Presenting Concepts Every project prepares Graphic Design students to be working professionals.
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Associate of Arts in Graphic Design Program prepares students for careers as graphic artists and designers. Students learn how to interpret, define, and solve client problems and create a distinct voice of communication to the target audience. Using a combination of technical skills and creative thinking, this comprehensive program teaches students about concept, design, typography, and motion graphics and how these elements are combined and used in graphic designs for the fashion and entertainment industries.
What Our Students Learn In our program, students learn how to create and present strong visuals that communicate a brand's marketing message.
Why FIDM With a broad focus on fashion and entertainment industries, our Graphic Design program aides students in developing a professional portfolio of their work. Instructors are working professionals with exciting careers and industry connections. These industry execs from top advertising and marketing firms offer hands-on instruction and mentoring in the classroom. Students learn how to concept, execute, and pitch ideas. They leave the program ready to design for every platform – from mobile and web to the printed page – with user experience a primary focus.
(top left) Merchandise concepts for re-release of the band Genesis; Class: Brand X (bottom left) Student photographers; Class: Introduction to Digital Photography (middle right/from top to bottom) Cosmetic packaging prototypes Class: Packaging Design (bottom) Students discuss print layouts; Class: Publication Design
REQUIRED CLASSES FOR ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (A.A.) (for students without a prior college degree)
| GNST 1040 | English Composition | 3 |
| GNST 1080 | Drawing Fundamentals | 3 |
| GNST 1230 | Color & Design Theory | 3 |
| GNST 1450 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| GNST 1600 | Effective Speaking | 3 |
| GNST 1650 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| GNST 2020 | Survey of Western Art I | 3 |
| GNST 2220 | History of Design | 3 |
| GNST 2420 | Survey of Western Art II | 3 |
| GNST 2960 | American Political & Economic History | 3 |
| GRPH 1050 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| GRPH 1150 | Type & Layout | 3 |
| GRPH 1300 | Computer Illustration | 3 |
| GRPH 1420 | 2-D Design | 3 |
| GRPH 1500 | Critical Concepts | 3 |
| GRPH 1720 | Typography | 3 |
| GRPH 2050 | Brand X | 3 |
| GRPH 2120 | Publication Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2230 | UX Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2300 | Prepress Production | 3 |
| GRPH 2380 | Packaging Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2400 | Graphics/Licensing (6 hours)* | 3 |
| GRPH 2500 | Logo/Symbol Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2540 | Applied Branding | 3 |
| GRPH 2630 | Website Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2680 | Graphic Design Portfolio | 3 |
| GRPH 2780 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 |
| GRPH 2930 | Advanced Website Design | 3 |
| MMKT 1550 | Marketing & Brand Development | 3 |
| TECH 1100 | Introduction to Adobe | 3 |
| Total Units of Credit | 90 |
REQUIRED CLASSES FOR PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION (A.A.) (for students with a prior college degree)
| GNST 1080 | Drawing Fundamentals | 3 |
| GNST 2220 | History of Design | 3 |
| GNST 2420 | Survey of Western Art II | 3 |
| GRPH 1050 | Digital Imaging | 3 |
| GRPH 1150 | Type & Layout | 3 |
| GRPH 1300 | Computer Illustration | 3 |
| GRPH 1420 | 2-D Design | 3 |
| GRPH 1500 | Critical Concepts | 3 |
| GRPH 1720 | Typography | 3 |
| GRPH 2050 | Brand X | 3 |
| GRPH 2120 | Publication Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2230 | UX Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2300 | Prepress Production | 3 |
| GRPH 2380GRPH 2930 | Packaging Design –or–Advanced Website Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2400 | Graphics/Licensing (6 hours)* | 3 |
| GRPH 2500 | Logo/Symbol Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2540 | Applied Branding | 3 |
| GRPH 2630 | Website Design | 3 |
| GRPH 2680 | Graphic Design Portfolio | 3 |
| GRPH 2780 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 |
| Total Units of Credit | 60 |
*Three (3)-hour lab included in 6 hours
For important information about the completion rate, educational debt, and earnings of students who attended this program, go to fidm.edu/go/ge/gd.