What You Will Learn
If you’re an aspiring artist or designer looking to build a solid foundation in a range of fields related to visual and media communications, consider enrolling in the Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Design program at CCM. Such disciplines include critical thinking, design problem solving, presentation skills, knowledge of computer software and hardware, and effective verbal and oral communication skills can be achieved.
Exposure to a variety of creative disciplines through field trips, seminar participation, portfolio reviews, design competitions as well as professionals visiting the classroom, enable you to gain real-world experience that mirrors the design, advertising and marketing industries.
The CCM 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. Upon graduation you can feel confident and well-prepared for a career in the professional graphic design field and also to transfer to a four-year college or university to further your education.
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
An Associate of Applied Science degree in Graphic Design prepares students for a creative career pathway as:
- Commercial Illustrator
- Digital Prepress Artist
- Graphic Designer
- Junior Art Director
- Package Designer
- Web Page Designer
Graduates of the program leave CCM with the necessary academic credits to transfer as juniors and also with a competitive portfolio — which is an entrance requirement for the discipline at many four-year colleges and universities.
CCM has transfer agreements with the following institutions to aid in a seamless process:
- Drew University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Ramapo University
- Rider University
- Rutgers University
- West Virginia University
The top schools in New Jersey accepting CCM students from the graphic design program for transfer students include:
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Kean University
- Monmouth University
- Montclair State University
- New Jersey City University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Rutgers University
- Seton Hall University
- The College of New Jersey
- William Paterson University
Graduates of the program have also furthered their education at:
- Pratt Institute
- Ringling College of Art & Design
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Savannah School of Art & Design
- The Art Institute of Philadelphia
- The School of Visual Arts
- The University of Arizona
- The University of Florida
- The University of Texas
Why Study Graphic Design at CCM?
- 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.
- 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 and several members are part of our Graphic Design Advisory Board.
- The program ranks third at CCM of the most popular majors that lead to rewarding careers.
- Since it is career focused, many CCM graduates get hired directly by industry. The program also re-trains existing professionals with computer skills that strengthen and increase their job opportunities in a constantly changing and growing field.
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.
Your Graphic Design Faculty Advisor
McSherry, Brian
Assistant Professor in Graphic Design
