Associate of Applied Science
Graphic Arts
(Online Not currently accepting applications)
Quick Info
Next Start
TBD
Program Length
20 MONTHS
Next Start
TBD
Program Length
20 MONTHS
Make your creativity your career with a Graphic Arts degree online
With an online Associate’s degree in Graphic Arts, you could transform your creative passion into an in demand career. Learn the skills and software used by professionals in both print and web design.
As part of your education, you’ll learn the design skills you need to effectively plan and create visual solutions for employers’ communication challenges. You could be prepared to work in a variety of graphic design settings, such as advertising agencies and corporate communications departments, or as a freelance graphic designer.
POTENTIAL CAREERS
An online Associate’s degree in Graphic Arts could potentially lead to a number of in demand careers, such as:
- Graphic designer
- Web designer
- Production artist
- Multimedia artist
- Freelance graphic designer
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
IU's online Associate’s program in Graphic Arts provides practical knowledge and skills in modern graphic design,1 such as:
- InDesign®
- Photoshop®
- Illustrator®
- Information design
- Page layout design
- Web design
- Logo and identity design
- Package design
- Entrepreneurship
- Internet commerce
Graphic Arts
program
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|
DGD 360
Advanced Digital Imagery
This advanced raster imaging course focuses on professional techniques in image manipulation. Students will learn to work in 3D creating lifelike objects, environments, and scenarios.
Prerequisites: None.
APP 110
Business Computer Fundamentals
This course explores the introductory use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications. Students will learn computer skills, including document and spreadsheet creation and presentation techniques. Emphasis is on utilization of basic application skills to complete general business tasks.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 240
Client Management System Frameworks
This course focuses on the design and development process of creating a website using a Content Management System (CMS). Students will learn how to customize a web page built using a CMS. The focus will be placed on design, testing, and deployment utilizing industry standard frameworks to produce functioning web pages and templates.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 160
Color Theory
This course introduces students to the different color models used in graphic design production. Topics covered include how color evokes emotions and symbolism, and how to apply effective color schemes to connect and motivate the target audience. The basic color models covered are for primary usage in print and on screen.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 106
Creative Design Process
This course introduces students to design principles and the design process. Students will learn critical thinking skills and brainstorming techniques to apply visual concepts to create successful design projects.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 450
Design Business Practices
This course focuses on an overview of the different settings in which designers work and the personal communication skills necessary to succeed when working with employers or directly with clients. Topics covered include best practices in time management skills, and design workflow. Emphasis will cover the pros and cons and various aspects of self-employment vs. working for someone else.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 260
Digital Imagery
This course will further develop image manipulation skills and proficiency in using a raster based application. Focus will be on effective use of advanced tools utilizing non-destructive editing methods to create dynamic visual imagery.
Prerequisites: DGD104
DGD 410
History of Communication Design
This course identifies design trends from history. Emphasis is on learning how past trends influence and define current and future progression of design movements in visual communication.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 320
Icon Design
This course focuses on symbol and icon development for universal multimedia application. Students will use semiotics to analyze how people extract meanings from visual elements, leading to an increased awareness of how targeted imagery can communicate multiple layers of information.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 310
Interactive Information Architecture
This course focuses on interaction, emphasizing how the design of interactive spaces can best support user engagement utilizing cutting-edge techniques. Students will use a variety of digital elements to create dynamic, interactive screen-based design artifacts.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 101
Introduction to Digital Design Technology
This course introduces the digital tools used in visual communication. Students will learn the basic function and utility of industry-standard hardware and software. In addition, students will learn best practices in design workflow, including file organization, file management, time management, and system backup and maintenance.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 220
Marketing and Brand Strategies I
This course introduces the basics of branding. Students will learn how to use their critical thinking skills to develop marketing material that supports an effective content strategy plan. Emphasis will be placed on marketing that targets print and interactive digital platforms.
Prerequisites: DGD106
DGD 305
Marketing and Brand Strategies II
Students will design a brand-appropriate marketing system. Emphasis will be placed on the process of market research, conceptual strategies, and the implementation of branding elements across both traditional and digital media outputs.
Prerequisites: DGD220
DGD 204
Multimedia Design in Motion I
This course introduces the basic principles of movement in animation. Students will learn best practices in data visualization to create interactive media that targets the end user. Focus will be on creative spatial thinking practices that will produce engaging motion graphics.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 270
Multimedia Design in Motion II
This course focuses on advanced animation and interactive methods. Students will learn to think sequentially, and create timeline controls that enhance UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) to engage the end user in an animated project.
Prerequisites: DGD204
DGD 420
Multimedia Special Effect Design
This course will focus on fundamental concepts and features to create motion graphics and visual effects. Students will learn to use 2D and 3D tools for compositing, animation, and effects to create or customize digital media.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 105
Page Layout and Typography I
This course introduces page layout fundamentals including typography, hierarchy, and grid systems. Students will learn to differentiate between various typographic styles and use digital technology to solve basic design problems regarding legibility, readability, and overall message clarity.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 265
Page Layout and Typography II
In this course, students will refine their knowledge of composition and typography. Emphasis will be placed on developing concepts, designing compositions, and using type and layout harmoniously to create clear and engaging design solutions for various deliverables.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 299
Personal Branding and Marketing Strategies
This course provides an opportunity for students to reflect on past projects to determine strengths that will define future pathways for employment goals. Emphasis will be placed on developing a cohesive personal brand, and identify marketing strategies to target goals defined.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 490
Portfolio Preparation
In this portfolio course, students will revise pieces completed over their degree journey to a professional level. Emphasis will be placed on preparing to enter the job market by refining their personal brand and skillset, building up networking strategies and honing interviewing skills.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 230
Print and Digital Production Fundamentals
This course provides an introduction to the process and materials used in digital and print production as well as package design. Students will learn to design appropriate layouts based on a variety of production parameters and industry requirements.
