Graphic and Interactive Design Degrees at Valencia College
Degrees We Offer
AS Degree: Graphic and Interactive Design (with two Specialization options):
The AS Degree in Graphic and Interactive Design offers two specializations: Graphic Design (with a focus on advertising, branding, and print design) and Interactive Design (with a focus on web design, interactive design, and user interface design). Many Graphic’s students choose to select BOTH specializations because it makes them extremely marketable and competitive for jobs and because it would only require students study for 2 additional semesters to complete both specializations.
We also offer 4 technical certificates. Our technical certificates are best for people who are already working in the industry and who are just needing to be re-introduced to industry standard software and tools to keep their skills fresh. Our technical certificates don’t lead to a finished portfolio – and a competitive portfolio is required in order to find a job in our industry. Students just learning graphic design who are wanting a career in graphic design or web design will need a competitive portfolio and will need to complete our AS Degree in order to get a job in our industry.
The Graphic Design Specialization prepares students to become graphic designers, publication designers, layout artists, advertising designers, user interface designers, user experience designers, production artists or creative technicians. It provides instruction in courses directly related to developing job skills for entry-level positions in advertising agencies, design studios and art departments for retail and other businesses. This specialization is best suited for people who are artistic, creative and enjoy traditional as well as computer design.
The Interactive Design Specialization prepares students to become entry-level web designers, user interface designers, user experience designers, multimedia artists or interactive designers. If you enjoy creating graphics, designing user interfaces, developing interactive media and/or designing web pages, you will enjoy this specialization.
Certificates We Offer:
Graphic Design Production
This program is designed to provide students with the skills required to produce layouts,
imagery and graphic elements for print, advertising design and web design. The certificate
focuses on the application of good design principles and the utilization of industry-standard
production techniques as well as software and hardware at an intermediate level.
Graphic Design Support
This program is designed to provide students with the skills required to assist with
the production of layouts and graphics for design or presentation projects for print.
The certificate focuses on the application of good design principles and the utilization
of industry-standard production techniques as well as software and hardware at a basic
level.
Interactive Design Production
This program is designed to provide students with the skills required to produce images,
design functional web layouts and interactive media for the internet or other user
interfaces. The certificate focuses on the application of appropriate production techniques,
web coding languages and the use of industry-standard software and hardware at an
intermediate level.
Interactive Design Support
This program is designed to provide students with the skills required to assist with
the production of graphic elements, basic web design layouts and interactive media
for the internet or other user interfaces. The certificate focuses on the application
of appropriate production techniques and the use of industry-standard software and
hardware at basic level.
General Program FAQs:
What classes do I have to take to earn my AS Degree in Graphic and Interactive Design?
Courses are listed in the Valencia College Catalog for course requirements for Graphic and Interactive Design.
Is the Graphic & Interactive Design program a technical school?
If you're seeking technical skills only, you may want to pursue on of our technical certificates. However, it’s important to understand that these certificates do not result in a finished portfolio, and a strong, competitive portfolio is essential for securing a job in the design industry.
How long does it take to earn an AS Degree in Graphic and Interactive Design?
Students who are attending FULL-TIME for the fall, spring, and summer terms, can complete
our degree in 2 years (6 semesters). Full-time students not taking classes during
the summer terms can complete our degree in 3 years. Part-time students can, naturally,
expect to take longer to complete our program depending on how many classes they are
able to take each semester.
Am I required to submit a portfolio to declare a major in Valencia’s Graphic and Interactive
Design Program?
Unlike a typical 4-year program, we do not require a portfolio submission or special
application for you to declare Graphics as your chosen degree path; we have an open
door policy when it comes to our first semester courses. Also, in contrast to a typical
4-year degree pathway, we don’t require you take two years of general education courses
before you can apply to be a Graphic’s major. You will notice that our students have
the opportunity to be exposed to industry basics their very first semester enrolled
in our program and do not have to wait until “they are a junior” or are “accepted
into our program” before they can give graphic design classes a whirl. This also means
students who are uncertain about whether or not this is the right major for them,
can give it a try by registering for any of our semester one courses before they declare
a degree in our area to see if it’s a good fit for them.
Do you offer your degree online?
Only a few of our courses are offered online. All other courses in our area will require
you attend classes.
Where can I find out more information about this program?
You can join our Facebook page, and you can begin getting involved and socialize with classmates and professors
by joining our student organizations, Graphic's Hangouts & Creatologists.