Degrees

Degrees We Offer

AS Degree: Graphic + Interactive Design (with two Specialization options):

The AS Degree in Graphic + 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 + Interactive Design?   
We’ve designed a visual   FLOW CHART for students to better show and describe our degree requirements. Make sure you’re using the correct flow chart for the year you declared your degree in Graphics as we are continually updating and improving our program in order to ensure our graduates are current, marketable, and competitive. The exact classes you will be required to take depend on the catalog year in which you declared your degree.

Each course listed on the FLOW CHART summarizes what software we cover in each course and to what degree that software is covered. Please note that we are not a “technical school” in which only software is covered. It is important to develop skills in visual  communication, conceptual thinking, design thinking and creative problem solving to be successful in our field. If technical skills are all you’re seeking, you might be interested in pursuing a technical certificate only – however, please keep in mind 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.

How long does it take to earn an AS Degree in Graphic + 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 + 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 read more about our program on our program website and our Facebook page, and you can begin getting involved and socialize with classmates and professors by joining our student organizations, Graphic's Hangouts & Creatologists.