Fine Arts: Graphic Communication Design Option/Associate Degree Info

Associate in Science Degree

Northwestern’s Graphic Communication Design option is designed to prepare students for transfer and career opportunities in the field of graphic design. The program prepares students for employment with printers, corporate graphic design department, design studios, advertising agencies, commercial and photographic studios, fashion, marketing and media buying organizations, video and media promotion departments, newspapers and publishers, signage and environmental design businesses, and animation and internet design studios.

Northwestern’s graphic design students learn the principles and processes of graphic design while working in up-to-date computer and photography studios. They develop a portfolio of original works of graphic design, computer art and fine art, which can be used for employment and transfer.

Advisor: Susan Berg, sberg@nwcc.commnet.edu, 860-738-6342


General Education Requirements
   ENG*101 Composition 3

Literature or Communication

 ENG*102 Literature & Composition 3
Behavioral Science   Behavioral Science Elective 3
Humanities/ Arts ART*101 Art History I 3
Mathematics MAT* Mathematics Elective 3
Natural/ Physical Science    Natural/ Physical Science Elective 3 (4)
Social Science    Social Science Elective 3
Liberal Arts ART*102 Liberal Arts Elective 3
        24 (25)
Program Requirements
  ART*111 Drawing I 3
  ART*112 Drawing II 3
  ART*141 Photography I 3
  ART*121 Two-Dimensional Design 3
  ART*122 Three-Dimensional Design 3
  GRA*151 Graphic Design I 3
  GRA*252 Graphic Design II 3
      21
Specialized Program Requirements
  ART*113 Figure Drawing I 3
  ART*142 Photography II 3
  ART*151 Painting I 3
  GRA*253 Graphic Design III 3
  GRA*254 Graphic Design IV 3
      15
    Total 60 (61)


Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking and visual problem solving ability.
  2. Use a variety of studio art tools, processes and media to produce original works of art.
  3. Compile and present a portfolio of two and three dimensional art work.
  4. Recognize and apply principles of effective design, composition and color theory.
  5. Understand the relationship of form to content in a work of art; demonstrate the ability to use form to convey a specific content.
  6. Recognize the commonalities and interrelationships that exist between all forms of visual art studies in the program – drawing, painting, two dimensional design, three dimensional design, pottery, painting, photography, basic graphic design.
  7. Show knowledge of selected artists and aesthetic movements from the history of art; understand art as an expression of the human condition.

The Art Department reserves the right to retain, exhibit, and reproduce any work submitted by students for credit in any art course.

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