 History of Western Art II. |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Mastery of software skills in Digital Technical Classes. (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, Animate, Final Cut Pro)
- Mastery of Visual Language / Composition / Design Thinking. (Problem Solving)
- Meeting the skill level of an emerging Design Communicator and associated deadlines.
- Preparing a competitive capstone portfolio that reflects design excellence and strategic thinking.
MTH 23 Beginning Algebra or Equivalent Math Competency is required.