Curriculum

Associate of Occupational Studies in Graphic Design curriculum

The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) program in Graphic Design is a 72-credit program with 54 art and design credits and 18 general education credits. On a full-time schedule (12 credits per semester) this online program is completed in six semesters over two years. Part-time schedules are also available over a longer timeframe.

Did you know? The Graphic Design program can be completed in less than two years if you have credits to transfer:

  • If you have college credits in courses equivalent to those listed below, you may be able to transfer credits.
  • If you are a Sessions certificate program graduate, you may qualify for our Bridge Program and be eligible to transfer some of your certificate program courses.

The Graphic Design curriculum takes you on a path through art and design courses that build foundation skills, general education courses that round out your experience, and print design courses that build your portfolio and ready you for your career. Your program wraps up with a close look at the business of being a designer and creating an effective portfolio to showcase your work.

Degree Catalog
Download the Degree Programs catalog for program, course, faculty, and policy information at your fingertips.

Year One

In the first year of the program, Graphic Design majors and Web Design majors take the same courses to build a foundation in design skills and general education:

  • First Semester

  • DES 104 color theory
  • DES 101 typography I
  • DES 111 drawing I
  • DES 121 photoshop I
  • GEN 104 english composition

  • Second Semester

  • DES 105 design and composition
  • DES 131 logo design I
  • DES 141 illustrator I
  • DES 151 digital photography I
  • GEN 105 computer technology

  • Third Semester

  • WEB 101 html and css I
  • DES 102 typography II
  • GEN 106 history of art
  • GEN 107 general psychology

Year Two

Year two gets to the heart of print design—the software, techniques, business, and portfolio courses that define professionals in the industry. In your final semester, you will complete a capstone project that tests your ability to take a project from concept to final client presentation. A live online portfolio review wraps up the program and sets you on a successful career trajectory.

  • Fourth Semester

  • DES 201 indesign I
  • DES 211 graphic design I
  • GEN 204 intro to marketing
  • DES 204 the study of graphic design
  • GEN 205 business and technical writing

  • Fifth Semester

  • WEB 211 dreamweaver I
  • DES 205 print production
  • DES 206 branding and identity
  • DES 232 logo design II

  • Sixth Semester

  • DES 207 layout design
  • DES 208 packaging design
  • DES 212 graphic design II
  • GEN 206 design business
  • DES 259 capstone project
  • DES 260 portfolio review

View a syllabus for any of courses listed in the above Graphic Design curriculum by visiting the Degree Courses page.

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Image of coursework in the Graphic Design curriculum Student work by Daniel Tomasch. The Graphic Design curriculum challenges degree students to produce professional-quality portfolio work.


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