The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Graphic Design at County College of Morris (CCM) is structured to provide artists and designers with a solid foundation and advanced course study in a range of fields related to visual and media communications. Courses within the Graphic Design curriculum provide foundational requirements and specialized study required for entry-level positions or transfer to four-year colleges or universities. The program emphasizes the necessary career-building skills for positions as commercial illustrators, digital prepress artists, graphic designers, junior art directors, package designers and web page designers..
The Graphic Design Program’s objective is to provide real-world experience that mirrors the design, advertising and marketing industries by exposing students to a variety of creative disciplines. Such disciplines include critical thinking, design problem solving, presentation skills, knowledge of computer software and hardware, and effective verbal and oral communication skills.
Students are exposed to professional graphic design and advertising environments through field trips, seminar participation, portfolio reviews, design competitions as well as professionals visiting the classroom.
In addition, the curriculum provides an option for students to experience an internship prior to graduation. Students are also prepared to take on freelance assignments and entrepreneurial endeavors to supplement their income and experience real-world business involvement.
- A track-record of effectively competing with four-year institutions for design competitions, scholarships and regional and national awards.
- Excellent reputation with the Art Directors Club of New Jersey. Several members are part of our Graphic Design Advisory Board.
- Highly successful graduates, who are employed or transfer. Strong foundation semesters with emphasis on creative problem solving and critical thinking.
- Excellent full-time and adjunct professors who are nationally and internationally known professionals in the field.
- High rate of retention and students who graduate.
- Program ranks third at CCM of the most popular majors that lead to rewarding careers
- Commercial Illustrator
- Digital Prepress Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Junior Art Director
- Package Designer
- Web Page Designer
Students who transfer to four-year institutions leave the program with a competitive portfolio, which is an entrance requirement for the discipline at many colleges and universities.
Students who pursue the baccalaureate degree acquire the necessary academic credits to transfer as juniors. The program also re-trains existing professionals with computer skills that strengthen and increase their job opportunities in a constantly changing and growing field. The program is career focused.
Many of our graduates get hired directly out of CCM.
After receiving the Associate in Applied Science in Graphic Design, students generally transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree or enter the workforce.
CCM has transfer agreements with the following institutions:
- Drew University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Ramapo University
- Rider University
- Rutgers University
- West Virginia University
The top 11 schools in New Jersey accepting CCM Graphic Design transfer students are: Kean University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), William Paterson University, Rutgers, The State University, New Jersey City University, The College of New Jersey, Seton Hall University and Monmouth University.
In addition, Graphic Design students have been accepted at Pratt Institute, The School of Visual Arts, Rhode Island School of Design, Corcoran School of Art & Design, Savannah School of Art & Design, The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Ringling
Contact Info
Art and Design Department
973-328-5446
Emeriti Hall, Room 102
Professor Stephen Longo
Professor, Graphic Design
Special Project Leader
973-328-5438
Emeriti Hall, Room 111