Prerequisites: None.
CSS 295
Professional Development
In this course, students apply the techniques and strategies learned within the Psychology of Motivation for more in-depth exploration of relevant employment resources, for the development of documents to submit in job application processes, including resumes, cover letters, reference letters, follow up correspondence, and other written communications. Through the course, students will enhance individual verbal communication and interview skills. Students will also learn how to prioritize job search activities, and to appropriately manage and organize relevant documents and records. Upon completion of this course, students will have completed a portfolio of resources and documents to support their current and future job searches and be more informed about the strategies and processes that can more effectively support such efforts.
Prerequisites: None.
CSS 105
Psychology of Motivation
This course introduces students to the skills, characteristics, and habits that will help them be successful in a college environment and future careers. Such a desire for goal-oriented behavior is commonly referred to as motivation, and such motivation can propel students toward accomplishing their academic and vocational goals. Couse topics include time management, problem solving, goal setting, career planning and preparation, and a range of additional student success strategies. Upon course completion, students will be more informed and better prepared to progress in their programs and in their efforts to advance their desired career goals (i.e., students will be more academically prepared in knowledge and practical training within an occupational area and also enhance their abilities to support their job searches and submitting application documents such as documents created using standard writing guideline formats).
Prerequisites: None.
MKT 235
Technology in Marketing and Branding Strategy
This course will explore a range of digital marketing methods, with an emphasis on increased understanding of capabilities, pros and cons, and digital marketing best practices. The course will explore the history of the Internet and how it has changed business, marketing, and communication. Students will learn strategies for positive customer experiences online and digital customer retention.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 210
UX Design and Methodologies
This course introduces user experience principles and basic human-computer interaction methodology. Students will learn how persona creation, audience demographic analysis, and prototyping can lead to more effective visual communication solutions.
Prerequisites: None.
DGD 104
Vector and Raster Design Tools
This course introduces students to vector and raster design software. Focus will be on learning tools to create simple visual solutions to address a variety of communication challenges.
Prerequisites: DGD101
DGD 275
Vector Illustration Design
This course provides students an opportunity to further develop their vector-based illustration skills. Students will create a variety of scalable illustrations for both print and web applications. Focus will be on high levels of creative concepts utilizing advanced techniques.
Prerequisites: DGD104
DGD 140
Web Design I
This course introduces web design principles and processes. Students will learn how to develop a web or application's visual layout, functionality, and features based on a client's needs to reach their target audience. Emphasis will be placed on principles of design, web color theory, and UX (User Experience) best practices to strategically attract, engage, and convert visitors.
Prerequisites: None.
general education
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|
CMN 315
Advanced Interpersonal Communication
This course is designed to provide students with the skills they need to be effective communicators. Students will apply interpersonal communication skills theory to various situations in order to understand the clear connections between theory, skills, and life situations they will encounter.
Prerequisites: None.
HIS 225
American History
This course covers American history from colonization to the present. Emphasis is on the relevance of cultural, economic, political, and social developments in the United States.
Prerequisites: None.
MAT 225
College Algebra
This course covers introductory algebraic expressions, formulas, and solving equations. Students learn graphing, numerical sets, exponents, radicals, and inequalities.
Prerequisites: None.
CMN 205
Communication and Public Speaking
This course focuses on the principles of effective public speaking and presentation. Focus is on the preparation, presentation, and critique of various forms of oral communication. Emphasis is placed on development, delivery, presentation aids, and persuasive speaking.
Prerequisites: None.
PHI 315
Critical Thinking
This course is designed as an interdisciplinary approach to critical thinking in a modern world. This course will challenge students to learn how to reflect, identify previous assumptions, and be able to analyze and apply common problem-solving techniques associated with the task of thinking critically and challenging the everyday norms.
Prerequisites: None.
ENG 105
English Writing Fundamentals
This course focuses on the principles of effective English composition with a comprehensive review and reinforcement of language arts skills. Emphasis is placed on the four essentials of writing: unity, support, coherence, and sentence skills. Practice in proofreading, editing, revision, and clear thinking is incorporated throughout the course.
Prerequisites: None.
ECN 225
Microeconomics
This course covers basic microeconomic concepts. Topics include recession and depression, the circular flow of production and consumption, the role of the market in the economy, wage and price movements, the functions of markets in capitalism, and government interference in free markets. Emphasis is placed on students acquiring the critical thinking skills of economics.
Prerequisites: None.
RAM 110
Research Application Methods
This course explores real world applications in statistics. Topics covered will be analyzing and creating graphs, survey techniques, preparing surveys and analysis of data. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the use of graphs, surveys and the importance of statistical analysis in a business setting.
Prerequisites: None.
STA 325
Statistics
This course focuses on the practical skills needed in statistics analysis. Topics include distributions, relationships, randomness, inference, proportions, regression, and variance. Emphasis is placed on understanding the use of statistical methods and the demands of statistical practice.
Prerequisites: MAT 225 or with the consent of the Dean.
To access the Graphic Arts Program Overview click here
Why Choose Independence University?
IU's online and on-campus degree programs can help you prepare for employment in some of today's most rewarding job fields. Our programs are career-focused, without elective courses that you don't want or need, so you can finish your degree fast.
- Convenient
- Employment focused
- Flexible
- Path to a better career