What You Will Learn
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Graphic Design at 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.
Curriculum
The Graphic Design program at CCM features an impressive 40-credit core with courses such as 2D for Designers, Brochure & Magazine, Branding for Media, Computer Graphics, Digital Prepress, Graphic Design, Product and Artwork Photography, and Typography. A Professional Practice component and Portfolio Project aids in graduating from CCM with a course of action to help secure your career.
Careers in the Field
Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.
An associate degree in Graphic Design will prepare you for the following careers.
- Commercial Illustrator
- Digital Prepress Artis
- Graphic Designer
- Junior Art Director
- Package Designer
- Web Page Designer
Why Study Graphic Design at CCM?
- 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.
- 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.
- Highly successful graduates who are employed or transfer.
Where You Can Go
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are designed primarily for students entering the workforce after graduation. The program is career focused and many of our graduates get hired directly out of CCM. The program also re-trains existing professionals with computer skills that strengthen and increase their job opportunities in a constantly changing and growing field.
However, some AAS students choose to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution, bringing with them a competitive portfolio – an entrance requirement for the discipline at many colleges and universities.
In State:
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
- Ramapo College
- Rutgers University – Newark
- William Paterson University
Out of State:
- Corcoran School of Art & Design at GW, DC
- Full Sail University, FL
- James Madison University, VA
- Kutztown University, PA
- Penn State University, PA
- Pratt Institute, NY
- Rhode Island School of Design, RI
- Ringling College of Art & Design, FL
- Rochester Institute of Technology, NY
- Savannah College of Art & Design, GA
- School of Visual Arts, NY
- SUNY Oswego, NY
- The Art Institute of Philadelphia, PA
- The School of Visual Arts, NY
- The University of Arizona, AZ
- The University of Florida, FL
If you’re considering transferring, it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to connect with your academic advisor and use NJ Transfer. Learn more about Transfer Services here.
Paying For Your Graphic Design Education
Earning an associate degree in graphic design is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured courses
Graphic Design I
Graphic Design I introduces professional creative problem solving with an emphasis based on the fundamentals of critical thinking, the critique process and effectively integrating concepts with the principles of design. Students engage in visual research, thumbnail sketching and refining rough process.
Typography I
Emphasis is based on developing a typographic vocabulary, identifying and recognizing type fonts and exploring type as a design element. Students engage in the skills of hand lettering and compositional layout while addressing letter proportion, anatomy, structure and typographic space. Communication design problems emphasize typography as the primary design focus.
Computer Graphics for Designers I
A studio course providing an introduction to drawing, type and image by exploring the formal qualities and elements of design using the most current vector-base illustration software for graphic designers. Emphasis on communication ideas, concepts, good form, linear structure and composition layout.
